Securing your bike on a trailer at a hotel

[Phu Cat]

This is the system I used when moving between states.  Is there something else I should have done?  Was moving an EG.

I took the trailer tongue off the hitch then backed up the tow car as far as possible to make it very hard to get the hitch out from under the car.  Then I pulled the second car up to the rear of the trailer as close as possible, almost touching, so they couldn't roll the bike off the trailer.  I guess 4 big guys could have dragged it off the trailer but they'd have made a lot of noise in the process.

My system worked that one time.  I wouldn't say it was a great idea, but it was all I could come up with at the time.  Anything else that you'd have done?  Was I really as secure as I thought I was?  It could have been the local bike thief had the flu that night and I just lucked out.  Your thoughts.

[Ohio HD]

Put it this way, it was more secure than if you would have been riding it. I've parked my bikes at many hotels and motels. Sometimes not all that close to the last room they had in the place. I mean yeah, I use a really heavy cabled lock through the wheel, and if possible, attach it to another bike, or a pole. But the truth is, if someone really wants it, it's theirs.

[PoorUB]

Lock the trailer to the car, and the bike to the trailer and don't worry about it. If they want the bike bad enough the bike, trailer and car will all be gone in the morning.
Like Ohio said, how secure is your bike when you park at a motel while traveling?

[dunbarton]

From friends who lost their 4 bikes I learned that if your bike is insured, the cops won't be turning cartwheels to find it, and pro's usually won't bother with late model cars and trucks because they have chips that can be tracked like GPS/cell phones. They took their bikes and trailer but left a less than 1 year old GMC 1/2 ton because it could easily be tracked.
I have no doubt that the motel night clerk who was going to watch the bikes for them made a call, and their security cameras in the area of the bikes were faulty. Go figure.

[kik]

Last time we traveled with the bikes we parked 2 in the same direction and put the 3rd in the middle going the other direction. I ran a cable through the front wheels and crash bars on all 3 bikes. I carry a 3/8" air craft type cable with a case hardened lock and shank. When I do trailer the bikes, they're in an enclosed trailer but I still lock the bikes down with cable and lock. I park the truck leaving the trailer attached. The truck side has a locking pin and the trailer side has a ball type lock over it. But if they really want what you have they'll get it. If you really want to keep what you have get it lojacked or GPS chipped that you can track in real time with your laptop so you can notify the police where it is.

[sir_will_yum]

WHERE ARE YOU STAYING ?   Even in the good towns I park right infront of the lobby on the concrete, never had a problem with the front desk, sometimes they even tell me to park right next to the front door. But If you live in Harlem and vacation in Detroit I would suggest Lojack for motorcycles and full coverage.

Stories I hear are box truck backs up and they pull the bike in even if the have to drag it. Then throw the parts on Ebay. It's not like they are hot wiring it and driving away. so don't think they are going to carefully roll it off the trailer. They will strip it, saddlebags then tourpac then mirrors, back rests and any other easy pieces. Ive even heard of stealing oil temp dip sticks being stolen off bikes...WTF

[hbkeith]

Do you think theives are stationed in every motel across the land waiting for a H.D. on a trailer ?,I stay in motels at least 5 times a year in the summer riding my bike , and ive been doin it a lot of years,i think i used my chain and lock once. i have never had my bike stolen.and i have stayed in some shady ass places (reminds  me of being a youngster in the MotorCity  ), the only time nowdays you are ever going to get BlueBook price for a used bike is thru a Insurance claim , so i am not going to worry my whole trip about it. but maybee the people at the motels are worried i look like i might steal theres 

[preacher son]

When i haul i use a cargo trailer with no bike related stickers. If i unhook from the truck i run a large chain through the trailer wheel and around the axle. The bike inside the trailer has more than just one locking device.

I lock it to the trailer and lock wheels together. I believe the more the better. Only one makes it to easy.

  Back in the day we took um in the room. 

  But, like has been said.....they want it....its gone.   

                                                         Preacher Son

[HyperDetroit]

Like others have said, if someone wants it badly enough, consider it gone.  When riding and stopping in the motels,  many times I got the room on the first floor and parked the bike inside the room.

On the trailers the best thing to do is not to have anything identifying what's inside, lock it the best you can, both inside and out, put a lock on trailer wheels, put a lock on the hitch, put obstacles in the way to get to the trailer and the truck.  This will make theft more difficult and may discourage someone.  Most of all, if there is anything someone values dearly, insure it.

[easyricer]

I pad lock a wheel and pad lock the neck lock on my Shovel. So far it's always been there when I come out. If they want my bike they are gonna have to pick it up to get it.
EASY

[dunbarton]

Do you think theives are stationed in every motel across the land waiting for a H.D. on a trailer ?

Of course not. I pay closer attention in suburbs around larger cities and where bikers congregate.. like events. I don't leave my bike parked on a street unlocked either. To me it's a good habit and routine to have. You won't regret it but you might regret not having done it. Each to their own.

[Ohio HD]

Do you think theives are stationed in every motel across the land waiting for a H.D. on a trailer ?

Of course not. I pay closer attention in suburbs around larger cities and where bikers congregate..

Agree, I've stayed in just about every type of area, from large suburbs, to inner cities, to out in the middle of nowhere. Inner cities, and anywhere near large interstate highways are your worst locations. Inner cities they have places to hide things quickly. Near large interstate highways, they can put a lot of miles between you and their get away quickly. Keep that in mind when picking a place to stay. 

[dunbarton]

Saw a couple of guys stealing bikes at Sturgis a number of years ago. Bike pulled up to pumps to gas up. When it was full, off owner went to pay.. into the long line-up at counter and out of eye-shot of his bike. Meanwhile the thief was riding away bold as could be on 'his' now gased- up bike. Probably headed for an enclosed van outside town. Owner was some PO'd.
Imagine pay-at-the-pump and security camera's have put a damper on that game now.

[soggybottom]

on a trip to Canada a couple years ago I took all the precautions I usually do. park in a well lit area, remove everything from w/s bags,  and make sure the BSR keeps a fob with her in case mine gets lost.
get ready to pack the bike one morning to depart the motel and we go out to the bike and I realize my fob's still in the room so I ask her for hers and she tells me it's in the tour pak. WTF? shoulda just put a sign on it saying jump on, it's all yours.

[88b]

In 2010 several of our group had parts like digital temp dip sticks and detachable rack bobbins etc stolen from their bikes at the biggest rally in Europe during the day. If your chaining your bike try and keep it off the ground, I've seen thieves use liquid nitrogen to freeze chains and locks then smash it with a hammer.

[harleyjt]

You need to stay in a little better motel!     Thankfully, I've never had a problem when travelling, wheter it be on a trailer or riding.  I normally try to park  under the front canopy.  Most motels don't have a problem with that as long as I/we aren't blocking the flow of traffic at the front door.

Other than that, a lock only keeps an honest man honest.  If a thief wants the bike or the vehicle, he'll get it.
jt

[Tsani]

Saw a couple of guys stealing bikes at Sturgis a number of years ago. Bike pulled up to pumps to gas up. When it was full, off owner went to pay.. into the long line-up at counter and out of eye-shot of his bike. Meanwhile the thief was riding away bold as could be on 'his' now gased- up bike. Probably headed for an enclosed van outside town. Owner was some PO'd.
Imagine pay-at-the-pump and security camera's have put a damper on that game now.

Which is why I use a card for gas ad pay it when I get home. I keep my bikes insured, even my panhead (full replacement policy). Other than that, I use an unmarked cover, park in a lit area, cable thru the wheels which I lock to an object such as a pole or another bike if possible. I carry an extra oil tank plug in case some one likes my analog one. I have heard of the master cylinder caps being stolen too. But I can't carry a dealership in my saddlebags. Bottom line is that if they want it, it is gone. All you can do is make them take time. Time is their enemy. I have a bike stolen. Not a good feeling. I was young, dumber, and full of....well you know the saying. They had a girl keep me busy. Last I saw of the bike was as it topped a hill. Didn't even have a chance to get a shot off. Cops could have cared less. Did get it back intact and won't go into how. But lets just say our own kind has it's share of scum.

[texaskatfish]

Sounds like a hellovva cottage industry opening up for 'Lo-Jack' stickers eh?

Just various things I've read:
if hauling bike(s) in enclosed trailer do NOT put ANY m/c or brand name logos on the trailer - (maybe Joe's septic service or some such)
chat with motel operators regarding keeping an eye on the bike (mebbe they GAS mebbe not but well worth asking)

and as ALL have said above: "if a freakin thief wants it bad enough it's GONE"

[War Horse]

Sleep on the bike with a sawed off on yer lap.... matter of fact, tape the gun to your hand too 

[PoorUB]

I mentioned it before, but at Rapid City, during the rally a guy a couple doors down had his trailer stolen that was chained to a light pole outside his room. The chain was still laying there, cut with a grinder and cut off wheel. The crooks took it at night, big balls running a grinder at night but I suppose all the AC units masked the noise.
If they want it, they will take it!

[moose]

mine was parked and locked outside the rest area on the parkway monday  the 3rd went in to have coffee and make a few phone calls and came out with just a helmet in my hand and no bike to be found

suck to be me

[moscooter]

 
While we're all telling stories of past misshaps of stolen bikes,  here is one to be aware of if you occassionally participate in Poker Runs.

A few yrs ago,  I was with some guys and we stopped in the local Hooters in No. Myrtle Beach to register for a Poker run.....the parking lot had lots of Harleys in it as others were registering too.

Two guys get off their bikes and walk in to register..............they come out about 10 minutes later,  and both bikes gone.

In that situation and broad daylight,  not everyone thinks to "lock up" the bike in any fashion,  as they are about to get back on again for a Poker Run........

[brokenwing]

Remove one of the tires off of your trailer and take it into the room with you.

[moose]

so I pull over by the George Washington bridge to change a flat. I'm removing the rear tire all of a sudden I hear someone jacking up the front and telling me if your taking the rear ones I'm getting the front ones   

[pa_ryder04]

I park, have a few beers and go to bed.