Saddlebag Locks
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Stage I
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Saddlebag Locks
Hi all, I know there are a few threads out there discussing locking mechanisms for my saddlebags, but the question I would like to throw out to the community is, how practical is it to have locking saddlebags?
I figure that I will have $300-$500 worth of tools, medical supplies, etc. in my bags at any given time, but I am not worried about people digging through my bags at grocery store parking lots or other retail places, day or night. And if I intend to leave my bike out overnight, I would most likely take all the valuables out of the bags anyway because the bags dont hold that much, and whats the point in risking it.
Im also of the belief that you dont want to create a situation where a thief is going to do more damage breaking into something than the value of whatever you are protecting.
So after thinking through all of this Im starting to come to the conclusion that locking saddlebags arent really that necessary and could actually cause more problems than they solve.
Would like to get any of your thoughts on this though. And if you do like locks, what do you recommend for a 2011 RKC? Thanks!
I figure that I will have $300-$500 worth of tools, medical supplies, etc. in my bags at any given time, but I am not worried about people digging through my bags at grocery store parking lots or other retail places, day or night. And if I intend to leave my bike out overnight, I would most likely take all the valuables out of the bags anyway because the bags dont hold that much, and whats the point in risking it.
Im also of the belief that you dont want to create a situation where a thief is going to do more damage breaking into something than the value of whatever you are protecting.
So after thinking through all of this Im starting to come to the conclusion that locking saddlebags arent really that necessary and could actually cause more problems than they solve.
Would like to get any of your thoughts on this though. And if you do like locks, what do you recommend for a 2011 RKC? Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 462
From: Arizona
My saddle bags are always locked when I'm not on it, just like my cars doors are always locked when I'm not in it. Someone will bust either open if they really want to, but locks prevent most petty theft.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 2,140
From: Hope Mills NC, bye CA!!
"but I am not worried about people digging through my bags at grocery store parking lots or other retail places, day or night."
This is where you are mistaken, or naive ?
This is where you are mistaken, or naive ?
It's not so much the junk inside as it is the actual saddle bag most thieves want.
They can catch a pretty penny on Ebay.
Not sure if I would want someone stealing my medical supplies. Sounds important.
They can catch a pretty penny on Ebay.
Not sure if I would want someone stealing my medical supplies. Sounds important.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
Been there, done that. Except on a 2010!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Ive lost a kid due to it unlatching once. Ive seen saddlebag contents blown out be because the lid was open or missing. Thats the main reason I tend to latch and lock mine. Says the guy currently running Road King Classic leather bags. With those, its just the two clips.
I also prefer to simply inconvenience casual thieves, hopefully enough that they move on.
If someone is determined to open my bags to take their contents, or more likely the bags themselves, theres little I can do to prevent it. I just want to make it less appealing.
I also prefer to simply inconvenience casual thieves, hopefully enough that they move on.
If someone is determined to open my bags to take their contents, or more likely the bags themselves, theres little I can do to prevent it. I just want to make it less appealing.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i'm really, really hoping that you're a victim of autocorrect and you didn't really lose a kid. key maybe?
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 709
From: Indianapolis
What good is a door lock on a car? What good is it locking the door of your house that's probably about 10 foot from a GLASS window? Locks only keep honest people out. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, so the lock just reduces the opportunity.
