Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Spare keys. We all take them but where do you hide them? Spare keys. We all take them but where do you hide them?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
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



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 5 12 3 45
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 3 May 2006
mj's Avatar
mj mj is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
I 'hide' it on my girlfriend who's with me on almost every big trip. In case she's not, I never keep my set of keys and set of spare keys in the same jacket yet I would never hide my keys somewhere on my bike. It's usually in my rear Givi case (for which I have a couple of extra spare keys)
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 14 May 2006
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Exclamation
'Real' bike thieves don't bother with keys.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 15 Jun 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 17
In the lining of your helmet

get a "money belt" not a real one or a full sized one but the kind that looks like a normal belt that has a zipper on the inside, not much room, its meant to store some emergency cash or a spare key

inside a thick pen that you keep with your tools, or inside the handle of tool
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 16 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peyton, CO, USA
Posts: 51
Spare keys
Ground off the plastic, drilled hole through meatiest part of head and then screwed it into my boot right in front of the heel where it meets the sole. Very easy to get at and if you're paranoid enough do each boot so if one does come off for some reason you still have a back up. Chris
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 16 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Talking
One in my money belt, one in my Mrs' money belt and one at home. Question now is. What do you do with your money belt?
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
The best safegaurd is to have a bike no one wants to steal... A RH gearshift perhaps ( and no electric start )

Last year I decide to get a spare key as my bike came with only one. I tried to test it in teh car park where it was cut, I fumbled and it feel down into teh bike somewhere behind the fairing. I could not find it at all. So had another one cut.
This week when I did teh oil change I had to loosen teh lower fairing panel to get at the oil filter cover. As I pulled away the cover the key dropped out from between the cover and teh fairing.

It has been there a year nearly and been thousands of miles.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Why am I thinking of a gold wrist watch, Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken!

Oh, I notice someone else mentioned Pulp Fiction. Great film.

I keep mine on a lanyard attached to a belt loop on my jeans and have them in my pocket. I used to keep them around my neck but the bunch has got too big for that now. It works well as you see them every day so know you haven't lost your emergency back-up.
Last edited by Flyingdoctor; 17 May 2008 at 10:46.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 27 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
I actually have 3 sets of keys on me while traveling. My everyday riding set, which is on a neck lanyard that is ALWAYS around my neck unless I"m riding. My spare set that is tucked away well in my bag. And a third 'emergency' set that I have locked onto the bike. I use a real estate agents lock box, the kind that is hooked around a doorknob when your house is for sale. It has a combination lock on it and it locks itself nicely onto the frame. Never needed it and assume I never will. But love that it's there.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 28 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
On my F650 I just kept the screwdriver some thieving ****wit left in the ignition for me. Now that bloke could shift, so I never got to ask him why he'd left his screwdriver when he scarpered and why he'd turned on the ignition before thinking about the disc lock. :confused1:

Still, BMW's ****est security device worked regardless of if you used key or screw driver and I thought the driver might have other uses (like giving it's original owner something to think about everytime he sat down!).

I keep the spare key under the battery on the Triumph. Thing is, the battery isn't where Triumph left it

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 28 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
Where do you hide your keys?
Hmmm, I had often wondered why off-road riders rode standing up.... Now I know!



On a more helpful note:
You could disguise it as something else... If your CDI is not visible, for example, you could fashion a fake one, under the seat or a panel and keeep them in there?
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 29 May 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Get a couple of copies cut and enlarge the holes to take a bolt / screw. The key then gets used as a washer somewhere out of sight.
Last edited by Big Yellow Tractor; 16 Jun 2008 at 09:35.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 15 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 33
Great ideas.
Dam, i feel like a fool. There was i keeping it in my pocket. What would have happened if i had lost my bike-pants.
Mental note: Buy zip-ties, gaffer tape, plastic bottles, welding torch, string, other tapes.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 8 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Nagpur,INDIA
Posts: 6
Smile spare key
There are many things to hide the spare key.
1) Underneath seat foam of your bike.
2) Taped to the under the license plate.
3) Under the battery.
4) Leave one copy of the key at home.
5) If you ride with others keep the key with each other.
Last edited by amonil; 11 Jul 2008 at 11:54.
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 11 Jul 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 121
Nice tips in here. Just wanted to mention (because I'm the sort of person to do it)...do not hide your spare key where a key is required to acess it, i.e. under the seat on some bikes, etc.

Cheers,
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 11 Jul 2008
MysteryB's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK: SHREWSBURY
Posts: 33
On a lanyard round my neck never take it off.
__________________
EXPLORE YOUR HORIZONS...
06' BMW R1200GS Adventure
10' BMW G450X
11' BMW F800GS 30 Year Anniversary
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 5 12 3 45

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/travel-hints-and-tips/spare-keys-we-all-take-20706
Posted By For Type Date
Spare keys. We all take them but where do you hide them? - The HUBB This thread Refback 16 May 2008 09:36

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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 03:52.

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