Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Bike Security Bike Security
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Sep 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 72
Bike Security
Hi,

Was just wondering about how safe it is for bikes and gear in south and central america? Do I need a big chain and lock for the bike?

Boz
__________________
Life is far too short...so don\'t waste it!

www.theadventuresofboz.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Sep 2005
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Nick
More important then your bike here in the south is your luggage!Never leave at hand loose bags or smal items like watches,GPS,etc.
I think that taken the smal U lock from kryptonite will improve your psicological feeling of being safe!
It is very dificult to sell a foreign bike,more if its even stolen.
But everyone is riding at own risk.
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Sep 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: brentwood
Posts: 24
Nik,

We haven't had any problems so far through central america.

We have the following security, because we REALLY don't want to lose the bikes or the gear, and secondly in order to be able to sleep better at night. Peace of mind really counts.

We have:
A big (heavy) chain, and tough JCB lock which we wrap round the back wheels.
A cheap but effective alarm (M&P Catalogue).
Bike covers (They take up little room and really reduce the attention the bikes get)

I've heard of another guy that hasn't used any security in 120 000 miles, and has never had an issue.

Best of luck,

Will
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Sep 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: London England
Posts: 62
Wether i am at home here in London or travelling abroad, the big chain and lock comes with me. Motorbike security is an issue in most countrys of the world its not unique to south america, purely because they are so stealable. They can be lifted or wheeled buy a few men and thrown or wheeled into the back of a van, even with alarms blaring. Always try to lock you bike to something preferably something thats immovable.

And a cover is a good idea as well
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Sep 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 114
Hey,
we had an little chainlock with us but usually did not use it. Well, we just did not leave our bikes alone as lond as bagage was on them. And we always tried to park them in a safe place for example back yard, garage or similar.
The only thing, which was stolen directly from the bike, was a 2lt. gasoline tank at the border from Bolivia to Peru near the lake titicaca (near Puno). Little boys always wanted to help us to get through the costums. Well since we did that many times before we did not need their help. So they grapped that tank and run off.
So be careful in that way and have look for safe places everywhere.

Have a nice ride.
Burnout1
__________________
www.moto-adventure.ch - just THE page about touring Europe and South america by bike!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 2
Similar concerns
Hi Nik. Myself and a mate are planning a trip through South America next year and we have similar security concerns. We are planning on doing the trip on F800GS'. Some people have suggested that we don't use these bikes and rather use something that will draw less attention and be less of a target. Does anyone with experience agree with this?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
I have a cover, a small disk lock and a larger lock with a thick steelwire cable. I feel that if you cant lock both wheels it is pointless. If one wheel can roll, then they can really easily get away with it if they are two people.
If you lock both wheels they need maybe 3-4 to carry it.
Best is to lock it to something, as this forces them to work on the bike on site. This will deter many.
Putting a cover over the bike is extremely effective! You can park it in the middle of a very busy place and the cover really makes people ignore it. My best security measure.


ezpunter:

people are doing it all the time on 1200gs, goldwing, hayabusa, whatever.

That said you decide how rich you want to look. Personally I like to look a bit scruffy since I travel alone, but the number of people who have had serious problems is next to nothing.

Go with whatever bike you want and take the apropriate measures. Never take more than you can afford to lose.

The biggest problem with your new 800s' is that parts may be really hard to come by!

I think the 800 would be very nice for south america though, so if I had one I would take it. hehe, so much for reason.
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 2
Thx Peter. That helps. Was in your home town of Copenhagen in March. Fantastic city - just a little colder than I am used to
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
You are welcome Ezpunter

Why do you think I am in South America now?

Denmark is terrible in the winter!
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:55.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top