What to do with all the riding gear?

[yechave]

Between the two of us, the saddle bags and trunk are completely full. We both wear full protective: gear, pants, jacket, boots etc. The problem now has been, we rarely take the bike anywhere, when we would like to walk around.

#1. All that gear is too heavy to carry.
#2. How to best secure the stuff to the bike?
#3. Is it covered by insurance if you have for instance a high quality duffel locked to both saddle bags?

I do use the Nelson Riggs half cover to keep unwanted eyes off of most of the bike accessories: tank bag, GPS and other stuff. Nonetheless, we have a lot to lose should we take it for granted that most folks will leave your stuff alone. I've had too many things stolen in the past to consider walking away from hundreds of $$$ in stuff that can so easily be lifted.

The most we seem to use the bike for at the moment are the occasional trips to a restaurant, and take what we wear, inside.

I am considering something under $100 from either LLBean or Cabela's to lock the gear in that would go across and be secured to each handle on the saddle bags, and then to the bike, and then cover that with the bike cover.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

~;^/

[ironbuttwannabe]

I know this doesn't help, but I've never locked up any riding gear or helmet. Always put on seat. I guess you could always pull a Uni-Go or make your own trailer if protection doesn't fit anywhere else.

[katnapinn]

Just get a 6 foot long small gauge cable with "eyelets" in each end, run it threw the arms and legs of gear also the helmets then lock it to the center stand grab handle on the left side of the seat.
BTW like Neil I always just leave my gear on the bike.

[NOGILLS2]

If we ride locally, we put everything in the saddlebags and topcase. If we travel far and long we pull a trailer. I use ALUMA cargo trailer to haul luggage, ice chest and gear.

[meese]

A long cable or chain lock threaded through the helmets and jacket sleeves and the saddlebag handles is the simplest solution. Throw on the half cover and most folks won't even notice your bike, let alone your stuff. When you're ready to ride, tuck it all (including the cover) in the space between the passenger seat and the trunk.

That worked for us all across Western Europe and most of the USA.

[yechave]

I was going to mention the trailer is not an option. I will make a trip to LLBean next week to see what they have. The long cable will do the job, just seems like a lot of work for two complete sets of gear (I do believe I already have that from our kayaking days), and probably not a safer means to keep it all attached to the bike.

Appreciate the ideas nonetheless!

[hallzee]

A long cable or chain lock threaded through the helmets and jacket sleeves and the saddlebag handles is the simplest solution. Throw on the half cover and most folks won't even notice your bike, let alone your stuff. When you're ready to ride, tuck it all (including the cover) in the space between the passenger seat and the trunk.
+1 Works great for us too; Pacsafe cable lock system works very well. A compact little setup with a combination lock. Click here for Pacsafe (http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=30)

[meese]

If someone really wants your stuff, they'll get it. But making it difficult and covering it up takes away most of the opportunistic thieves. Be cautious, but not paranoid.

And let me tell you, riding through Paris at midnight after someone steals your helmets is not fun. Fixing the locks on two saddlebags and the trunk also sucks. :(

[tbarstow]

Security: If somebody really wants something off your bike, they are going to get it, no matter how you think you are going to protect it. If you can't afford to lose it, don't bring it with you. Think about where you are at when you park the bike. I always tried to park the LT next to a crotch rocket, as they will steal the rocket well before thinking about the LT. I don't believe anyone here on the board has experienced first hand a stolen an LT. When I would travel for work, I would leave the LT parked for a couple of weeks at LAX. That's the only time I'd use a cover.

The majority of the time, if something looks secure, most people will leave it alone. I rarely would ever lock the bags or the oddments box (or remove the key from the ignition).


Gear Storage: Simplify. Get used to getting by with less. Learn to not carry a pile of stuff you will probably never use with you (like the useless CO2 cartridges in the tool kit that are still the originals from 1999). Your wife will have to get used to wearing pants with pockets, as the large pile of purse will not fit on the bike. Learn to walk around in your riding boots.

Start by emptying everything from your bags and trunk. Pull the CD changer out so you have a little more room in the right side bag (or "his side" as the salesman will refer to it).

Then pack all of your riding gear into the bags and trunk, using the cable in the toolkit to secure your helmets to the bike. For the little amount of space left with your riding gear packed on the bike, use "need" versus "want" logic on each item you think you need on the bike.

To whittle down the pile of stuff you think you "need", put a piece of blue painter's tape on it, every time you use it, write the date on the tape. After a month or two, look at how many articles don't have a date on them. Leave these at home.

[Ted Shred]

These work great and are quite secure.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=50


http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=30

[mconlogue]

Master lock, No. 8400 Python Adjustable Locking Cables

see pic below. I also use this to lock the fron wheel to the deployed center stand so that it cannot be pushed off to roll away

available at any Lowes or Home Depot.

[Ted Shred]

Master lock, No. 8400 Python Adjustable Locking Cables

see pic below. I also use this to lock the fron wheel to the deployed center stand so that it cannot be pushed off to roll away

available at any Lowes or Home Depot.

I have two of those in the 20' length. Great for locking up dirt bikes and trailers and stuff in the back of my pick up. Even got them keyed alike:)

[gpolakow]

I bought a bicycle lock cable that is great for securing jackets and helmets, etc to the bike.

[the1mavin]

These work great and are quite secure.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=50


http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=30

+1 on th PacSafe cable. I love mine - it is so small you can carry it in your pocket and thread it thru two jackets and pants.

I am paranoid so I lock my gear to the bike...

[mconlogue]

I have two of those in the 20' length. Great for locking up dirt bikes and trailers and stuff in the back of my pick up. Even got them keyed alike:)


I have the 20' python cables, and the super HD master locks for the trailer and bikes.