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Theft prevention tips when touring SA? Theft prevention tips when touring SA?
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  #1  
Old 22 Mar 2023
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Theft prevention tips when touring SA?
Hey everyone, hope you're keeping well and riding safe!

In 3 weeks time I'll be flying to Bogota, where, I'm excited to say, I'll be starting a trip through South America. I'm going to buy from a dealership in Bogota, and I'm currently looking at the AKT TTR 200 for around $1000.

I was wondering if people could share their strategies or tips for theft prevention when touring.

I'll be staying predominantly in hostels, so it's inevitable that I'll be leaving it out on the street some nights. I have two lightweight disc locks that I am thinking of bringing. To save weight, I'm reluctant to invest in a chain. The nature of the bike - being light, cheap and common - means it shouldn't attract too much attention.

Of course, no prevention is 100% secure, but do people think this will be sufficient? And what tips do people have when it comes to secure parking?

Many thanks )
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  #2  
Old 22 Mar 2023
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Actually, you will seldom—if ever—leave your bike overnight on the street. Most hotels and hostels have secure parking, and when they don’t they’ll recommend some nearby, or help you stash your bike in their lobby, dining room, hallway, or wherever.

I normally carry a chain and good lock, but seldom need to use it. A non-branded cover is nice, too, with bungies to keep it from acting like a sail.

This has been discussed at length many times, specifically in relation to South America, so you might try a site search. Hope that’s helpful.

Mark
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  #3  
Old 22 Mar 2023
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Thanks Mark, appreciated. Sounds like I'm overthinking it a bit then, so that's eased my concerns.

I couldn't find other similar threads, but that's probably due to my site-searching skills rather than anything else.
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  #4  
Old 23 Mar 2023
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I’ve been traveling through South America now for the past 8 months & I have not left my bike out on the street once in all that time

I always choose accommodation with secure parking & if that is not available I pay a few dollars to park up in a secure parking facility - they exist in everywhere

Just because your bike is cheap, do not assume it won’t be targeted
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  #5  
Old 24 Mar 2023
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security
Actually the AKT ttr200 is not around 1000 bucks it is more like 2000 bucks New, all decked out Plated & insured, its Around 9 million+ pesos In Colombia .
That being said you have a highly desirable Dual Sport with a six speed.
Personally I would not leave sight of your AKT 200 for a second on the streets in Colombia without it being secured whether it's a chain or disk lock In high traffic areas
This is where all you will see is motos and moto repair and accessories shops, they are usually near el Centro of all Cities and there are tons of places like this
Go to a established parking lot you will be ok
Parking at shopping malls or large department stores Ok because of Moto parking places at these establishments and depending on the State/Department you are at have attendants that Ask for your moto property cards to verify the moto is yours when you are leaving they check everybody so have your card handy
Small Moto theft is very common in cites in Colombia.
Out in Country Side is a different world its safe as can be
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  #6  
Old 25 Mar 2023
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Always - ALWAYS find accomodation with secure parking. Never park in the streets. If a place doesnt have secure parking there are almost always a commercial parking lot nearby where you pay a few bucks to park your bike safely.

Anyhow - a 200 cc bike without luggage can be parked almost anywhere, in the reception, in the back yard etc.
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  #7  
Old 27 Mar 2023
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Good advice here; Instead of a chain, which is heavy, I recommend a coiled motorcycle cable lock. Lock the moto to something solid, like a post. Forget the brake rotor lock. I also have another lighter cable that I string through my gear, if I'm at a tourist attraction. At busy tourist attractions, often a vendor can be recruited to keep an eye on your moto. As far as hotel security is concerned, all Latin American hotels are used to accommodating motos parked in a secure and off the street location. When inquiring at a hotel, always ask about parking.
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