I think that when it comes to security of objects stored on the motorcycle - whether in panniers, top-boxes, soft bags with a PacSafe mesh over them, or otherwise, one has to take a multi-faceted approach to security.

By that I mean where you park the bike is every bit as important as how you secure what you have left on the bike.

If the bike is parked in a secluded location, even the contents of aluminum Touratech panniers or steel ammunition boxes that are locked up with $100 padlocks will be fair game to an interested thief - this because the thief has the opportunity to take all the time they need to pry the containers open with little risk of being spotted by anyone else.

On the other hand, if you park the bike in an attended lot, or park it in the middle of a whole bunch of other bikes (in an area where other riders are coming and going frequently), soft luggage wrapped with a PacSafe is probably quite secure, simply because a potential thief has a very high risk of being "caught in the act" by the lot attendant or other riders.

In other words, "adequate security" is the result of a blend of several considerations, of which how well secured the object is is only one component. Where you park it, the time of day or night, and what effort you make to ensure the bike is monitored (e.g. tipping a lot attendant ahead of time) are other considerations.

Michael

No real arguments there other than to say the worst bike "break in" I've ever had was in a locked hotel compound with an all night guard there to keep an eye on things. Pannier and top box locks were forced and a whole load of stuff taken. Since then I've either taken everything off or in the case of fixed panniers emptied them out. It takes time each evening / morning but at least I sleep a little easier.

if Im using hard panniers for 2up riding and I don't have what I call a 'secure' parking area, I also remove any valuables from the bike each evening, its a bit of a faff, but its about minimising the potential risk/loss.


As soon as you start travelling off the beaten track there are normally places to park your bike in a compound, secure parking area or in the lobby of a hotel/backpackers, a cover does help a little too, but as backofbeyond's experience shows, this is no guarantee. At the end of the day, if you cant afford to lose it, don't take it with you on your trip.


if Im travelling solo I use soft panniers and a Peli box for anything of any value, its a good compromise.

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Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Yep, I also go for a compromise.. using a topbox to store electronics and carnet, then clip the key to my swimsuit and off I go into a river/sea for a dunk...

Good move!
I use inner bag liners with my soft panniers. Simply grab & go into Hotel. Leave soft panniers on bike, just carry inner bags into Hotel room. Takes just minutes to unload/load. One trip only.

I use a soft Wolfman Duffel bag on the back, no tank bag. The Duffel comes in as well. Only thing left on bike are tool kit (sort of hidden), and two empty soft panniers. This scenario is with NO camping gear. Usually make it with just ONE trip from bike to room. (leave helmet ON)

My Camera (small) and phone stay in riding jacket and Camel Back with paperwork and other valuables.

I've never really travelled on a long hall with soft luggage, I've always used hard luggage so it's all new to me, I do plan to take a bike cover, inner bags will be a must but I think when I have had the hard luggage I do tend to put items in that I may need and most of the time I don't, with the soft I will be packing very carefully.
I to have the wolf luggage as it's the dogs, not keen on tank bags or top boxes,
I've got a klim back pack with water filter make sure I Carrie all my important stuff at all time,

You here of bikes that go missing when guys are traveling around the world, that's must be the worst......

I use a pelican type top case...For the cameras and other stuff...
Is also good to put my discsize popup tent on.
And for cooking on it also!

In the waterproof bag my camping gear.
Right soft pannier food-kitchen stuff.
Left soft pannier clothes and some bike parts.

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3mountainsadventure

Excellent comments Michael!
Choosing a good parking spot is key. I've hired local kids to "watch" my bike, paying a bit up front, balance when I return. But sometimes there is no one around, no private lots, no apparent safe haven. This is tougher to deal with. Think outside the box, try to come up with a solution.

A cover is always a good idea but a PITA to pack. But on a big bike, not so bad.

A good Pelican top box is good for cameras and other valuable but you won't ever get camping gear in it. My camping gear (seldom used) is fairly old, not valuable. Once at an actual campground, little to fear most times.

Probably more chance of thievery in California than many places in Latin America. (certain cities excluded!)

It's those random stops for a nice walk around a local market or to see a few sites that are tough to protect against. But with a bit extra effort/time you can usually find a way to leave the bike safely using advice/tips above.