Luggage and Security Help

Rogue_Shadow · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2012 Karma :

Hey BCF

Planning a few longer distance runs this year, so I've been kitting out myself and the bike to make the distance achievable & comfortable.
But I've hit a brick wall and could do with a few suggestions Idea

I've got myself a Kriega US20 for the bulk of what I'm carrying, but with the drybag packed it doesn't leave anyroom for what's already ON the bike.
I need something to hold my SatNav and a Ram mount Arm for when I'm off bike. Original I thought a cheap backpack would do the trick, then remember being told
"Load the bike not the rider", so I'm pitching it to the BCF masses Laughing

Ideally a small tank bag, not one of those towering monsters. Large enough to swallow the satnav and ram mount and a bonus would be a bottle of water. Maybe one other thing too ... ?

Security Shocked

Blessed with living in a low risk area, my bike has only ever used the steering locking, a datatool shackle and a bike cover at night.
But I'm planning to leave my bike parked up over the weekends near city centres at times so figured this needs upgrading.
Not alot of room under my pillion seat and the US20 would be full of clothing ect. So either something to fit in the "New" tank bag/ luggage, or something small enough for the pillion seat.

Any suggestions would be brilliant, these are the last few items on my prep list Thumbs Up

Cheers

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

Leave your sat nav mount on the bike, why would you want to remove it every time you are away from the bike? If in the unlikely even that it does get stolen, you'd be able to find a suitable replacement anywhere in Europe.

As for the sat nav itself, I tend to carry all my electrical items in a tank bag, and I take with with me when wondering around. When I'm actually stopped somewhere few a while I just leave them in my tent/accommodation.

Also have a look at Pacsafe for secure gear https://pacsafe.com/
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Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

You don't say whether you're camping or using hotels. If it's hotels then just check in advance that they have secure parking. We did 2 months around Europe last year and bike was fine. I did carry a large security device just in case, but only used it a couple of times. We stayed in a lot of busy city centres.

Satnav went into bike jacket pocket when off the bike. Never occured to me to remove the mount.

Regarding luggage, the key is to travel light. It's amazing how little you actually need. We were away for 2 months and probably took less gear than we would normally take for a fortnight.

The first page of following link will show you how we did it. May or may not be a help but it worked for us. In any case, enjoy!

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=258584

Rogue_Shadow · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2012 Karma :

Cheers for the help guys. (I read your thread ages ago Enduro Very Happy

)
Just to clear things up, my Sat Nav mount is in 3 parts.
1 fixed to the bike, 1 removable arm and another for the Sat Nav Holder. Removing the arm removes the case so it makes sense to take it off, it would actually be more hassle keeping it on. Hence a small tank bag to chuck the two parts into once I'm done riding.

I'm thinking more weekends away in the UK, not touring just yet.
I've a few mates who live around the UK, but mostly in flats so it will be streetparking more than most. Just wondering what security you guys use while travelling (chain,disc locks ect) As my current setup is pretty poor. Just after something convenient / portable.

J.M. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Karma :

All of my valuables will be going in the tank bag. It zips off from the magnets and is wearable as a backpack.

All none valuables will be going in the tail bag/side panniers. If someone wants to steal my clothes then they're simply a nob, nothing more. Laughing

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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

kitty kat · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Karma :

I have never used any form of extra security when away (this country or abroad). If someone wants to steal your bike, they will regardless of chains. If they are just an opportune theif they might mot spot the chain or disc lock and do more damage to the bike IMO.

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

I've got a large cable, security lock. Long enough to reach something solid like a lamp post. Bike also has immobiliser as standard. Best thing is to have bike out of sight if at all possible.

If they really want to steal it the best you can hope to do is slow them down a bit.