Slightly off topic (but then, it's my thread dammit!) :)

What bike covers do people use? All the ones I see online have reflective panels, which doesn't seem conducive to stealthy bike parking (especially stealth camping)... But on the other hand, probably is conducive to your bike not being accidentally run over in a parking lot!

Wax cotton green thingy in the garage for my MZ on account of its classic status :clap:(:rofl:

Late 1980s nasty silver plastic Oxford for dodgy hotel car parks.

Scruffy/ non descript is all you are after. Anything that says beneath this cover lies a knackered POS that won't start if not kept dry. New covers with BMW logos that scream "came with my new bike because even the dealer felt guilty at what I paid" are not what you want. Reflective tape is OK if cracked and half hanging off.

Andy

Somewhere I read where they imbedded and pet tracking chip on their bike.

Greetings AB

I bought one of these from Aerostitch

Aerostich Ultralight Bike Covers :: Aerostich Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

They are phenomenally expensive but they cover my battlestar with all its luggage fitted.

They are made of a type of ripstop nylon so they pack down into a very small size compared to other covers that I've used/seen. The downside of being lightweight is that you have make sure that its tied securely to the bike or as I discovered after a windy night it had sailed away.

I've used it during the day at border crossings, lunch stops if I had to leave the bike out of sight for any length of time but I wait for 10 mins to let exhausts cool down before putting it on. A hot downpipe would instantly melt the material.

I don't know if it stops people having a rummage through the bike, but I slept better at night so as far I'm concerned it was useful.

Hope that helps

IanJ

P.S And it's black

I don't carry a cover very often, but when I do I use an Oxford Camo. Details of which you can see here: http://youtu.be/UOpvc9Pbkt4
It is fairly light, comes with its own bag, does the job and I like the camouflage.

Regarding security, I am never without my Abus Granit disc lock. But when paranoia gets the better of me I have also been known to carry a padlock and fabric covered chain. Almax are supposed to be one of the best out there, but too heavy probably.

Tidy and comes in different lengths
 

ONGUARD 8000 SERIES MASTIFF 10MM CHAIN LOCK

Easy to pack or use to secure gear to bike, looks impressive! Heavy, but
not awkward fits nicely in bottom of pannier

Where does one use his chain - through a wheel, through 2 wheels around frame and wheel, or attached to immovable object ? Or ?

xfiltrate safe and secure parking

The chain needs to go round something that can’t be moved or cut easily (or even picked up, I kid you not, I’ve seen a park bench leg used, the bench wasn’t bolted down). It needs to be secure to a bit of bike that is likewise hard to get at, no point slinging it through a wheel or pillion peg hanger that can be just unbolted. The chain wants to be off the ground so it can’t be chiseled using the ground as an anvil. Fill the loop of chain with bike or street furniture; you don’t want someone to be able to adjust where it lays to get a better purchase with an angle grinder or hydraulic shears. Keep the lock out of the way with the open C of the shackle pointing away from something solid so there is no room to swing a hammer against the lock body.

I’d also remove any connection between your keys and bike. Dropping the keys can ruin your day, but why have a huge manufacturers logo and the same dealer contact info on them as on the number plate sticker.

Andy

I wrapped mine round by engine protection bars on my versys for a recent short distance trip in the UK where I didn't want the chain in my soft luggage. With a bit of jiggling I got it fairly tight and kept it clear of the engine so the nylon sheath didn't melt. Can't really carry it any lower than that unless you drag it.

The padlock I have is a small u shackle that I tend to do round the spokes (cast wheel) as well as the chain going through the wheel and frame so even if you cut the chain the lock is still going to rattle on the wheel.

Anything to make the next bike look like an easier target.

HTH

Chris

On my recent trip I carried my chain on the top of my pannier lid, slipped it under the bungies then fastened the chain and padlock to the loops on the pannier lid. It stayed put for 8 weeks (even when me and the bike parted company on the trail), only coming off when I needed it.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/636/2...eaa74573_c.jpgIMG_2350 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

Lock
 

During my trips I carry a cable and a u lock but i always put a bike cover old and crapy so people do not see the bike or try to seat on it (kids and adult) i saw a a bike cover with a wire alarm and this make sens to me...