1. Bike alarm and security system
2. Insurance up to date
3. Lock bags, trunk, forks, and ignition switch
4. Park in well lighted visible area

Been to a lot of places and have never had the bike messed with. I have been with people that had their camping gear taken which was on the table next to their bike - which sucked. But their bike was left alone.

 

I'm another one who parks overnight with a cover on the bike. It's bulky to take with you, but it gives me a sense of more security. When I cover my bike and turn on the security alarm, I figure it's enough to slow down a thief enough that they'd rather pass it by than have to take time to deal with removing/slashing the cover and setting off the alarm.

I'm not saying that it couldn't be stolen, but I've had no problems while using the cover and alarm.

 

Years ago I secured two bikes together with a CobraLink, which is a very robust metal-link chain that looks like a 3/4"-diameter chrome snake. The theory was that even when you lock the igntion and forks the bike can still be stolen, and linking two bikes together is very formidable protection. Newer bikes usually have alarm systems and lately I haven't felt the need to secure the bikes in this manner. Instead, I just lock the forks, saddlebags, and remove stealable items like the GPS. I also cover the bike with a lightweight Exigent bike cover.

In a dozen years of trips through 33 states we've never had a problem. OTOH last year on a trip that I didn't attend a friend's EGC was bumped over by an unknown car in a motel parking lot that caused minor damage, but that's the only incident I've heard about.

 

Agree with EGlidekid and iclick try and get a downstairs room with a window
park by window

 

Sounds like all good advice. A heightened awareness and being somewhat cautious is certainly worthwhile. I use a RoadLoK which is a great deterrent and agree that a cover helps also.
www.roadlok.com

 

I own two bikes, an UC and a Goldwing. Traveling, I lock the fork and bags, use a full bike cover, and have alarm systems on both bikes that each have an RF remote that beeps and vibrates if the bike is disturbed so I get notified even in I'm not with the bike. Don't know what else there is, except for staying on the bike all night, which would sorta' take some of the fun out of the trip.

 

Damn, that RoadLok is expensive.

 

Like someone else said, either worry or enjoy the trip. Common sense prevails. Don't park in a secluded area. I like my bike outside my room but if that isn't practical or if it would result in it being parked in a secluded area, most motels/hotels will allow you to park by the front doors. Have an alarm and pager - neither have ever gone off but it does give some peace of mind. Lock everything including forks. Pay up your insurance. Sleep like a baby.

 

Use a full cover and try to park close by,lock the bike set the alarm,no problems so far.

 

Lock it - alarm it - use a Goldwing cover, nobody mess' with a Goldwing...