improving 07 luggage security

[argh]

One of the reasons I bought the ST was for some LD touring. When I've been on long trips, there have been lots of times when I've parked in places where I was relying on my luggage to provide some security while the bike is out of my view.

Most bikes with locking luggage that I've dealt with make at least some attempt to make the attachment hardware difficult or impossible to remove while the luggage is installed.

Not so with the Triumph - the attachment scheme seems pretty flimsy to me to begin with (I bet I could rip a bag off the bike with a good yank and twist) but why bother - anyone with a hex wrench can walk off with both of my hard bags in about 60 seconds.

(And don't get me started about the "locking compartment" in the fairing. Never mind that the key is latching onto plastic, Have you seen the size of the hooked tab that holds the whole panel down? (Have you already broken it off accidentally while removing your fairing?) Sheesh.)

Anyway. This was a long rant, but basically I'd like to solicit ideas for improving the security of the luggage system.

My current thoughts:

1. Replace the hex bolts with torx bolts (or preferably some sort of security bolt)
2. Fab a bracket to bolt to the back of the bag that could hook onto the knob/ball thing under the seat.

Any other ideas?

[ricster]

The way I look at it is..if someone will go to the lenghts to take your bags off...why not just take the whole bike?....If I am a criminal you will be out your bike, bags and everything in them.

[argh]

You clearly haven't had stuff stolen off your bike while you're using a restroom.

In any case, there are a lot more people willing to steal something they can quickly grab than people with the ability and inclination to risk stealing a motorcycle. My bags are often loaded with expensive goodies, so if I can reduce the risk of theft, I'm going to try.

[ricster]

Originally Posted by argh

You clearly haven't had stuff stolen off your bike while you're using a restroom.

In any case, there are a lot more people willing to steal something they can quickly grab than people with the ability and inclination to risk stealing a motorcycle. My bags are often loaded with expensive goodies, so if I can reduce the risk of theft, I'm going to try.

I guess if I have alot of expensive stuff with me...im in my car

[burmbuster]

Thats what they make motorcycle alarms for. Try installing a Scorpio alarm and have no worries. There is a perimeter alarm feature as an option.

[TheNomad]

I have toured with a tank bag and soft saddle bags for decades (not had a problem yet), so to me the saddle bags on this bike are a huge increase in security . I guess everything is relative...

MD

[googus]

+1 one on all the replies. If someone wants to go and take the bags off via hex bolts then in my eye go ahead. Good thieves (not like I know) will grab easy access items. If they want to rip the bags off they might as well steal the whole bike, that is what insurance is for. I do not put anything of GREAT value in my bags. I will take them in the hotel with me or just take the item with me. Nothing is Thieve proof! Everything can be taken if someone tries hard enough.

[TattooedRedHead]

He lives in oakland, CA.... thats the problem.



Oakland, I hear, has a pretty bad crime rate, I'm not surprised you had stuff stolen off your bike when you were at a pit stop.

Just teasin'.

--Kory

[argh]

*shrug*

I've had stuff stolen off my bike in Portland, ME while buying ferry tickets.

I've had stuff stolen off my bike in Issaquah, WA while in a rest room.

I accidentally left my GPS and tank bag on my bike overnight in Oakland in a neighborhood filled with crackheads, and it was still there in the morning, to my surprise. Sometimes you get lucky.

At any rate, I was talking about long distance rides. I didn't buy the Sprint to putter around the neighborhood. When you're out on a multi-thousand mile trip, there are many times when you have to make a choice about checking something out where you won't be near your bike (getting maps from the visitors center, or going on a short hike, or taking a tour of a historic site) and having someone steal your stuff would be a big problem.

I once chased off some kids who were in the process of stealing my tent and sleeping bag. I have no idea why. The bungie net just looked easy to them, I guess.

Having insurance is small consolation, if you're out on the road and you're losing stuff you care about.

Just because -you- don't do that kind of riding doesn't make the question less valid.

[TheNomad]

Wow, bad karma or something. I have crossed the US coast to coast to coast and never had any problem with theft...

On the other hand, I did have some Harley guys "offer to kick my a$$". I was in Oregon, and they must have seen the Florida plates on my Honda. One of them asked me "Is your a$$ sore?" and I said "yep". Another one said "Would you like us to kick it for you", I said, "That's alright, I think it's sore enough as it is". They laughed, and let me keep going...

MD