Securing your bike on a trailer at a hotel

Phu Cat · December 16, 2012, 03:16:35 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 03:25:54 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 03:45:56 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 05:26:03 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 05:48:46 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 05:53:32 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 06:01:51 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 06:09:13 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 06:18:46 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 06:36:12 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 06:43:19 PM

Quote from: hbkeith on December 16, 2012, 06:01:51 PM
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 · December 16, 2012, 06:57:14 PM

Quote from: dunbarton on December 16, 2012, 06:43:19 PM
Quote from: hbkeith on December 16, 2012, 06:01:51 PM
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 · December 16, 2012, 08:25:43 PM

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 · December 16, 2012, 09:33:59 PM

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 · December 17, 2012, 12:42:22 AM

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 · December 17, 2012, 06:04:38 AM

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 · December 17, 2012, 06:45:46 AM

Quote from: dunbarton on December 16, 2012, 08:25:43 PM
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 · December 17, 2012, 09:34:23 AM

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 · December 17, 2012, 10:10:31 AM

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

PoorUB · December 17, 2012, 11:01:51 AM

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 · December 17, 2012, 12:23:29 PM

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 · December 17, 2012, 01:02:45 PM

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 · December 18, 2012, 09:33:30 AM

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

moose · December 19, 2012, 02:10:53 AM

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 · December 22, 2012, 03:05:49 AM

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

adayrider · December 22, 2012, 03:47:13 AM

Quote from: paryder04 on December 22, 2012, 03:05:49 AM
I park, have a few beers and go to bed.

ME too, lol
Half the time (no joke) I forget to take the key with me. If you see my bike, flop a leg and give it a try because it will probably go for ya. I have been wanting a new one anyhow. I'm not a salesman anyhow and would have taken a beaten on it no matter what. I figure I will call it a quick sale and a short ride.

runamuck · December 22, 2012, 06:28:10 AM

If I need to trailer anywhere I will undo trailer from truck at night and put a lock thru trailer latch .. maybe just cause them an extra step or two so they go on to someone else's ..I never leave trailer hooked to truck as vehicles can be swiped in seconds..I have insurance so I just try not to stress about it and never leave anything in truck or on bike..

wavlovr1 · December 22, 2012, 09:13:18 AM

A small package attached to bike which appears to be plastic explosives with a blinking led light?

truck · December 22, 2012, 09:42:08 AM

Years ago someone posted a picture of an alligator chained to a bike. That could work.

One4Tone · December 22, 2012, 08:57:42 PM

..some good pointers here..bottom line.....plan trip..have insurance, never let even a minor incovenience distract you from taking the necessary steps....

hardheaded · December 26, 2012, 02:26:34 PM

i lost one to in 91 got off and locked bike up, walked in and bought a beer took one drink out of it while walking back to the door and it was gone, 70 seconds tops.only softail with a bunch of dressers.

sir_will_yum · December 26, 2012, 05:34:17 PM

and don't forget to change your alarm code from 1-2-3-4-5 to 5-4-3-2-1.... No Key or Fob needed to ride the new bikes.

Clayster · December 26, 2012, 06:41:41 PM

Camouflage is a good security measure. Use a metric storage cover...

PoorUB · December 26, 2012, 07:34:04 PM

Quote from: Clayster on December 26, 2012, 06:41:41 PM
Camouflage is a good security measure. Use a metric storage cover...

I figure a good layer of bugs and road grime is a good theft deterrent.

99 EVO Fatboy Rider · December 26, 2012, 07:46:08 PM

I've got a friend that planed his stops at motels. Ask for a ground room as far away from the office he could get. Then late at night he would bring his super glide in his room. Now he has an ultra I'm thinking he can't.

Mix01FLHT · December 27, 2012, 12:34:18 PM

Quote from: Fatboy Rider on December 26, 2012, 07:46:08 PM
I've got a friend that planed his stops at motels. Ask for a ground room as far away from the office he could get. Then late at night he would bring his super glide in his room. Now he has an ultra I'm thinking he can't.

Ahhhhh..... the good old dayz........

Bill in OKC · December 29, 2012, 11:05:08 PM

There was a way to make your own Lojack using a cheap Boost mobile phone. A program (I used Mologogo) could be loaded into it and it would report its position every 5, 15 or 30 seconds and you could watch it on the internet. If that is still possible you can find a hidden place for it and hook it up to the bikes battery. If your bike goes missing you can track it to its last reported location until it goes under a metal roof or the phone/battery is removed.

runamuck · December 30, 2012, 07:04:02 AM

I like the metric cover idea. I think I'm going to buy a goldwing cover for my ultra..should be able to sleep well..

Ohio HD · December 30, 2012, 07:08:51 AM

Quote from: runamuck on December 30, 2012, 07:04:02 AM
I like the metric cover idea. I think I'm going to buy a goldwing cover for my ultra..should be able to sleep well..

Or a Victory cover!

splitting_lanes · December 30, 2012, 07:10:28 AM

My bike is a sleeper, and I ride with a buddy who has a much nicer looking bike.

They'll steal his

FXDRYDR · January 04, 2013, 05:07:06 AM

A lot of good ideas here. I use a non-HD cover, brake rotor lock and stay at motels where I can get a first floor room with the bike right outside the window. Big rallies and such are a whole other challenge. Keep ins. paid, take what precautions I can, enjoy the rally. They'll get it if they want it.

kik · January 04, 2013, 06:25:59 AM

Quote from: splitting_lanes on December 30, 2012, 07:10:28 AM
My bike is a sleeper, and I ride with a buddy who has a much nicer looking bike.

They'll steal his

Yeah, my BIL and his 2 friends went on a weekend trip up to Door County WI about 20 years ago. My BIL had a Honda night hawk, the other had an old 78 bagger really rough, the seat had duct tape holding it together and the youngest guy had a brand new sporty. He only bought it a week before. He had it alarmed, heck I sat on it not knowing and the alarm went off as soon as my butt touched the seat. They locked all 3 bikes together at the motel and used a case hardened lock. They woke up in the morning to find the lock in pieces and the sporty gone. So yeah if they want it they'll get it.

cheetah · January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM

You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

chopper · January 04, 2013, 07:25:35 AM

I let it set, and sleep like a baby. Hell, it's ensured. Most I've done to "protect"it, is put a padlock on the front rotor. This is the first bike I've had since the 70's I put full coverage on. Steal it! I'll get another one.

Ohio HD · January 04, 2013, 07:31:13 AM

The problem with insurance and saying I'll get another one, a lot of us have a bunch of money in the motor, paint, chrome, wheels, etc, etc. And unless you have insurance covering those specific items, for the cost to replace it all, your screwed when the insurance hands you a check for the lowest value of your "stock" bike. And if you do have insurance covering all that, you probably have a huge insurance premium.

An alarm with a remote and a hand gun are your best bet.

harleyjt · January 04, 2013, 07:34:47 AM

Quote from: cheetah on January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM
You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

Great idea, but my experience with those doorbells is they have a very limited range. I can barely get one to work 25 ft. Very unreliable. Might work if you are able to park the bike right square in front of your room but other than that I doubt it.
jt

Ohio HD · January 04, 2013, 07:38:47 AM

Quote from: harleyjt on January 04, 2013, 07:34:47 AM
Quote from: cheetah on January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM
You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

Great idea, but my experience with those doorbells is they have a very limited range. I can barely get one to work 25 ft. Very unreliable. Might work if you are able to park the bike right square in front of your room but other than that I doubt it.
jt

Yep, they have a short range, and the more walls they need to go through, limits them more.

ezeemotorcycle · January 04, 2013, 01:01:47 PM

I have parked my bike(s) at 100 or more hotels all over the country last couple years. Inside trailer, inside full size van outside without chain lock of any sort. Selection of hotel in area where there are no bars in nearby windows is a good start, then park it in wel lighted area near the lobby is possible, have it insured with reputable company and enjoy your night with your favorite lady. Lucky me, never had a problem with any of it. The rest is out of yer control.

koko3052 · January 04, 2013, 10:11:11 PM

Quote from: cheetah on January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM
You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

Purchase a S&W 357 mag also, fire a couple rounds just below shoulder level & follow the red to your bike.
First question a cop will ask "was it insured?" End of story!!

dunbarton · January 05, 2013, 03:24:59 AM

Quote from: harleyjt on January 04, 2013, 07:34:47 AM
Quote from: cheetah on January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM
You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

Great idea, but my experience with those doorbells is they have a very limited range. I can barely get one to work 25 ft. Very unreliable. Might work if you are able to park the bike right square in front of your room but other than that I doubt it.
jt

No. Use mercury switch from an old heating/furnace thermostat wired between battery and bike's horn. Add an "on/off" toggle switch in same line. Set the mercury switch to close the circuit when the bike is moved to vertical ... taken off side stand. That honks the bike's horn as long as bike is in a vertical position which keeps the mercury switch closed. The "on/off" toggle switch either activates or deactivates the system. You only have to set the mercury switch up once so it closes when the bike is straightened to vertical rather than resting on it's jiffy stand.
The mercury switch is readily available for free from used home temperature thermostats .. just remove it from the housing. The on/off toggle switch costs a few $ at any automotive supply.. so it's a dead cheap solution that works. Each bike model is a bit different but there's usually a convenient obscure place for the on/off switch on the frame in front of the battery box ,and another place that's protected under a side cover near the battery box for the mercury switch.
Bike thieves are cowards who don't want to attract attention to themselves, and a continuous honking horn does that so usually they will run rather than be seen. The horn on most bikes is loud enough to awaken sleepers in rooms near the bike.
A thinking thief would probably pull the wire to the horn to stop it from honking but it usually startles everyone around immediately.
A few friends and I used this system for years when were doing a lot of traveling. It only takes a second to arm/disarm so I got into the habit of locking the bike and arming it whenever the bike was going to be out of eye-shot.
For bikes without a factory alarm system, this could work for you.

slypig · January 05, 2013, 04:43:10 AM

No. Use mercury switch from an old heating/furnace thermostat wired between battery and bike's horn. Add an "on/off" toggle switch in same line. Set the mercury switch to close the circuit when the bike is moved to vertical ... taken off side stand. That honks the bike's horn as long as bike is in a vertical position which keeps the mercury switch closed. The "on/off" toggle switch either activates or deactivates the system. You only have to set the mercury switch up once so it closes when the bike is straightened to vertical rather than resting on it's jiffy stand.
The mercury switch is readily available for free from used home temperature thermostats .. just remove it from the housing. The on/off toggle switch costs a few $ at any automotive supply.. so it's a dead cheap solution that works. Each bike model is a bit different but there's usually a convenient obscure place for the on/off switch on the frame in front of the battery box ,and another place that's protected under a side cover near the battery box for the mercury switch.
Bike thieves are cowards who don't want to attract attention to themselves, and a continuous honking horn does that so usually they will run rather than be seen. The horn on most bikes is loud enough to awaken sleepers in rooms near the bike.
A thinking thief would probably pull the wire to the horn to stop it from honking but it usually startles everyone around immediately.
A few friends and I used this system for years when were doing a lot of traveling. It only takes a second to arm/disarm so I got into the habit of locking the bike and arming it whenever the bike was going to be out of eye-shot.
For bikes without a factory alarm system, this could work for you.
[/quote]

I like it.....easy!

harleyjt · January 05, 2013, 09:45:18 AM

Quote from: dunbarton on January 05, 2013, 03:24:59 AM
Quote from: harleyjt on January 04, 2013, 07:34:47 AM
Quote from: cheetah on January 04, 2013, 07:11:14 AM
You might like to purchase a wireless door bell from your local Home Depot of Lowes and using a tilt switch from a electrical dealer and wiring it to trigger the door bell switch. Then take the door bell alarm into the Motel room with you. If the bike is moved, you might not be able to stop the thieves, bur you might be able to get a tag number or at least the description which you can call in to alarm the police that your bike has just been stolen so they can be on the lookout for it and maybe catch them before it gets stripped.
C

Great idea, but my experience with those doorbells is they have a very limited range. I can barely get one to work 25 ft. Very unreliable. Might work if you are able to park the bike right square in front of your room but other than that I doubt it.
jt
No. Use mercury switch from an old heating/furnace thermostat wired between battery and bike's horn. Add an "on/off" toggle switch in same line. Set the mercury switch to close the circuit when the bike is moved to vertical ... taken off side stand. That honks the bike's horn as long as bike is in a vertical position which keeps the mercury switch closed. The "on/off" toggle switch either activates or deactivates the system. You only have to set the mercury switch up once so it closes when the bike is straightened to vertical rather than resting on it's jiffy stand.
The mercury switch is readily available for free from used home temperature thermostats .. just remove it from the housing. The on/off toggle switch costs a few $ at any automotive supply.. so it's a dead cheap solution that works. Each bike model is a bit different but there's usually a convenient obscure place for the on/off switch on the frame in front of the battery box ,and another place that's protected under a side cover near the battery box for the mercury switch.
Bike thieves are cowards who don't want to attract attention to themselves, and a continuous honking horn does that so usually they will run rather than be seen. The horn on most bikes is loud enough to awaken sleepers in rooms near the bike.
A thinking thief would probably pull the wire to the horn to stop it from honking but it usually startles everyone around immediately.
A few friends and I used this system for years when were doing a lot of traveling. It only takes a second to arm/disarm so I got into the habit of locking the bike and arming it whenever the bike was going to be out of eye-shot.
For bikes without a factory alarm system, this could work for you.

I really LIKE that!!!! And I have a couple of old thermostats laying around here....
jt

runamuck · January 06, 2013, 05:55:03 AM

my 09 bike will set off the factory alarm if you straighten up the bike without having the key.

wavlovr1 · January 07, 2013, 10:28:56 AM

Next time someone needs to discard a dead pit-bull; take it to be freeze dried in a sleeping position. Put it next to your bike with a chain to the bike.... When travelling put it in a plastic bag with a bungie to your other packs....

Of course a live pit-bull would be best but then you would need a modified bushtec trailer with a pup seat and windshield for him...

I keep all my add-on reciepts and insure the bike with the max options allowable. I think my SG has $11,000 max on accessories.

jb

ChromeWhore · January 07, 2013, 06:08:02 PM

I got an idea if someone hasn't already said so. Take your beater bike and leave the good bike at home. A lot of guys have a "for the road" bike and a bling bike that stays local. Sounds like a good idea if the cashola allows for a second bike.

CW

messed up · January 07, 2013, 08:26:21 PM

I worry all night and hardly get any sleep. It has worked so far but as the bike gets older I'm starting to think that the insurance will take care of it. Buddy left his stroker chained to post and went in casino on cal./nv. border for 15 minutes. Had to call for a ride back home.

moose · January 08, 2013, 03:53:32 AM

not my idea I think someone here posted instead of the siren that h d sells it adds the siren to the security system on newer hd's touring

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

soggybottom · April 19, 2013, 12:27:41 PM

with all the shootings of public officials, leo's, and the bombing in boston, putting any thing on your ride with a bunch of weird looking wires , switches and the like, you probably won't have to worry about a thief but some bomb squad blowing the chit out of your bike trying to render it safe.
hey it could happen.

garyajaz · April 19, 2013, 02:11:43 PM

i dont trailer. whole other thread.
but a buddy of mine hauls his way more than rides it.
i have tons of t-shirts he gives out from his "runs"
he trailers to all the big events. has all the harley stickers on truck and trailer advertising and all. i keep telling him to tone it down. he says insurance.
well yeah, but minus the deductable and hell, insurance wont give me my well tuned perfect bike back.
so anyway i told him my idea. '
have trailer done up in a company format. bills fertilizer. we deliver.
big logo and stuff. who gonna steal that?
i used to just sleep here and there next to bike.
now old and need bed and shower and stuff, it gets harder.
fxdx fits in some rooms, but they watch close for that.
i try to travel where i know people. park inside at friends/acqantances seems the better plan.

messed up · April 19, 2013, 03:24:24 PM

You've got some good ideas.

mrmike · April 19, 2013, 04:37:34 PM

Best idea I ever heard and it was on this site years ago, hang a baby moniter on it and cover it or put the moniter in one of the bags then just bring the reciever into the room with you.

Whenever I stay in a hotel or motel I take the mag-light that I carry in the saddlebag into the room with me, no sense going out empty handed,lol.

Mike

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Securing your bike on a trailer at a hotel