| Author | Message | ||
     Buellerxt |
Having just put a beautiful Buell triple tail bag on my Uly, and planning to use it to store small things instead of using a tank bag, a recent thread talking about zipper access for thieves has me wondering. I have never had anything stolen from my bikes in many years of touring and though I wouldn't think of leaving it on the bike in a bad area or if I was going to be away long, I will leave it on outside gas stations, bike stores, etc. Have any of you had bad experiences? I think the bottom clip that holds it in place and is hard to see, would help. I might use the rain cover to keep the zippers out of sight. Ths. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
never had any problems but if I did I'd use the little billy club I have mounted on my bike.  | ||
| Pso |
I just use a piece of heavy plastic coated wire swedged on each end into a loop and a smal padlock. Just attach to bike this way. Keeps honest folks honest, durig my lunch breaks. also use for helmet lock at times or jacket through sleeve etc. Takes strain of my brain | ||
| Buewulf |
I've literally had the trailer ball stolen of my truck while the tank and tail bags on the bike, filled with various goodies, weren't even explored. I've lived in seven states and one foreign country, and I've never had a bag stolen or molested. (Bike always garaged at night. Usually took valuables out if staying at hotel or had to park it overnight. Left the bags though.) | ||
| Ourdee |
I've had the whole piece of junk Honda stolen, but, never anything stolen off of my bike. | ||
| Hooper |
Never, but I noted that the "Long Way Around" cameraman rider (Claudio) had his bag with some serious camera equipment stolen in Russia when they stopped for lunch. Word to the wise. I'm sort of forgetful, and have actually left my ignition key ON THE SEAT or IN THE IGNITION for an hour or so while I eat lunch nearby. Just goes to show how few people a) know how to ride a motorcycle; and b) are criminals. It's like: FREE MOTORCYCLE!!!! I'm trying to get better. | ||
| Buellerxt |
I appreciate the feedback guys. I don't plan to get careless or test fate but I think most folks stay away from motorcycles. I still might cover the bag with the rain cover though, just to keep those shiny zipper handles out of sight! lol | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
I'm with ya Buellerxt on not testing fate. Never (knock wood) had anything go missing from a parked bike, but I'm also uber careful to remove any thing that would be real easy to grab n go. Had a fellow coach chastize me for removing my suction cupped e-pass transponder and stowing it into my topcase before class. He admitted he often neglected to remove his keys and never had a problem. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Fly, Gotta admit here in Sharp County AR, I leave the keys in my ignition all the time. I do not know, But I might have the only Uly in the county, for sure in the three closest towns. I've only seen a small handful of Buells in this whole area.. I believe people respect others bike's a little more than cars. And it's real rare one biker would steal from another. Biker's don't stay as long in a store most of the time, because we can't carry as much. Plus EVERYBODY knows how mean "those" scary bikers are, best not upset them people  On most trips I'm with a bunch of "real" bikers, and my stuff is left alone. Something about all the MC stickers on our bikes and people watching Gang Land on T.V. But I still take off the GPS, and secure the big ticket items. Hooper - Russia? What Is Not stolen in Russia. It's a national sport... | ||
| Tootal |
I use to leave the key in my BSA 441 Victor back in high school. Love to watch the football players try and start it. If you don't know how to kick start a thumper you will soon be taking flight over the handlebars!! Boy those were some good laughs! As far as bag theft, I keep things locked except for the handlebar bag. Nobody wants a garage door opener or used earplugs I guess, never had a problem. Even when carrying camping gear strapped on the back seat nobody has helped themselves yet. People still see us as outlaws which for theft reasons is probably to our advantage. | ||
| Tocino |
I use to leave the key in my BSA 441 Victor back in high school. Love to watch the football players try and start it. If you don't know how to kick start a thumper you will soon be taking flight over the handlebars!! Nice! I used to have a B50 and my friend Eddie (of Morries Place in upstate Il) could start one with his *hand*. He would bet guys he could do it and they'd be sure pissed when he did it. Most crimes are ones of opportunity where the perp thinks they can get it with no hassle. "Bikers" (I do hate that word), tend to be too much hassle. That said, small cheap locks help keep "interested parties" from taking a look-see. A bike cover is also a good idea. re: ignition in key - I once dropped my key after getting to work in DC. That night when I got near the bike I realized I didn't have the key, because someone had picked it up and put it on the seat! Sat there all day and no one nabbed it. Restored (some) of my faith in humanity. And as Hooper said - most criminals don't know how to ride!  (of course I'm sure if it had sat overnight some enterprising young lad would have liberated it by morning). | ||
| Buellhusker |
I have watched a guy from Lincoln Nebraska start a old harley board tracker 61 cubic inch by spining the back wheel with his hand, he just grabbed onto the tire and gave it a spin forward, I about craped my pants. I also never pissed him off after I witnessed that. | ||
| Growl |
I have mostly been lucky. It shows that people actually are basically good. There was one time however. My wife and I were touring on an old ironhead Sportster and when we got to the gas station we both ran to the bathrooms to pee. Her purse was strapped to the sissy bar and when we came back it was gone... pretty sloppy of us! |
