Questions about security on the road
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 727
From: South Austin Texas
If that's a concern, replace the mounting bolts or thumbscrews with Torx or Allen bolts. I have a thumbscrew on the rear mount for the seat but have never had a problem. I've meant to change it to Torx or Allen and keep a wrench with the bike but haven't gotten around to it. If you take the seat off then the battery is exposed and that's more likely to be stolen than the seat in my opinion.
Another overnight option is camping at a KOA or state/national park if you are into that. As mentioned above you could find places to stay with cabins other than a campground. If I camp I look for a KOA close to my route. Works well for me either tent or cabin plus having laundry facilities. Some have small cafes and food and all have a general store.
Another overnight option is camping at a KOA or state/national park if you are into that. As mentioned above you could find places to stay with cabins other than a campground. If I camp I look for a KOA close to my route. Works well for me either tent or cabin plus having laundry facilities. Some have small cafes and food and all have a general store.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,590
From: South Florida
2. Park is close to the front door. Or as close to the window to your room. (I like the former better.)
3. If you put a bike cover (a full-size one) over your bike, and do #1 or #2 above, you should be fine.
Just try not to park it in the back of a hotel and you cannot see it or anything like that.
Also if you can park it near other bikes (failing #1 & #2 above), we tend to look out for one another as you know.
If it makes you feel better, I have had maybe 200 motel stays and never had an issue. And nor do I ever recall being with other bikers who have had issues. As a rule of thumb, people do not F with a biker.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,222
From: Michigan
I'm also in the 50+ years of riding (and touring) and I lost one of those leather bags (1qt oil/water bottle( that snaps onto the saddlebag guard on a dresser.
I had matching bags (both sides) in the at bike for many many years and may trips without losing one, but on the FIRST trip I used the new one it was gone.
I can'r (or won't) say that it was stolen but even if it was stolen that ain'r a bad record for the many times that something could be taken and wasn't!
I don't leave anything loose on our bikes but the saddlebags, tour packs (and a trunk on my Tri-Glide are locked.
Removing "detachables" isn't a bad idea and could save you a lot of headaches.
As soneone pointed out earlier, IF someone is determined they will get whatever they want, including the whole motorcycle.
I've always worried more about my bike (helmets, jackets, hats, sunglasses, etc). when I stop for a bathroom break than I do when I'm in a motel.
Ask the motel clerk about a good (as in monitored) location to park your bike for the night, lock it up, set the alarm and have a good night's sleep.
I had matching bags (both sides) in the at bike for many many years and may trips without losing one, but on the FIRST trip I used the new one it was gone.
I can'r (or won't) say that it was stolen but even if it was stolen that ain'r a bad record for the many times that something could be taken and wasn't!
I don't leave anything loose on our bikes but the saddlebags, tour packs (and a trunk on my Tri-Glide are locked.
Removing "detachables" isn't a bad idea and could save you a lot of headaches.
As soneone pointed out earlier, IF someone is determined they will get whatever they want, including the whole motorcycle.
I've always worried more about my bike (helmets, jackets, hats, sunglasses, etc). when I stop for a bathroom break than I do when I'm in a motel.
Ask the motel clerk about a good (as in monitored) location to park your bike for the night, lock it up, set the alarm and have a good night's sleep.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,586
Likes: 7,969
From: Long Island, New York
I have found at the front door with staff having half an eye on it is better than outside my window. I will be asleep and the A/C is probably on, I am not going to hear anything.
I don't think the hotel staff is going to do anything either, but the hope is their presence is a deterrent for the bad guys.
I don't think the hotel staff is going to do anything either, but the hope is their presence is a deterrent for the bad guys.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 131
From: Central Texas area
1) Change the Security Code on the bike. Too many people never do this, and don't lock the front forks when they get off the bike. You can walk up and start someone's bike without the key fob and ride away on it.
2) Lock the front forks.
3) Park under front entrance of hotel if possible or well lit area.
4) Separate Lock the front disc/wheel.
5) Carry full coverage insurance on the bike.
6) Don't trust front desk clerks. Some of them call local connections to come steal your bike.
2) Lock the front forks.
3) Park under front entrance of hotel if possible or well lit area.
4) Separate Lock the front disc/wheel.
5) Carry full coverage insurance on the bike.
6) Don't trust front desk clerks. Some of them call local connections to come steal your bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 423
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
You guys are crazy with your disc locks and giant cable locks and security covers and....etc.
I used to worry about locking my bike up at public events until one day Momma asked, "don't you have insurance?" I replied well yeah...
Then Momma asked " don't you have all chrome and extras insured seperately to the max?" To which I answered well yeah.....
Momma then asked me "Don't you want a new bike?" To which I gave the only true answer, well yeah...
To which Momma asked "Well then, whats the problem?"
I have never locked my bike again since then, not even the steering lock.
My wife is pretty smart sometimes.....
I used to worry about locking my bike up at public events until one day Momma asked, "don't you have insurance?" I replied well yeah...
Then Momma asked " don't you have all chrome and extras insured seperately to the max?" To which I answered well yeah.....
Momma then asked me "Don't you want a new bike?" To which I gave the only true answer, well yeah...
To which Momma asked "Well then, whats the problem?"
I have never locked my bike again since then, not even the steering lock.
My wife is pretty smart sometimes.....
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
You guys are crazy with your disc locks and giant cable locks and security covers and....etc.
I used to worry about locking my bike up at public events until one day Momma asked, "don't you have insurance?" I replied well yeah...
Then Momma asked " don't you have all chrome and extras insured seperately to the max?" To which I answered well yeah.....
Momma then asked me "Don't you want a new bike?" To which I gave the only true answer, well yeah...
To which Momma asked "Well then, whats the problem?"
I have never locked my bike again since then, not even the steering lock.
My wife is pretty smart sometimes.....
I used to worry about locking my bike up at public events until one day Momma asked, "don't you have insurance?" I replied well yeah...
Then Momma asked " don't you have all chrome and extras insured seperately to the max?" To which I answered well yeah.....
Momma then asked me "Don't you want a new bike?" To which I gave the only true answer, well yeah...
To which Momma asked "Well then, whats the problem?"
I have never locked my bike again since then, not even the steering lock.
My wife is pretty smart sometimes.....
That's good and spot on. PS: Do we have the same wife?
Last edited by gtmalone; Oct 7, 2020 at 09:23 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
Are you suggesting all new bikes are delivered with a default security PIN, If so, what's mine? I've never changed it since purchasing new.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 341
From: Too far east
I’ve taken plenty of trips and similar to others I’ve been able to park under cover where cars load and unload during checkin - I always ask. Same as others I take all my gear/valuables, lock up the bags and use the fork lock. I’ve never used any other locks or generic covers to hide the brand of my ride. I’ve never had any trouble but maybe I’ve been lucky.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,586
Likes: 7,969
From: Long Island, New York
Only because we all keep calling it different things, technically we are talking about parking under the Porte Cochere.
We did a hotel about 15 years ago, the Project Architect just loved saying it at meetings.
You learn something new everyday.
We did a hotel about 15 years ago, the Project Architect just loved saying it at meetings.
You learn something new everyday.