I do everything you suggested, one addition is I have a bike cover, takes just a minute and lessens the risk of the impulse thief. Out of sight out of mind. Good info and great to see your subscriber base continue to grow. Cheers from Tingo Maria , Peru en route to Argentina from Colombia.
Great advice. I also liked the older video of yours about bike safety too. My partner and I always lock our helmets onto the bike or take them with us. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once at an outdoor popular busy tourist restaurant we parked our bikes across the street from the restaurants with other customer's bikes. I did not like the fact that a car/truck could easily obscure the bike from me for even a second, so I moved the bike were it was more visible almost all of the time. I also sat in the restaurant facing the motorcycle. Soon after we got there a group of bikers left this restaurant and went to their bikes across the street. One of the guys had his unlocked helmet stolen off the seat of the bike. He could have saved himself a lot of trouble just by brining it with him or locking it on his bike. I say to my Friends, "would you leave $20 on the seat of your motorcycle or on your mirror?". Obviously the answer is always "NO.". Then I ask why do you you leave your $800 helmet unlocked on your bike?".
As always, all good advice, Pavlin. One thing that is worth adding. If you have a bike cover (cheap, and easily packed and unpacked from a pocket on tank bag) then you can cover your bike when you park it. Most thieves scope out a job before they steal anything. If they can’t see your bike and your luggage because they are covered up, then they are more likely to go and steal from another bike or place, rather than raise suspicion from other people by looking under your cover. Les in UK
Hey Pavel, I’m fully with you. I just came back from Turkey and spent a lot of time not in the best places. But what always worked for me (at hotels) is ask receptionists first where to put the motorbike. They help you always. Most of them offered me to put it in the receptionroom itself. But if it was outside on the sidewalk for example I always put a really bad looking Plastic cover over it. I obviously never let anything valuable in my sidepanniers (only sleeping bag, Stove, Tent, Clothing etc). But even that there have been many homeless people nothing got stolen at all. It was also some luck probably, because you can meet bad people everywhere, but I would say it definitly increased the Chances so nothing got stolen, ( I really apprecate the friendliness, but sometimes its better to not get too much attention with your numberplate. Thank you for your effort to make videos!
Having your bags stolen while you are away from your bike is one of the worst things that can happen to motorcyclists. This video helped point out how thieves could easily remove your bags and doable methods to better reduce the risk of getting robbed. Good work as always.
As always, I deeply appreciate your "practical realism". No sugar coating, no "dreaming", no fluffy words... just simple, realistic, practical advice. God bless you! :-)
I've always operated with the tenet that "locks only keep honest people out", but I STILL carry an assortment of bike covers, locks, cables and almost always carry my helmet with me. Good info here, Pavel! Thank you!
My old friend told me "Locks are for honest people". The mob came and put twenty sticks of dynamite at his door to open it. It did. He got the message. Take you stuff with you, stay where you can watch it, limit exposure. A skateboard or a screwdriver are the keys to most motorcycles. Out of sight, out of mind. A cheap cover without any logo. Be bobble headed. Look access the situation. Never walk a oneway in/out access. Several friends were robbed at gunpoint in that situation. Dead end roads. Dark. Never loose site of your machine. Nothing flashy. You don't want to be "that guy".
Good tips, as always! Another tip for safety is using motorcycle cover - nobody knows what exactly is underneath it and they have to get under it to try something without visual preparation. And it is always more suspicious if so more risky!
Your system works great, Pavlin. I’m using pretty much the same luggage setup right now after seeing it in your videos, and it’s perfect. Thank you for the tips! 👍
As usual, the go-to-guy for great tips!... 'On Her Bike' recently got all her gear pinched off her bike in broad daylight in Canada. In North American cities the drug addicts and homeless are a serious concern, but, like most thieves, are largely opportunists....don't leave the door open! 😁
Great advice sir, security is an issue that most people worry about. I prefer riding pants with zippered thigh pockets and keep my keys, wallet and passport i them, maybe I can misplace my jacket but I always keep my pants on that way they are always with me. I also use the steel core lockable straps to go around my soft panniers for added security but my panniers like yours only carry camping gear and clothes, which are all replaceable with the added bonus that they are always soft to press so have plenty give in them .
Pro tip. Always park in front (i mean a few meters) from a terrace, restaurant or windows of a supermarket. Further, split extra bank cards and your backup phone. Keep some on you, but also put some in a hidden place on the motorcycle, e.g. under the saddle. If you are robbed, you can still get some money.
Hi Pavlin. I did not read all the comments so sorry if someone already suggested this, but to carry the tank bag and jacket around on a hot day you may consider a packable daypack. It takes very little space and turns into a full backpack when unfolded. You can put your jacket and tank bag in it and keep your hands free when you are sightseeing. Cheers!
The one I refer to is not bulky at all. When packed, it fits in the palm of your hand - a bit bigger than a pack of cigarettes. It is made of the same thin material some tents are made of. I store mine under the seat.
Thanks for your advice, Pavlin. There are two sorts of thieves, Pavlin. The ones who casually see a chance and pick things. So better not to leave helmets... carelessly unattended during stops. And then there are professional thieves. They are looking for desirable bikes that signify a rich rider. Maybe you have a good chance to remain unmolested with a rat bike. Or with an boring oldtimer like my Transalp 600 ;-) All the best for your travels, Günter, Nürnberg/Germany
Hello Pavel, Thank you for this video. I personaly protect my sadle bag with a pacsafe net, on the bike, during night ferry crossings or in youth hostels...
Al good advices. I have watched a few of your episodes and really like you channel. Have now subscribed and pressed like on all the videos I am watching. Cheers from Sweden
Hi Pavlin, very good piece of advice! Like you give plenty of in your “Essential Course…” I’ve just finished the course and I’m up to start from the beginning again. Soo useful! Btw, I appreciate a lot how passionately you share your experience with other riders. Peter from Austria
"As a traveler, I always prioritize practicality. I never carry more than my body and airline regulations allow (usually 23 kg). If I need to leave my bike, I've got a system to quickly strap its luggage to my backpack. Whether I'm in a hostel or on foot, my bike's belongings are always with me. For long stays, I find a safe spot or pay someone to keep an eye on things. My bike's tools and spares stay put, but my valuables-including my 11kg backpack-are always on me."
Great advice Pavel, One time though I was up and ready to leave thinking I'd gone through all my check list but forgot to remove my disc lock🤪, feeling like such a plonker I learnt a painful lesson that day ! So add that to the list of checks and happy riding 👍.
When leaving my bike, taking off for sightseeing, I run a cable lock through the sleave of my jacket, through the helmet and and handles and loops of the luggage. Then put the lock in a hard place to find and reach. Cheap bike cover over it all. Secured both sides together underneath with a tiny carabina as I have experienced it being blown off the bike on a windy day. I often leave my smelly riding boots under there too. And then a disc lock with alarm. Valuables in small backpack for carry, as I don't use tankbag. Apart from change of footwear it takes me about 5-7min for a relative peace of mind. The cover is often used overnight when camping as I leave all my dirty or wet riding gear on the bike instead of in the tent.
7:51 I strongly recommend a thing called "quechua ultra compact 10l backpack" - it is a foldable rucksack, and when folded it is so small that you can even keep it even in a jeans pocket, but when unfolded you can store in it about two 2l bottles and a small towel. I can't call myself a motorcycle traveller - much more often I use public transport, but I think I travel reletively much, and so far this "pocket backpack" is definitely my best travel purchase. You can buy this in any sport-and-travel store (like decathlon) in the world, and it costs just a couple bucks.
Btw there are such options as 15l and 20l backpacks. In a 20l one you would most likely be able to store your motorcycle jacket, and when folded it is still very small. Also there are water resistent versions.
I used to tour around Europe in the 70s and 80s on bike, never experienced any thefts or had any security concerns, how times change! Strangely went for a few days in Paris with a girlfriend in early 1980s, thief attempted to steal wallet on metro, fortunately I was aware caught him and pinned him against metro wall, retrieved the wallet. Half a dozen ladies of a certain age gathered around me and asked how I was and how sorry they were that this should happen in their city to a visitor.
@@motorcycleadventures Yes it’s shite that crime is everywhere and the Police are ineffectual. In Paris one of the more favoured bikes to steal are GS/GSA €25K. Hotels often charge for parking now and will apply the car rate to bikes, they attempt to reduce the hotel nightly charge on line in order to have a superficial lower rate than local competition but then add additional charges for parking, breakfast and use of leisure facilities. I experienced this in Strasbourg, Munich and Berlin.
Seems we all like soft luggage and cable locks, and none of us have come to harm. BTW Pavlin, I found a large phone waterproof pouch fits a passport beautifully. I also like my Finnish identity card which most customs/border control in the EU are happy to accept instead of a passport. EU identity cards are not accepted for travel into UK, as a couple of sad looking German lads told me at Dunkerque Ferry Terminal, so diverted to Ireland rather than UK.
Soft panniers with quality cable locks have additional advantages. In case of the inevitable fall while riding off road, the soft panniers are less likely to cause serious injuries and to sustain expensive damage. The cable lock doesn’t provide a solid base to break the lock with a screwdriver. A good cable will require a bolt cutter that is not easy for a thief to carry concealed.
Why would the thief waste any time to open the cable lock if he has a sharp knife in his hand...lol? Long cut and all sorted.. empty! All stuff gone in 2minutes, max!
@Gabor Kovacs Well, nothing is perfect. However, it's easier to be said than done. Many panniers, including my Mosko are super tough Cordura. Perhaps slows down the thief a bit. I wish there was a perfe t solution, but there is none. Here in the US, they will just load up your entire bike into a panel van and gone in 30 seconds.
@@tonigaban1987 True, but there are additional protections available like an 'iron net' you can throw and lock over the soft luggage, for example of touratech. But yeah, it's expensive and maybe not that comfortable I guess...
hallo Pavlin ! im subscriber of your channel 5 years now, and to be true you are the reason that i bought xt660z and also i replace front forks with forks of wr426f. But after so many time i decide to sell my xt660z and to go for xt 700. so, i want to ask you if you make any adjustments at suspention of xt700? luckily im at your same height and 10 more kilos from you, 110. i dont use any laggages.
Yes, it is still stock, but after I hit the bottom of the forks a few times I plan to change the springs with stiffer ones. Front and rear. It is okay if you stay only on the road, but on the dirt roads is different.
@@motorcycleadventures before change springs ,isnt better to "play" first with compresion,damping and preload at stock suspention ?? Front and back... I mean,maybe youll find a good for you setup without changing any springs.. You didnt try it yet??
I have been keeping my wallet, keys in my tank bag. Lately I have been thinking I should do as you and keep them in my jacket pocket. That way I can leave the tank bag on the motorcycle which frees up my hands.
You have a good sistem, but let me tell you mine for visiting attractions: it's the wife🤣 She doesn't like castles, museums and historical places so she always stays near the motorcycle. I got the best anti-theft system!
I did the same.. and never again..! My jacket is Rukka(not a cheap one) and I was always wearing in town.. When I arrived in the first town I was ready to cry like a little girl.. Seriously made me so tired constantly sweating in the jacket, sometimes I felt my self like a homeless. Never ever again !! Hard panniers with decent lock system and leave your trousers as well if necessary, otherwise every day will be a hell..!!
Hello Pavel - excellent words of wisdom as always - thanks again - what do you do with your jacket when its hot and you are carrying tank bag in one hand - I don't think you told us it skips to tip number 3 without answering where do you keep your jacket with the passport, wallet etc when its hot ? 🙂
Thanks for a nice end good video....i am a beginning to ride on motor bike,, sorry for my eng,,, but thank u hape me verry match,, thx,,, drive care,,,,
I've seen before the idea of having a fake wallet; it will contain an out of date credit card and low value foreign cash; cash that is many notes that's worth €10.
A simple pry bar will remove soft and hard luggage in seconds. Best security take items out of luggage and bring inside with you or bring soft bags inside room with you. If nothing on bike than nothing to steal.
I put my wallet and Phone into the big pockets of my riding trousers. With this, I can’t forget it, have it with me even on the toilet of the restaurant, can leave the jacket with the cablelock at the bike walking around without it when it’s hot.😉 You call it Rules, I call it rituals. Everything ist stored always at the same place. Even in the hotel room, and I dismount my luggage, phone, navigation in the same order, transport it to the hotel room in the same order with helmet, etc. I make rituals of the processes. In the hotel room the phone, charger, gopro, all at the same place. Always. With this, no matter where you are, you don’t have to think, remember or search for anything.
Good video. We are all using the same. I have my personal effects in bum bag inside the tank bag. If I stop just grab the bum bag. Also I use a small built in lock chain as main bike security. It’s versatile and you can lock helmet or bike to something. But basically what you say
Great Advise. How do you know that the restaurant owner is ACTUALLY watching you bike and didn't just say that to get your business. After all he has a restaurant to run...all the other advise I can see merit. In addition I always take a bike cover and not to protect the bike from the weather (that's a bonus) but to cover up the bike, especially over night. People are generally lazy and its the old out of sight out of mind story. not fool proof but it minimise the chances of getting robbed further. rsm8
a mid range lock picker. can get through any key lock as fast as you can using your key. maybe even faster. combo locks just seconds longer. the golden rule is. locks keep the honest... honest.
Nothing is ever secure as far as luggage, worst case the bad guy can use a metal blade in sawzall and cut your frame in half. Nothing is safe from drug addicts looking to steal something to buy their next fix.
The more expensive your bike, it's accessories the more expensive the goods are inside the bike. Make your bike look like it's blowing smoke and being used locally
Do you think that itchy boots traveling alone?...Is it possible that single women is taveling alone around the world with no harm?...do you believe is it true?
