Security - How do you secure your bike - Perception vs Reality

[vagabond2020]

Hey guys,

I am leaving this summer for my around the world trip on my DR650 I built.

I have locking cases and top case, locking metal core strap for my soft bag on the bike, etc.

My main question is do I really need to carry a big bike chain and locking disc mechanism? I see that getting very old and pain every time I want to stop and take pictures or go explore something. I guess my thought process is, if someone REALLY wants the bike, they will take it or am I wrong?

I thought just throwing a bike cover over it and keeping it in a more secure area whenever I can.

Thoughts? I am trying to put my planning thoughts to rest on the level of security I am really going to need.

[shu...]

Two kinds of theft to consider: the bike itself and your gear.

My thoughts:

1. The bike. You can almost always choose lodging that has a reasonably secure area to park a bike. It may be a courtyard, hidden area behind the building, private garage or even inside the lobby. If they don't, I'll usually go elsewhere.
I used to carry a short, stout cable lock that I would deploy if I was uneasy about the parking. I used to carry a very light weight cover that would help as well, but I find I don't carry either of these anymore. I just lock the forks.

Mostly while traveling your bike is a moving target. If someone notices that there's a nice bike outside the hotel one night, the next night when they come back to look again, it's long gone. If you stay in one place for longer periods and park outside where the bike is visible, you might want to take more safeguards.

Parking on the street during the day has never been a problem for me. I'll lock my forks if I can't see the bike or I'll be gone for a longer time.

2. Gear. This is mostly snatch and grab theft. No one is going to spend time trying to get into your gear out in public. Locked panniers are easy to defeat by someone who is familiar with them- most snatch and grab types are not knowledgeable and won't bother studying the locks to figure out how to get in.

At night, it's a different story, when they have more time to work. It's easy to keep all your gear in saddlebag liners, lift the liners out and carry all your stuff inside with you.

There have been times when I stopped at a trailhead and wanted to take a walk but left when I observed some questionable types hanging around the parking area. Sometimes I have continued on to a hotel and stashed all my stuff in my room before returning to park my bike and take my walk.

Summary: I do think about theft but I don't become obsessed over the possibility. I haven't had anything stolen in many years of moto travel.

But.....I tend to stay in the countryside and in relatively small towns. If I was going to New York or London, I might reconsider my strategy. Fortunately for me, I have little desire to go places where crime is rampant.

................shu

[Endurodude]

You’ll be surprised how a ratty old cover makes the bike disappear. Having said that, over night I prefer to stay somewhere with either a garage or gated parking. Secure gives me peace of mind. Again, I also use the cover! I do use a disc lock, but the ‘chain’ I use is fairly light weight. It’s more for show than actual protection. I work on the assumption that most theft is of opportunity, so if my bike looks like it’s too much trouble, they’ll look for easier pickings. You’re right - if they’re going to nick it, not much will put them off.

As for bike gear, I tend to carry that with me. Maybe more hassle, but I’m very particular as to where I leave my stuff. If it’s with me, I know what’s what.

Although I’ve not travelled as much as others here, the one thing I’ve learned is not to worry too much - it gets in the way of enjoying the travel. Oh, and use a ratty cover!

[vagabond2020]

Thank you Shu and Endurodude for the comments.

I don't want to overstress this as others have said to me before, that takes away from the journey. I built this bike so it has more meaning to me, but thus this is part of the adventure I am embarking upon. I think the best deterrent is being aware of your surroundings and being careful where you leave the bike, perception is reality and its about opportunity.

I think I will carry a cable, not too thick, because to Endurodudes point its merely a deterrent. No point in carrying a huge heavy cable lock.

I think a good deterrent is to just have a ratty cover. I might get a cover and make it ratty to be able to throw on the bike.

FYI in case you guys don't have it or are curious, I have personal property insurance that goes with me around the world so for around $26 a month, I have full accidental and theft of my gear (To include laptop and camera(s)).

[vagabond2020]

By the way here is my DR650, I just finished building it, I am fine-tuning it now and configuring my final logistical loadout for my June 2020 ship date to Spain.

[Mal_C]

Security is important and there is some good advice from those who have responded. I like cables and lockable panniers and have them on both my bikes (one of which is a DR 650). I have only ridden in couple of countries (and shipped bikes) but have traveled over 200,000 km in the last ten years on motorcycles. I have had no tampering with the bikes by using all the tips provided by the riders who replied. I completed a six month car trip in the mid seventies through Europe and the communist countries. This was a time of no email, no internet, no GPS, changing currency at every border and getting passports stamped, buying paper maps etc. No major issues - used many ideas provided here.

Don't stress too much. Saw a good sign a day ago on a travel vehicle "The mud will wash off but the memories will stay forever" This, in my opinion is true.