Nobody wants to steal my GS850...yet.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

This is the second time I've done this, and I can only thank my lucky stars that my bike hasn't just been straight up stolen.

After coming home from work and the gym yesterday, I was pretty pooped. Parked my bike on the street like I always do, went inside.

This morning when I was getting ready to go to work, couldn't find the bike keys anywhere. Oh surely I didn't...

...yup. Left them in the ignition. All night. And nobody started it up and drove it away.

Of course the torn seat (replacement coming on ebay), rusty pipes (Mr. Jiggles is sending when he's back from vacation) and broken tachometer (replacement coming on ebay) probably helped.

But damn, I better start keeping my head on a swivel.

[lurch12_2000]

This is the second time I've done this, and I can only thank my lucky stars that my bike hasn't just been straight up stolen.

After coming home from work and the gym yesterday, I was pretty pooped. Parked my bike on the street like I always do, went inside.

This morning when I was getting ready to go to work, couldn't find the bike keys anywhere. Oh surely I didn't...

...yup. Left them in the ignition. All night. And nobody started it up and drove it away.

Of course the torn seat (replacement coming on ebay), rusty pipes (Mr. Jiggles is sending when he's back from vacation) and broken tachometer (replacement coming on ebay) probably helped.

But damn, I better start keeping my head on a swivel.

I've done this a few times before, until I changed my routine.
Come to stop and park face out (you never know when you have to leave in a hurry!), turn key off, release clutch, take key out, put key in pocket, put sidestand out, pull in clutch, put in neutral, release clutch, get off bike, remove helmet, remove key from pocket and lock helmet if no rain in sight (this step will also make sure key is in hand and don't tell me you're not wearing a helmet).
Practice this 100 times so it will be automatic if you've been drinking or otherwise pre-occupied with trying to impress the nearby pretty girls that are watching you!

[Jimmy Hoffa]

HA! Yeah, I try not to drink and ride at all, even just a couple...and as for pretty girls, well, let's just say I don't live in a neighborhood full of 'em...and those that are there aren't interested in 80s shafties.

But that's a good idea - make a mental routine and go through it every time. Yeesh.

And yes of course I wear a helmet. Even if it wasn't a law in Mass, which it is, I would wear one. Full face. I was in NH and Maine recently...and marveling at all the whack-jobs that ride without one. Not even the useless little skullcaps.

[vivalast]

After pulling that stint at work once I'm always sure to put my key in my jacket's inside pocket. Then check 100 times on my walk to insure that I did in fact put it in my pocket.

On the story of key related mishaps. One time I couldn't find my keys for the life of me. Since I was going to be late I decided to use my spare set. Once I got off work and went to put my helmet on my original set of keys fell out onto the ground. Must have thrown them in along with my glovs the night before.

[seuadr]

i have a similar routine..

turn it off and coast into my parking spot, lock the steering, get off. pull the key hit the chainlock around the front tire. stick the keys back on my big d clip keychain, take off gear, head in. i also double check the keys are on the ring when i unlock the door and hang up the keys.

[Dogma]

Yep. Routine is the way to prevent this sort of mistake, just like it prepares you for emergencies. Myself, I always take the key out as soon as it's off. I don't even think about it now. If I'm working on the bike, it takes a conscious effort to leave it in there.

[lurch12_2000]

i have a similar routine..

turn it off and coast into my parking spot, lock the steering, get off. pull the key hit the chainlock around the front tire. stick the keys back on my big d clip keychain, take off gear, head in. i also double check the keys are on the ring when i unlock the door and hang up the keys.

I never shut my bike off and coast in....what happens when your power steering is not working?
Seriously, I never use my fork steering lock. That's when you need the quick getaway or are impressing the ladies and then wham!!...instant "u-turn" into the ground! Besides, they always lock easy but a few times I would spend 5 minutes trying to unlock the stupid thing.

[seuadr]

I never shut my bike off and coast in....what happens when your power steering is not working?
Seriously, I never use my fork steering lock. That's when you need the quick getaway or are impressing the ladies and then wham!!...instant "u-turn" into the ground! Besides, they always lock easy but a few times I would spend 5 minutes trying to unlock the stupid thing.

well ,i have to park between two cars in about a 6 foot or so space that has two poles in it. i coast a little and then walk it the rest of the way in, because there isn't very much clearance.

i lock my steering and put a lock on the wheel not because i think it will retard a serious thief, because i know it won't, but it deters the local teenage population.

i've never considered the bike for a quick get away, if i need to scoot fast, i take my car, because it's probably alot safer

[80GS750]

yea if i need a fast getaway i will take my mustang GT

lol

[lurch12_2000]

yea if i need a fast getaway i will take my mustang GT

lol

...as long as I can keep it upright and not hit any stationary objects my 1100ES will beat your Mustang GT out of the neighborhood!

[mcloud]

I've done this a few times before, until I changed my routine.
Come to stop and park face out (you never know when you have to leave in a hurry!), turn key off, release clutch, take key out, put key in pocket, put sidestand out, pull in clutch, put in neutral, release clutch, get off bike, remove helmet, remove key from pocket and lock helmet if no rain in sight (this step will also make sure key is in hand and don't tell me you're not wearing a helmet).
Practice this 100 times so it will be automatic if you've been drinking or otherwise pre-occupied with trying to impress the nearby pretty girls that are watching you!

I always leave bike in 1st gear.

[Kerry]

Yep. Routine is the way to prevent this sort of mistake, just like it prepares you for emergencies. Myself, I always take the key out as soon as it's off. I don't even think about it now. If I'm working on the bike, it takes a conscious effort to leave it in there.

Since I'm just returning to riding after a 25-year absence, I haven't yet developed the needed routine. The other morning I couldn't find my keys; when I went outside, I found the keys on the SEAT of my UNCOVERED GS550 and my helmet and gloves on a chair I have OUTSIDE my front door. (I had gotten distracted by something when I returned from my ride). As I said to my wife, the only thing I DIDN'T do was put a sign on the bike saying "Please steal me!"

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Seriously. It's weird how easily it can happen.

I know that for me, several times, it's been:

"oh my god i have to get this helmet off i'm dying in here"

(pluck) off comes the helment

"oh thank god air i can breathe again that's lovely time to go get a beer"

and off I go.

[Killer2600]

I gotta ask WHO would WANT to steal our old ass bikes? I wouldn't even steal MY bike!

[Bill Lloyd]

Theft

I always use the fork lock. Most guys I ride with don't. So picture, say, five bikes lined up at the curb, only one of which has its lock engaged. Guess which one will be least likely to attract a thief? [I'm also the only one who doesn't leave his helmet on the bike.]

-- Bill