Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Locking your bike in Central and South America Locking your bike in Central and South America
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Sep 2008
cruthas's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
Locking your bike in Central and South America
I was wondering if anyone had any information on locking your bike while you are on the road, also what kind of lock would you recommend? I imagine I will bring my bike into my hostel area as often as I can but those times I have to park it outside while in the internet cafe or just away from it for a while I would like to feel comfortable about leaving it alone. Any information would be great.
__________________
keep your front wheel ahead of your rear wheel
www.mototheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Sep 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruthas View Post
I was wondering if anyone had any information on locking your bike while you are on the road, also what kind of lock would you recommend? I imagine I will bring my bike into my hostel area as often as I can but those times I have to park it outside while in the internet cafe or just away from it for a while I would like to feel comfortable about leaving it alone. Any information would be great.
You always post when I'm on

I'm looking at buying an alarmed wheel lock, about 60 bucks aud and much smaller & lighter than a big chain. I am also going to take my cable-wire lock which I've used for the last year at home so I can lock my helmet & jacket up with the bike when required.

Those big chains which are sold in bike shops weigh alot, I think they're a bit of overkill and a battery operated angle-grinder can get through anything in a few seconds, big or small. Keep your steering locked whenever parked to stop opportunists.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Sep 2008
cruthas's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boulder, co
Posts: 107
I agree, the big chains are bulky. I would assume most use a cable wire with a padlock. That is what I am going to use with a locked steering wheel. I guess I will just have to use caution where ever I am. what time is it in your neck of the woods PocketHead? it is 8:30 PM here this is when I post the most because I am out of work.
__________________
keep your front wheel ahead of your rear wheel
www.mototheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Grant has a story about alarms .. in South America ..


The little kids activate it .. see the mad gringo come running out .. look around ... fumble in his pockets .. alarm goes silent .. goes back inside ... and they do it again .. it is great fun for the local kids.

Bicycle cable locks are light weight and small ...


Eastern Australia is GMT+10. Boulder is around GMT- 9? so about 19 hours in front of you there. 9pm -19 = 21-19 = 2 am .. that is not right .. so 1 pm here ..13 .. 21 there= 8 hours difference + 1 day = 24-8 = 16 so you'd be GMT-6 ...
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Why not just carry a bike cover. Out of sight, out of mind is a lot more effective than most people think! During my travels, getting my bike stolen was the last thing on my mind. A fully loaded R100GS on it;s centre stand is quite intimidating, and although it drew a lot of attention, it was never a problem. I don't think anyone would know how to get it off it's stand, get on it, start it and ride away without dropping it and never being able to pick it up without a small army. The little things that are easy to walk away with was a much bigger concern.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Sep 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruthas View Post
I agree, the big chains are bulky. I would assume most use a cable wire with a padlock. That is what I am going to use with a locked steering wheel. I guess I will just have to use caution where ever I am. what time is it in your neck of the woods PocketHead? it is 8:30 PM here this is when I post the most because I am out of work.

Hmm 10am when you messaged, I am at work all day bored so I troll the forums between calls come to think of it I am online alot hehe
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
It's true... don't bother with a lock/alarm system. It's more trouble than it's worth. I carried a sturdy disc lock, and a decent (but light) cable lock. Lock the frame to something solid when you can, use the disk lock when you can't. Always lock your steering. You can't make the bike impossible to steal, but you can make it difficult. I've never really worried much about it, though. Use common sense and park inside where possible.
__________________
Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,070
locking bike
No need really to carry all manner of security locks and chains for the bike. In 30 years of travel thru Mexico and CA and elsewhere I have never had any theft problems while relying solely on using the steering lock and helmet latch on any of my bikes. The trick is to not carry all manner of visible gadgetry which might attract theft and to pick your parking spots in highly visible areas , strike up a conversation with a shop keeper and ask him to watch the bike , buy some refreshments from him. Park at the door of the internet cafe. Avoid parking in dark alleys in "bad" neighbourhoods. Find an inexpensive hotel for the night and leave the bik e parked in their secure garage or lobby and walk all over downtown.
The cable lock is a good pracrice to tie down your jacket if you don't want to carry it about.
I do carry a modest combination padlock so I can lock my helmet to the bike and it is a lso handy to use at some of the country hotels where they hand you a padlock for your room door
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike insurance: Central and South America Pipe Trip Paperwork 4 24 Jul 2008 12:01
leaving a bike in central/ south america? mrdnd Central America and Mexico 5 15 May 2006 22:54
Best bike for central/south america kidcalavera South America 24 10 Jan 2006 04:11
buying a bike in Mexico-central or south america niels Trip Paperwork 0 6 Aug 2005 15:50

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 03:55.

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