Bike security
 

My trip will be from Portland to Tierra Del Fuego. Will stay in motels most of the time but will have camping gear too. I was listening to Adventurebike radio and they suggested a bike cover, I normally don't cover the bike but I got a light weight one anyway. What about a disc lock? Anything else?

a combination of everything
 

A simple bike cover is of great help indeed.

I usually negotiate a safe parking spot for the bike but lock it down anyway with a disk lock and a chain now. I've had my bike inside a hotel lobby, in a corridor to a hotel kitchen, in my room, and once at the fire brigade 300m from the motel I was staying at in Samana in Dominican Republic, I tipped the guys to keep an eye on it and we were all happy. Only problem happened the next morning when I went to fetch the bike, the first guys had gone, and the ones wanted more money... :oops2:

Here's an article I've read recently that covers most aspects:
How to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

Covers can help make your bike more invisible, and I usually carry a very lightweight, easily packable, scruffy lookin' one. I don't use it often, though.

The most important way to safeguard your bike and stuff is finding a hotel with some kind of parking. As Squire noted, parking inside the lobby, a hallway, a courtyard, the neighbor's garage, or behind a locked gate somewhere is the key to not worrying about it. Most hotels, cheap or otherwise, are very aware of these issues and will go out of their way to get you safe parking. If nothing is offered, I go down the street to another hotel. Some kind of security for the bike is top on my list of requirements for good lodging.

........shu

I don't usually carry a bike cover ... but I should! It makes a lot of sense, even though it takes extra space to pack and put on/take off. DO IT.

I use stock steering lock and Disc lock. I put bike in 5th gear, Kill switch engaged and use my DIY ignition disable switch (hidden), that's it. I also have an ignition key rubber cover that hides key hole ignition barrel.
(sometimes can be vandalized) Make sure your gas cap is locked and oil dip stick or oil add bolt is TIGHT. (vandalism)

But as mentioned by Shu above ... getting a good parking spot is your best bet and will allow worry free sleep. (IMPORTANT!)

I don't worry too much about my DR650. It looks like a Rat Bike (except for that Ohlins shock :mchappy:), no one pays it any attention. With your GS ... you'll have to take more care. It's worth 3 or 4 years income to many.

Since I first came here in 1978 in Mexico, I have heard of only two larger bikes of visiting riders being stolen. Maybe times are changing, but bike theft is the least of my worries and ride here almost everyday. Modern large bikes like a GS are not so criminal friendly. Vandalism, tip overs, and drunks wanting money for watching it for you are the most worriesome problems. Secure lock ups are available for almost any level of hotel. The hotel owner will likely help you if you are stuck and offer up a hallway or space of some sort or find you something usually within a block radius or so. There just isn't a huge market for stolen bikes or stolen bike parts here. Just don't leave your key in it. There was a bike jacking the other day in Mexico City, large capacity bike taken by two guys by force from the rider, and it was found within a day, just dumped in a field, no real damage. Small capacity pizza bikes, scooters, etc... are the most stolen bikes. Don't get careless with your GPS or other attachments and your gear. The contents of a tank bag or an open pannier are simply temptations. Same goes for a helmet and gloves or a jacket draped over the bike. I have known guys who never worried about any of their gear and made it to Tierra del Fuego without a theft, and I know others that have had a helmet stolen at a corner OXXO store. Worry less, ride more, carry bike and health insurance and enjoy yourself.

I agree with Mike, at least for Mexico. I've had very few problems during 25 years of Mexico trips, only a few friends had problems ... and usually they did something stupid. I've even left stuff at Hotels and come back to find the Gerente has it and held onto it for me :thumbup1:

Mostly folks HELP YOU OUT. Use common sense: don't leave stuff on your dash or leave tank bag. Little kids take stuff ... just like USA or anywhere. BTW, bike theft is WORSE in San Francisco than most parts of Mexico I've been in.

Like Mike says, Hotel owners will help. Last thing they want is Policia hassling them and snooping around if a theft happens on their premises and on their watch.

Riding safe and staying healthy is more of a challenge.

bier

+1 on what Mike says .
Get it parked in a hotel or a pay garage lock it up and don't leave stuff loose around the bike, then enjoy a walking and exploring tour of the town .
Been doing that for 36 years of trips in Mexico and Central America on bikes and NEVER use a cover and have never lost a single item to theft off a bike or from a car .

cover and cable
 

I carry a light weight, super ugly and rather grease stained cover. Helps keep curious fingers away.

A few years ago I bought a fairly heavy cable and store front fly saucer shaped lock, which I use at night if there is any doubt about the security. Depending on the size of your bike, a cable can help keep your bike from being carted away. I alternately used the cable & lock to secure my panniers if a hotel room was sketchy.

During the day, if you are wondering around on foot, say in a museum, drop a few pesos for day parking in big cities, its worth the peace of mind.

Covers certainly seem beneficial and perhaps I should have brought mine... Anyhow, 1 thing that I thought interesting, full coverage insurance for my moto is only about 2x USA rates per 6 months. Europe meanwhile was about 6x or more....(for Mexico)

I'm in Honduras right now. Security has pretty much been a non issue so far. We always get secure parking. I use the bike cover every night but only used the dic lock once.