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You might feel safe and think your luggage and even motorcycle is safe but the truth is something else. Even if you are traveling in groups, doing solo trips, or riding with a passenger there is always a chance of loss and things getting stolen. For instance, you leave your helmet on the bike unprotected and unlocked for just a short while because you were going to get some food and when you come back after 15 minutes, the helmet is gone. On trips and tours always take security measures when leaving your stuff behind.
Going on some motorcycle trip does not matter if it is long or short, keep these things in mind and follow them if you don’t want any tension for loss and stolen items ruining the joy. Mostly on trips, you will meet strangers who greet you like their own but that does not mean neglecting the safety and security of your motorcycle luggage. Where it is good there is bad, ever heard of this phrase? That is not the time when we can afford to lose anything to praying hands, least of all your motorcycle. So how do you keep your bike and gear from being stolen while touring? Here are our tips.
1. Parking at night
Park where it is safe, park in a well-lit area and avoid deserted areas because your luggage and the bike, basically everything is in danger because night time is golden for thieves. Don’t park where thieves have leverage and can do their work undisturbed.
2. Taking care of the luggage at night
We know packing is a headache but here it out, you have two options here. One, don’t lock your panniers, take every important thing out at night, and pack it back again in the morning. This way the thieves can look into it and see there is nothing worthy and your panniers will be safe. If you lock it most probably thieves will think there is something valuable and try to break in resulting in the damaged pannier. Second, unmount and take the luggage with you. Here are some great bags you can buy that are easy to mount and unmount.
3. Cleaning the bag after your tour
Always clean your bags whether they are saddlebags, sissy bar bags, or any other. Clean it thoroughly so that they can be instantly used on your next trip. Cleaning will make sure there is nothing left inside that may cause harm to the bag especially if they are soft or leather bags. Don’t pack your saddlebags if they are moist because it would result in a smelly bag and spread the smell to items inside it. First, dry the bag and then pack.
4. Protection from moisture
If your bag is not waterproof packing the items in plastic bags and then putting it in the bag will only cause problems. Plastic retains moisture and it will make the situation worse. Instead of plastic you can pack the items in a cotton cloth or put a towel around them which can absorb the moisture and you can dry them later. After you are done with the trip make sure to store them in some dry place with moderate temperature.
Several products, like beeswax, animal fat, etc.are available in the market that claims to make the leather bags waterproof, but most of them just make them water repellent up to some extent. Wipe clean the bag before application. Otherwise select fabrics that are waterproof or water repellent. You can go for that option it will help protect the bag even if it is for a short while. Read further on how to take care of your motorcycle bags here.
5. Drying the luggage
The luggage getting wet, either from moisture in the air or rain, during your motorcycle trip is common so you don’t have to worry about that too much. Water repellent or waterproof bags give you some time to get under some shade before the bag gets completely wet. Anyways, if the luggage is wet you should find a hotel room or motel. Take the luggage with you, take out everything, first make sure every item is safe and dry if not get them dry however you can. The next step is to air dry the empty bag. Air dry is best but if you have to blow-dry don’t use too much heat.
6. Taking care of the leather bags
Using leather conditioners and leather shampoo for cleaning and maintaining the bags enhances their life. Here is a guide on how to take care of your leather saddlebags, it applies to other leather bags as well, has a look. While we recommend using your motorcycle bags in daily life, they will help you carry items on the bike easily. However, if you are planning on storing them for longer periods check on them from time to time to make sure everything is fine and take action on time otherwise. Plus, make sure you are storing them in a place where something pointy or rugged cannot damage the bag.
7. Taking care during short breaks
We all have important items and stuff with us during the tour. When taking short breaks or going into the shop to buy things we forget or neglect the safety of these things. Anything that cannot be locked should not be left on the bike, even if you will be away for a short while. Either make your partner, passenger or group member guard those things for you or take those with you. It can be a little too much but trust us it’s worth it. We recommend taking items with you but if you have a habit of leaving them behind then lock things safely.
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