Touring on a R6.. portable bike security

[Alex-e88m5]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 25 August 2021 at 20:37

[Iminquarantine]

2 meter long noose end, 11mm chain from Pragmasis. The noose end will give you an extra 0.6m distance to a solid object. 11mm is still bigger than your average baked bean tin material chain. Won’t be excessively large in a bag. You can also use it to lock bags/your gear to the bike.

[Iminquarantine]

Or chop the R6 in for a FJR.

[KTMsm]

There is currently a discount code on ebay ( SAVE20 ) and lots of security is within it

I've just bought the Oxford 2m 12mm and Boss lock for sub £50

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264907317582

Obviously you could get away with the shorter chain

If you use the lock as a disclok and run the chain around something you get two security measures rather than just looping it through a wheel

Must admit I'd consider just an alarmed disclok - maybe with a lightweight cable loop, depending where you're touring

[black-k1]

While no one wants to be lax and there is always a risk, the question that needs to be asked is exactly how big is that risk? If you intend touring in central London, then I can see that bike security is a must as bike theft is rife. But, in the sorts of places most people want to tour in, the risk of there being bike thieves there in the first place is considerably lower. Still there I accept, but be realistic.

Anyone equipped to get past the bike steering lock and a disk lock will likely be equipped to get past more significant security as well so the added advantage a chain etc. offers over the disk lock will be minimal. However, the added space/weight it requires will be significant.

[KTMsm]

black-k1 said:

While no one wants to be lax and there is always a risk, the question that needs to be asked is exactly how big is that risk? If you intend touring in central London, then I can see that bike security is a must as bike theft is rife. But, in the sorts of places most people want to tour in, the risk of there being bike thieves there in the first place is considerably lower. Still there I accept, but be realistic.

Anyone equipped to get past the bike steering lock and a disk lock will likely be equipped to get past more significant security as well so the added advantage a chain etc. offers over the disk lock will be minimal. However, the added space/weight it requires will be significant.

But you only need two blokes to lift it into a van to bypass a disc lock and steering lock, you need someone equipped with a very good set of bolt croppers or angle grinder to get through a decent chain

[STe_rsv4]

Depends on where you are touring. Like said above, if around urban stop offs or near cities, definitely would invest in a decent chain.

I've been to the Highlands every year for the last 20 on various sports bikes and never had any problems. In my earlier years I was a bit anxious so used to carry an oxford heavy chain which was a PITA due to the weight and space taken up in luggage.

Now all I take is a cheap disc lock which probably wouldn't even stand up to 20 seconds of torture, I just take it for the "visual" aspect of security. Lets face it, if they want it, they will get it. Sometimes we use a 2m cable lock just to tie the wheels together of each others bikes so they cant be moved by an opportunist.

[Krikkit]

Do people really come along and steal bikes from camp sites in rural bike-touring areas? Or just pick them up when unattended in a parking spot for a couple of hours?

Outside city centres of course.

[Scorched yellow]

Alex-e88m5 said:

Getting my R6 set up for longer trips away and need to start thinking about security.

As above, I don't think you do.

[KTMsm]

Krikkit said:

Do people really come along and steal bikes from camp sites in rural bike-touring areas? Or just pick them up when unattended in a parking spot for a couple of hours?

I'm rural, biggest problem is gypsies, but I think they more target vans, tools, trailers and dirt bikes

[Lee540]

Rode all over Europe on my ZX10R, just steering lock and a couple of disc locks. No issues.

Park in London, with chain, cover and locks.. stolen from secure compound.

Do SW Motech make the Blaze pannier bags for this model R6? I had on my 10R and were very good.

[Carnage]

KTMsm said:

There is currently a discount code on ebay ( SAVE20 ) and lots of security is within it

I've just bought the Oxford 2m 12mm and Boss lock for sub £50

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264907317582

Obviously you could get away with the shorter chain

If you use the lock as a disclok and run the chain around something you get two security measures rather than just looping it through a wheel

Must admit I'd consider just an alarmed disclok - maybe with a lightweight cable loop, depending where you're touring

That’s a great spot. Ordered and thank you.

[KTMsm]

Alex-e88m5 said:

Yeah I appreciate the comments about whether it is worth bothering or not.

I've found a cheap alarmed disc lock that may give me some piece of mind for now.

The thought of carrying round a big chain on the back on a sportsbike doesn't fill me with much joy, easier proposition if you've got a big GS type bike.

Locations are more likely to be rural e.g Cornwall/Scotland and some European trips when allowed.

One of my bikes came with one of these - I like it, obviously easy to overcome with tools but stops it just being picked up

https://www.brandedbiker.co.uk/shop/kovix-cable-wi...

[black-k1]

KTMsm said:

black-k1 said:

While no one wants to be lax and there is always a risk, the question that needs to be asked is exactly how big is that risk? If you intend touring in central London, then I can see that bike security is a must as bike theft is rife. But, in the sorts of places most people want to tour in, the risk of there being bike thieves there in the first place is considerably lower. Still there I accept, but be realistic.

Anyone equipped to get past the bike steering lock and a disk lock will likely be equipped to get past more significant security as well so the added advantage a chain etc. offers over the disk lock will be minimal. However, the added space/weight it requires will be significant.

But you only need two blokes to lift it into a van to bypass a disc lock and steering lock, you need someone equipped with a very good set of bolt croppers or angle grinder to get through a decent chain

Technically, you are right but how often is there going to be a van with two blokes looking to steal a bike who don't have a grinder to cut a chain?

If you're worried about it then take a chain but I'd suggest your basing your risk assessment on fear rather than actual risk.

[lukeyman]

Alex-e88m5 said:

Yeah I appreciate the comments about whether it is worth bothering or not.

I've found a cheap alarmed disc lock that may give me some piece of mind for now.

The thought of carrying round a big chain on the back on a sportsbike doesn't fill me with much joy, easier proposition if you've got a big GS type bike.

Locations are more likely to be rural e.g Cornwall/Scotland and some European trips when allowed.

Maybe take a cover too.

[Lee540]

Alex-e88m5 said:

Cornwall/Scotland and some European trips when allowed.

Cornwall is quite safe. I accidentally left the keys in my bike for 3 hours in the middle of Penzance. Still there when I got back.

[KTMsm]

Lee540 said:

Cornwall is quite safe. I accidentally left the keys in my bike for 3 hours in the middle of Penzance. Still there when I got back.

I left my keys in the door of my company car parked at the roadside for 2-hours in the centre of Birmingham - I got away with it

I wouldn't want to do it a second time

[RizzoTheRat]

If you're worried about your luggage, take a look at PacSafe antitheft stuff. I sometimes carry one when touring, packs down pretty small, but big enough to put my jacket, trousers and boots in and lock on to the bike.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pacsafe-10180999-Packsafe...

[Scorched yellow]

Alex-e88m5 said:

Well I've ran out of room in the kreigas now so I've got no choice to leave the chains at home!

You will be absolutely fine.

[Zarco]

KTMsm said:

black-k1 said:

While no one wants to be lax and there is always a risk, the question that needs to be asked is exactly how big is that risk? If you intend touring in central London, then I can see that bike security is a must as bike theft is rife. But, in the sorts of places most people want to tour in, the risk of there being bike thieves there in the first place is considerably lower. Still there I accept, but be realistic.

Anyone equipped to get past the bike steering lock and a disk lock will likely be equipped to get past more significant security as well so the added advantage a chain etc. offers over the disk lock will be minimal. However, the added space/weight it requires will be significant.

But you only need two blokes to lift it into a van to bypass a disc lock and steering lock, you need someone equipped with a very good set of bolt croppers or angle grinder to get through a decent chain

But who wants the carry a decent chain around with them whilst touring?

I'd go with a disc lock as a minor deterant and leave it at that.