 |
|
19 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
|
|
|
Locking your bike in Central and South America
I was wondering if anyone had any information on locking your bike while you are on the road, also what kind of lock would you recommend? I imagine I will bring my bike into my hostel area as often as I can but those times I have to park it outside while in the internet cafe or just away from it for a while I would like to feel comfortable about leaving it alone. Any information would be great.
|
19 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruthas
I was wondering if anyone had any information on locking your bike while you are on the road, also what kind of lock would you recommend? I imagine I will bring my bike into my hostel area as often as I can but those times I have to park it outside while in the internet cafe or just away from it for a while I would like to feel comfortable about leaving it alone. Any information would be great.
|
You always post when I'm on 
I'm looking at buying an alarmed wheel lock, about 60 bucks aud and much smaller & lighter than a big chain. I am also going to take my cable-wire lock which I've used for the last year at home so I can lock my helmet & jacket up with the bike when required.
Those big chains which are sold in bike shops weigh alot, I think they're a bit of overkill and a battery operated angle-grinder can get through anything in a few seconds, big or small. Keep your steering locked whenever parked to stop opportunists.
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
|
|
I agree, the big chains are bulky. I would assume most use a cable wire with a padlock. That is what I am going to use with a locked steering wheel. I guess I will just have to use caution where ever I am.  what time is it in your neck of the woods PocketHead? it is 8:30 PM here this is when I post the most because I am out of work.
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
|
Grant has a story about alarms .. in South America ..
The little kids activate it .. see the mad gringo come running out .. look around ... fumble in his pockets .. alarm goes silent .. goes back inside ... and they do it again .. it is great fun for the local kids.
Bicycle cable locks are light weight and small ...
Eastern Australia is GMT+10. Boulder is around GMT- 9? so about 19 hours in front of you there. 9pm -19 = 21-19 = 2 am .. that is not right .. so 1 pm here ..13 .. 21 there= 8 hours difference + 1 day = 24-8 = 16 so you'd be GMT-6 ...
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
19 Sep 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
|
|
|
Why not just carry a bike cover. Out of sight, out of mind is a lot more effective than most people think! During my travels, getting my bike stolen was the last thing on my mind. A fully loaded R100GS on it;s centre stand is quite intimidating, and although it drew a lot of attention, it was never a problem. I don't think anyone would know how to get it off it's stand, get on it, start it and ride away without dropping it and never being able to pick it up without a small army. The little things that are easy to walk away with was a much bigger concern.
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruthas
I agree, the big chains are bulky. I would assume most use a cable wire with a padlock. That is what I am going to use with a locked steering wheel. I guess I will just have to use caution where ever I am. what time is it in your neck of the woods PocketHead? it is 8:30 PM here this is when I post the most because I am out of work. |
Hmm 10am when you messaged, I am at work all day bored so I troll the forums between calls  come to think of it I am online alot hehe
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
|
|
|
It's true... don't bother with a lock/alarm system. It's more trouble than it's worth. I carried a sturdy disc lock, and a decent (but light) cable lock. Lock the frame to something solid when you can, use the disk lock when you can't. Always lock your steering. You can't make the bike impossible to steal, but you can make it difficult. I've never really worried much about it, though. Use common sense and park inside where possible.
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,051
|
|
|
locking bike
No need really to carry all manner of security locks and chains for the bike. In 30 years of travel thru Mexico and CA and elsewhere I have never had any theft problems while relying solely on using the steering lock and helmet latch on any of my bikes. The trick is to not carry all manner of visible gadgetry which might attract theft and to pick your parking spots in highly visible areas , strike up a conversation with a shop keeper and ask him to watch the bike , buy some refreshments from him. Park at the door of the internet cafe. Avoid parking in dark alleys in "bad" neighbourhoods. Find an inexpensive hotel for the night and leave the bik e parked in their secure garage or lobby and walk all over downtown.
The cable lock is a good pracrice to tie down your jacket if you don't want to carry it about.
I do carry a modest combination padlock so I can lock my helmet to the bike and it is a lso handy to use at some of the country hotels where they hand you a padlock for your room door
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
|
|
|
Great advice guys, thanks a lot. I was hoping to hear from experienced riders who have done this before. I figure I will bring a cable lock to lock up helmet and jacket if need be. I also will be bringing a cover, anyone know where I can find one of the big covers that fit over my whole bike fully loaded. I have seen pictures of them but cant seem to find them anywhere. Thanks for the help
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 58
|
|
Dave,
I´m on the road now with a heavy-duty armored cable lock Cables Armored. It´s big, heavy, expensive, and has been nothing more than a hunk of metal in my top box, that has been used on 1 occassion. If it weren´t so expensive I´d donate it to someone here. IMHO, there´s always a secure place to park your bike, or you´ll be so far out in the middle of nowhere that you don´t have to worry about it anyways. A cable lock for your gear does come in handy though. I picked up my bike cover from Wal-Mart (the blue and silver one), and I think I bought the largest size.
-Jeff
|
19 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
|
|
|
Hey Jeff, Glad to see your still alive! Thanks for the heads up on the cover. I need one that isnt so bulky like the one I have. Anyway, I will bring a small cable lock with a decent size padlock and go from there, nothing to fancy or expensive. Headed down to Durango area this weekend. Glad to here from you,
Dave
|
20 Sep 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
Posts: 42
|
|
|
|
20 Sep 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruthas
Great advice guys, thanks a lot. I was hoping to hear from experienced riders who have done this before. I figure I will bring a cable lock to lock up helmet and jacket if need be. I also will be bringing a cover, anyone know where I can find one of the big covers that fit over my whole bike fully loaded. I have seen pictures of them but cant seem to find them anywhere. Thanks for the help
|
I got one on E-Bay for under $35 and have never used it! If it wasn't in Mexico and me in Vancouver, i'd give it to you! Better luck next time i guess.
|
20 Sep 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 209
|
|
|
Sjoerd has the right idea.
Most latin towns have a central plaza or Zocalo with a church, market and police station. We would ride in and spot the local cop and park right in front of him. Strike up a quick conversation about his town and he would gladly watch the bike for you.
We also had a small diameter(3/16) cable about six feet long that would reach through the front wheel and back to lock to the pannier locks. It was coiled up next to the handlebars with a velcro holder and could be used for locking helmets,jackets, a couple of bikes etc...
We also used a bike cover, which was a deterent in itself as it had been pi**ed on by most domestic animals from Canada to Thailand to Ushuaia...
I gave up on my disk lock as it was heavy and I kept forgetting it was on and was ruining my disk trying to ride away...It ruins the cool gringo moto-traveller image when your bike falls over, but you do get to meet helpful people
We only used these deterents when the bike was in a out of the way place or parked overnight outside.
Bien viaje
|
21 Sep 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
|
|
|
As usual, lots of good advice, I bought a cheap cover from a Wal-Mart in the states, it fitted a fully loaded BMW R1200GS lasted two 9mth trips before self desructing and I am sure it was well below the price that Mr Ron mentioned. On the subject of riding off with the disc lock in place, I have a BMW key for another bike that will not start mine, (quite important to the success of the plan) to which I have fastened a red tape the other end of which is attached to the disc lock. Put the false key in the ignition and then fit the disclock. Come the time when you wish to start the bike you have to take the false key out of the ignition before you can put the real key and anyone with even a modicum of curiosity will investigate what is on the other end of the flag. I cannot claim any credability for this idea, years of doing before flight walkrounds on helicopters and removing everything that had a red flag attatched to is to blame. Ride safe.
__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
