I have never ever had anything taken off my bike. I do however take my luggage rack in with me for the night when on the road, it's just easier for me than unhooking the luggage straps.

 

Are you kidding? If a thief thinks he can make a quick $50 by grabbing a backrest, which takes all of about 5 seconds, he damn sure will. Craigslist and Ebay is an easy way to get rid of hot merchandise.

 

Agree with Keith , just me and others.
Much better things to worry about if you're inclined to worry.
Never worried about. Majority of petty thieves don't touch bikes cuz of the asskickin that could be comin. The good ones take the whole enchilada and that's what insurance is for.
If by chance someone gets off with a backrest or mirror ...so what, I guess he needed it more than I did!

 

I wouldn't say big market but anything not tied down is apt to go.

 

I beg to differ - grab and go thieves are likely not going to get more than $5 in drug money for it - and professional thieves who sell on craigslist aren't going to bother...

 

I agree with the zip tie idea. I use a heavy duty black zip tie that doesn't stand out. I wrap it around both the passenger backrest and my luggage rack.