Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
How much do you have to worry about theft? How much do you have to worry about theft?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By othalan
  • 3 Post By Toyark

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Dec 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 2
How much do you have to worry about theft?
I am contemplating doing a trip on my dr650 from SE Asia to Europe. Along the way I want to stop in cities and stay in hostels (ex: Bangkok) as well as go on some multi-day backpacking trips (ex: Everest Base Camp Trek). Obviously, the motorcycle would be out of sight, so I have some general questions about leaving it and my belongings in different scenarios:

1. For just leaving the bike parked for a few hours to walk around, would it be safe if I just carry my important stuff in a big backpack and leave the bike parked? Would leave some bulky/heavy low value stuff (stove, hiking poles, pump, tools, some clothes) in soft panniers.

2. Parking overnight on the street when staying in a hostel, I would bring my backpack and panniers inside. Would it be safe to leave the bike parked on the street overnight? (planning on covering and using a ulock)

3. Leaving the bike to go on a multi-day trek (himalayas). Are there hotels/hostels or other resources willing to safely store the bike? Are they easy to find?


I love the idea of freely travelling the world on a bike, but I am worried I will have to sacrifice some freedom of being on foot because I can't let the bike out of my sight. Is this the case? Thanks much.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Dec 2022
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,103
1) Yes - even in the middle of touristy cities in Europe But of course never leave something on your bike that you would really hate losing.

2 and 3) It should be possible almost anywhere to find a hostel/cheap hotel with secure off-street parking. Especially in places where the locals ride (small) motorbikes a lot. It'll just be a common need that's catered for by the hotel.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Dec 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 182
In three years of motorbike travel plus a few shorter journeys, the only locations where I found the motorbike limited my (on-foot) freedom were EU cities. Everywhere else it has been easy. The locals will help you find a secure parking space, police will let you park in front of their office, ticket stands will let you park behind them (and sometimes even store your gear), local riders will provide parking spaces, hotels will store your bike for a time, repair shops will store the bike for a small fee, etc. As already noted, it is easiest to find safe parking in countries where the locals ride a lot.



Sometimes the "safe place" might be a bit crazy sounding. I've parked in the lobby of more than one 5-star hotel (even staying elsewhere), ridden through kitchens to a courtyard, ridden up staircases (going down backwards is "fun"), and once parked in someone's living room.



I found parking on the street overnight was a very rare event, but it happened on occasion. When this is necessary, I try to park under a security camera. Or in a place the police are watching.
__________________
Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Dec 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 840
Opportunistic theft can happen anywhere. If possible lock anything you're leaving on a bike, even for a short time (cable locks normally enough). Overnight don't leave anything on that you're not prepared to lose. Most hotels will be able to offer somewhere reasonably secure, though I know of someone who had his bags slashed and emptied in a "safe" car park. Ironically it's wealthy European cities where bike theft is the greatest problem.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Dec 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Bikes are certainly more susceptible to opportunistic theft than car or trucks so everyone else’s advice of never leaving anything on it you can’t afford to lose is good practice. That usually means stuff like documents, money, phone etc - things that are either expensive or whose loss will cause you significant trouble. If someone steals a T shirt or gloves it’s annoying but not the end of the world. In a lot of places people will go out of their way to look after your bike. I’ve been invited to bring the bike into the hotel lobby a number of times and once they even had someone sleeping next to it ‘just in case’. Even in Europe I’ve been told to park next to the hotel entrance and the receptionist will keep an eye on it. You are playing the odds though so trust your own judgement first and anyone else’s offered help second.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Dec 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
You don't say where you are from.

Perception of crime is just that and is based on what you are used to.

A London rider will never leave a helmet dropped over a mirror and will own a disc lock that costs more than a used bike in Bangkok. We have to deal with nitrogen sprays and battery powered angle grinders. It's the same mentality that makes South African riders fear van loads of big blokes with pick-axe handles and Americans feel oddly safer tooled up for the gunfight at the OK coral.

The actual threat is mostly the local druggie or street kid who will pocket your camera if you leave it on the seat. Just taking it with you is enough until you hit ****holes like London. A basic disc lock might place you a level of security above the locals.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Dec 2022
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Worry in western countries.

Don't worry in third world countries.


If you stay away from cities and large towns, I think you'll be very unlucky to lose anything at all.

If you must visit large urban areas, pay extra for secure parking or camp next to your bike outside of town.

Out of all my trips around the world, all I've ever lost was a mobile phone from a tank bag that I left open when I was distracted at a fuel station in Sudan.

Any trip I plan now will purposely avoid any large town or city. If you must visit them, leave yourself and bike outside of town and get public transport in.

Who wants to explore a city in their bike gear carrying a helment and tank bag anyway.

Security has come a long way now. There is no need to drag heavy chains about.

Look at these.

https://www.litelok.com/collections/...elok-core-moto
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Dec 2022
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Talking
Don't worry too much about theft...
You can leave Touring Ted pretty much anywhere and he'll find his way to the nearest .

Just don't expect him to buy you one
Merry Xmas you old fruit!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jan 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 33
Kathmandu for EBC
The owner of Elbrus Home in Kathmandu will let you leave your bike parked on the property while you're away trekking to Everest Base Camp if you stay there before and after the trek.
__________________
"To sleep, perchance to dream... of having the self-belief of an adult man whose forum contributions need to be moderated." Unknown
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Theft in the USA camir Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 7 3 Nov 2022 17:31
Theft insurance Mexico - Argentina Christian de Massy Trip Paperwork 3 23 Oct 2022 01:12
G650GS Sertao anti theft alarm DWA5.1 issues amzahsulaiman BMW Tech 0 4 Jan 2019 12:09
Temporary European Insurance (for theft) Fruid Europe 3 6 Sep 2017 20:29
RORO safety and theft protection po1368 Trip Transport 8 17 Jul 2012 07:08

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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 07:18.

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