Helmets Don't be like me, lock it up or take it with you!

[Beeflips]

Was working on the front yard Saturday and I realized that I wanted to run to the store for a minute. So I hop on my ST1100 and run over there before my fiance' gets to my house. I'm in and out in about 10 minutes, but my helmet (Shoei Neotec 2 in white) was gone.
Because of the intercom on the helmet, it doesn't fit in my panniers, and you need a blade like tool (which I didn't have with me) to remove it. Also I don't have another way to lock it up on my bike. I have done this before many times, but this time I got bit and learned an expensive lesson.
PEOPLE SUCK!
I made a police report, and they were able to see the security cam videos that shows the guy taking it from my bike. Maybe I'll get lucky, but I'm not holding my breath.
I was lucky once when my 87' CR500 motocross bike was stolen, and they found it two weeks later. I don't think I'll be that lucky again.

Peace, Greg

 

[the Ferret]

I hate thieves. Sorry to hear that.

I almost never lock up my helmet and will often just prop it on a mirror or lay it on the ground by a footpeg. Then again I wear a 10 year old HJC.

 

[SupraSabre]

That's a bummer.

Anytime I see helmets sitting on bikes, I wonder if they ever lost one.

Being from Kaliforniastan, I've always locked up my helmet. Either in my topcase or on my license plate lock that I installed under my topcase.

 

[snowmoer]

That stinks!

I have been using one of these types of locks for about 15 years. Yes, it can still be cut, but it will stop the theft of opportunity. At least slow them down. I run the cable through the chin guard and then through the passenger hand rail when I had my ST. I do the same on my Gold Wing. No need to un hook any helmet coms system cable.

Amazon.com: Motorcycle Helmet Lock - High Security Pin Combination Carabiner Lock for Motorbike - Bright Theft Deterrent Cable - Tough Enough to Secure Virtually Anything : Automotive

 

[drrod]

I carry a ski lock with me. Very small and surprisingly hard to disable.

Amazon.com

 

[Shuey]

I carry a ski lock with me. Very small and surprisingly hard to disable.

Amazon.com

I like it.
Comes in black or orange. Best price was on Amazon - just ordered a black one.
Thanks for the enlightenment for something small and easy to use.

Shuey

 

[drrod]

The cable is long enough that you can run it through the sleeve of a jacket and lock that to the bike as well. Handy if you are going for a bit of a walkabout.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I think anyone that steals anything should be shot on site! Well, not really, but you get the sentiment.

If the guy who stole it was on foot maybe he is from around that area, maybe he even frequents that store. Did the people who work in the store have a look at the tape? Maybe one of them will recognize him. Worth a shot.

I have evolved to leaving my top-case on all the time, even though there is never anything in it even when I am traveling. I do this solely because it is such an easy, quick and convenient place to safely store my helmet, gloves, and GPS out of sight when I leave the motorcycle. I hate carrying my helmet around with me. Having it out of sight usually means that it is out of harms way as well.

 

[Beeflips]

I hate thieves. Sorry to hear that.

I almost never lock up my helmet and will often just prop it on a mirror or lay it on the ground by a footpeg. Then again I wear a 10 year old HJC.

More or less have done the same thing here also.

 

[ToddC]

That sucks big.
Been there, had that happen. Back about 40 years ago, before Arai helmets cost as much as a car, had a nice full face black Arai. Was a short stop by the local pool, put helmet on back rest of my CB900C. I was walking back to my bike when a car with four punks in it pulled up to my bike, took the helmet, while I watched....from too far away to do anything....... except get really pissed.

Andrew shadow has it right...shoot on sight.
T

 

[Beeflips]

I think anyone that steals anything should be shot on site! Well, not really, but you get the sentiment.

If the guy who stole it was on foot maybe he is from around that area, maybe he even frequents that store. Did the people who work in the store have a look at the tape? Maybe one of them will recognize him. Worth a shot.

I have evolved to leaving my top-case on all the time, even though there is never anything in it even when I am traveling. I do this solely because it is such an easy, quick and convenient place to safely store my helmet, gloves, and GPS out of sight when I leave the motorcycle. I hate carrying my helmet around with me. Having it out of sight usually means that it is out of harms way as well.

I agree, if they catch him, and even if I get my helmet back, I'm going to prosecute. It's probably going to be a pain with a possible subpoena and having to go to court, but I guess if I do nothing, then it doesn't teach them anything.
I have tried to track down a top case for my 1100 but they are hard to find, or the ones you do find, might be pretty roached out or just too cheaply made.
The officer called me about 15 minutes after I made the report. They saw the car he drove etc. They also saw that he had come from the store, so they should be able to get a good look at him from a still shot at the exit. The officer also told me that this store is pretty good about getting camera data from local businesses also, so they may get a license plate number to track him down. A bit of a long shot, but I'm hopeful.

 

[Beeflips]

That sucks big.
Been there, had that happen. Back about 40 years ago, before Arai helmets cost as much as a car, had a nice full face black Arai. Was a short stop by the local pool, put helmet on back rest of my CB900C. I was walking back to my bike when a car with four punks in it pulled up to my bike, took the helmet, while I watched....from too far away to do anything....... except get really pissed.

Andrew shadow has it right...shoot on sight.
T

Apparently I only missed him by a few minutes. If I had seen him taking it, I would have made A LOT!! of noise and draw as much attention to him as possible.

 

[mortenk]

Sorry about this! I never leave my helmet on the bike - not even on the ferry . Sometimes I'm too lazy to put in in the side case, so I'll just bring it inside with me to the store. Toss it in the grocery cart if needed.

 

[MI-St1300]

I did the same thing as Super-sabri with the license plate helmet locks. License plate is too low but bottom of luggage rack is perfect. Can lock 2 helmets or a helmet and jacket. Use a plastic coated steel cable with loops on ends. Thread thru jacket sleeve.

 

[Sadlsor]

I have a lightweight bicycle cable lock I use, if the side case has stuff in it already. Or I'll take it in with me (rather not.) And it has enough length (coiled-springy style) to thread through a jacket sleeve.
My Shoei Neotec and Neotec 2 won't fit in my Givi topbox, but either will fit in the side bag. Problem with a lot of dedicated helmet locks, is they lock the D-rings... and the new Neotec 2 (and the newer N-3) don't use D-rings anymore, they have that sliding ratchet/buckle. I like the retention system, but makes the old-school helmet locks obsolete.
Can't afford to have some numbskull just walk with my helmet, as I never buy cheap ones. Helmets are required in Alabama, and I wouldn't ride without it anyway.
It burns my biscuits when people rip off riding gear; for all intents it's the same as taking two or more wheels off your car.

 

[the Ferret]

Geez I throw my throw my jacket over the tank and tank bag. Lots of riders do that around here.

 

[Sadlsor]

Geez I throw my throw my jacket over the tank and tank bag. Lots of riders do that around here.

I'm more inclined to leave a jacket out, than a helmet. I could still ride without a jacket (maybe not this time of year), but not without a helmet.
I DO like to cover the gauges, though. Just my thing... I've seen SO many nice old bikes in good shape, until you see the faded / cracked / cloudy instrument cover over faded, pale, washed-out gauges and cluster.
An old t-shirt lives in my topbox or side case, for this purpose. I'll only leave a helmet or jacket out and unlocked if it's within view or sprinting distance. And I won't sprint very far these days.

 

[Igofar]

You can go to just about any police station and ask for a firearm cable lock, they are usually free.
They are small enough to carry, and easy to use.

 

[dduelin]

I have evolved to leaving my top-case on all the time, even though there is never anything in it even when I am traveling. I do this solely because it is such an easy, quick and convenient place to safely store my helmet, gloves, and GPS out of sight when I leave the motorcycle. I hate carrying my helmet around with me. Having it out of sight usually means that it is out of harms way as well.

I use a top box the same way. I will leave my stuff out sometimes based on the situation.

 

[TPadden]

Geez I throw my throw my jacket over the tank and tank bag. Lots of riders do that around here.

Yep, same for 50 years, nothing locked, never had anything taken off the bike. That's why my garage and closets are full of old riding gear. I figure if anything is ever taken they need it more than I, and I get to go shopping.

Tom