Advice on security precautions in NW-Africa (Morocco, W. Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal)
 

I'm planning a ride down the Atlantic coast through the countries mentioned in the subject. I shall ride alone, so the there will be no magic "a member of the group" to look after the motorcycle/gear while I'm off the bike. So, I'd like to ask for advise from those who were actually riding in these countries recently.

Would you leave a bike in the street at night with just the steering locked? If not, what have you used for additional protection against the bike being stolen? Did you take panniers off every time you've walked away from the bike?

I've been to Morocco recently, also riding alone, but not further south. During the day, I did leave the bike with only the steering lock. at night, I only left my bike 'outside' once, and I chained it to something immovable and had a ratty cover on it. I took the panniers inside where I was staying. There's lots here about covers and their usefulness, especially if they look really old / have been used as paint covers / etc. I've also heard people comment that theft of 'large' bikes can be rare in North Africa, as they can be difficult to sell / get parts / etc. I'm not sure whether I'd want to put this to the test, though! In Morocco, I always stayed in hotels, as they were cheap. It also had the added bonus that the guest parking had guardians over night. I generally gave them a little cash in the morning.

I wouldn't have left the bike without a cover and just the steering lock - I don't rate these anyway, despite always using them!

You will always find accomodation with a compound, courtyard, fenced yard or somewhere secure to park the bike overnight or you will be able to ride into most hotels through the front doors and leave the bike there. Up to you if you want to remove panniers each night, for parking on the street during the day I throw a cover over bike and take my tank bag (with camera) with me. In West Africa, Central America and South America I never had anything stolen of my bike/truck, ever....In the UK I had my bike stolen.....where is safer?
Yes, be sensible with your gear, but at some point you have to trust people....and 99% of people out there are good.