What do you guys do when you stop to see a site. It's nearly 100 degrees, there is no way you are going to wear boots, jacket and pants and it is too hot to carry them? My own solution to date is to leave them unguarded on the bike and pray that God will watch over them and then spend the next hour panicking like hell because I've had this inspiration that he is away in the western Sahara helping coolkarim out of his predicament. Is there a better way?

I use a top box. Too big or too high a box may affect stability in certain conditions but Givi's biggest is 46 L (or is it 50) while Jesse's is even bigger. It's location at chest level invites you to peel off your leathers and head shells and chuck 'em in shut and out of thieves' sight while you go and feast on yours. Such a chore should not be fobbed off on God lest fellow humans, say locals, pick up cudgels in his defence and, again, at your expense! I may have gone cave exploring, but who is Mr Cool Kareem?

For years,I've used a bicycle cable lock about 1 1/2 metres long with a loop at each end.You can slip it through jackets/ pants/ helmets & padlock to bike frame. Some travel gear stores also sell net bags made of stainless steel webbing that are designed to keep curious fingers out of backpacks...can be drawn up tight & locked to frame

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Ken Minnion in Campbell River,B.C.,Canada,
& Felix, Black 95 Triumph Tiger

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Ken Minnion in Campbell River,B.C.,Canada,
& Felix, Black 95 Triumph Tiger

coolkarim has a wonderful story on what not to do in the Western Sahara see www.coolkarim.freeuk.com
Good reading

Careful with the 50 liter Givi topbox Zaharan mentioned! (It's called the Maxia, by the way):

Though it is tough, BIG, good looking,can fit two full face helmets inside right side up, will accept a backrest for your passenger if you have one, and the same one key can be used for locking and attaching all three cases to the bike, it has a major, major drawback: I can break into one using just a screwdriver in two seconds flat, and I have no special knowledge about breaking into places, I promise! ;-)

If you're going to use it, make sure you use a reliable chain, cable, lock or whatever to lock it besides its own key.I use a chain lock that goes around it, through the handle and below the mounting platform, makes for secure locking and secure attachment to the bike.

I have 2 45L Givi bags and a 50L back box on my bike for 7 years and never had any problem with people tampering with them, They look secure. Almost any bag can be broken into with a big screwdriver.
As to storing jackets or suits, I use a cable going through the sleeves of our jackets. If you travel 2up all your bags will be full all the time.

The issue of security concerns me as well.
What is the most effective way to carry my stuff on a Harley Fat Boy?
I intend to go out very much the minimalist, yet I'd like peace of mind.

I have used a product from Pacsafe. It is basically a light cable mesh bag that is wrapped around your stuff. It is very good for keeping things secured to the bike but will not keep a bandit from snatching your stuff if he/she has a pair of wire clippers. I have used one for several years and have never had a problem.

I think you can get them at www.pacsafe.com or at rei.com

Abel, to answer your question with a question - do you have hard saddlebags to start with?

If so, and if you're travelling truly minimalist, that's enough.

If you need more, hard bags/top boxes are the only way for true security, but an Ortlieb Dry Bag with the cable mesh bag should be ok for stuff that isn't super valuable like tent and sleeping bag, the main bulk items.

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

What have worked for me are three things:

1.- At my local mc dealer I bought a small alarm box with a 6 ft retractable steel cable that pulls out from it then it locks back into the same box. It is powered by a 9v battery inside. When I stop somewhere I will feed the cable through the jacket sleeves, helmet rings, etc., then I lock it to the bike frame. If the cable is cut or if the box is wiggled a loud alarm will sound. Hey, at least it might scare away the thief and get your attention.

2.- And this is probably the most effective thing: carry a lightweight bike cover, and cover your bike when you need to walk away out of sight from it. Out of sight: out of mind and no temptation. Remember that you are simply a target of opportunity for these petty thieves. So don't tempt them by leaving stuff in plain view. Best to hide them as much as possible.
Another benefit of the bike cover: In South America, people have a different concept of private property. The teens (and some past their teens) will think nothing of sitting on your bike and work the controls while it is parked. To them it is perfectly OK to try it out. A bike cover will prevent this.

3.- Recruit some local to watch over your bike for a few bucks. Most of them will be happy to do it.


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Attila

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Ride On!

A.T.