Stolen Helmets Question

[Paul_F]

In the Long Haul Road story, the author had his helmet stolen. Besides being pricey, they are essential to our safety. I've noticed that a good number of motorcyclists simply leave their helmets perched on their bikes when they park and leave both when shopping or eating. Not being as trusting, I always lock mine to the bike. Just curious if stolen helmets is a widespread problem or are thefts just isolated incidents.

[The_Veg]

I rarely feel the need to secure mine, but then 1) almost nobody wears helmets around here and 2) mine doesn't have any fancy graphics, so I guess mine is not an attractive target.

[GeneT]

Christmas 2 years ago I rode in the "Fun In The Sun" toy run with 4300 other riders, most of them of course were bikers but real nice guys. Our destination was a large county park where we all parked and enjoyed the festivities, there was one helmet reported as stolen.

:dance

[RandyB]

No one here seems to wear them.

A cheap helmet lock can be found anywhere they sell guns. Ask the counterman for the cable lock that is shipped with every new gun. They'll usually give them away. Thread it through something on the bike and the d ring or face plate of the helmet. They're usually plastic covered so no scratching.

[Greenwald]

Ztechnik makes a helmet locking system that mounts behind your license plate, and can secure two helmets. It is black and blends well with the BMW lines.
Be sure to use high-security bolts (available at AutoZone) to attach the unit.

It costs about $60 and is usually available at most BMW dealers. That way, not only is your helmet(s) locked up, but it keeps space in the hard cases free for other stuff. If raining, you can put a helmet bag around the helmet first, just letting the D-ring stick out of the zipper to attach to the locking system.

As for frequency of stolen lids, I know this to be rare (law enforcement career), but the style and value of helmets is escalating, and so might the thefts.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Personally I like to keep my lid in the topcase if I'm away from my bike. I am looking at the Pacsafe helmetbag for those days that the T-case is full of goodies while on the road.
Check out http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=27

The usual no affiliation stuff applies here :coffee

[20774]

I have a helmet lock like model HL110 on this site:

http://www.lockitt.com/accessories_helmet_holders.htm#helmetlock

I've got it installed on the handlebar. It could be installed at any convenient tube location on the bike.

Kurt in S.A.

[04R1150RS]

When I don't feel like carrying the helmet a cheap nylon coated cable with loops on both ends and run it through the chin guard and to the little helmet catch under the seat. You can also run the cable through and arm of a jacket too.

[Mar]

I am looking at the Pacsafe helmetbag for those days that the T-case is full of goodies while on the road.
Check out http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=27


Yes, I've seriously thought about that, too. Not only is the helmet safe, but it's protected from scratches, dirt, etc. Kinda pricey but maybe worth it.

[godzilla]

I use a padlock. I set my helmet on my luggage rack and lock the chinstrap buckles through the padlock and through a bungee hole on the rack. I keep the lock in my tankbag and the key on my keyring. If Mrs. Godzilla is riding with me, I can lock hers, too.

[KGT1200]

I personally think the fear of getting the crap knocked out of you by the owner keeps helmets safe, but the other secret is to beat up a new helmet before using!

[Braddog]

When I commute, or am just running around locally, I always have one of my sidecases empty, so that's where the helmet goes. Depending on where I'm at, I'll sometimes just leave it strapped to the luggage rack (not locked).

When traveling, I'll either carry it with me (like into a restroom), or leave it strapped to the luggage rack, depending on the "when and where".

A small padlock seems like a great idea. That's something you could just keep in a bag or even your jacket pocket.

[amiles]

I can't imagine why anyone would want to steal and use such a personal item.
Hereabouts almost everyone is a rough-tough cruiser rider who wouldn't be caught dead in any helmet let alone an HJC white full face.

My main theft concern is from some jolly joker that would take it just to tick me off for his own amusement.

At the rally in Vermont I bought a light duty cable lock similar to one I had for my skis some time ago. It wouldn't deter a determined and prepared thief, but a joker with a momentary urge would probably give up after a tug or two.


Andy

Sometimes I just leave it on when I have to go into one of those third rate gas stations that don't have receipt paper in their pumps or no pay at the pump. It ranks up there with a ski mask or a nylon stocking for the fear factor!

[wildwilly]

The bottom feeders around here will cut through the chin strap securing your helmet to the bike. It's easy to find someone with a commercial sewing machine to fabricate a new strap.

[Motor31]

We try to carry our helmets inside and "store" them with a counter person in a business we are entering when possible. Otherwise I lock them to the bike with either the main locking cable I use on the bike or a smaller one I got in a hardware store for a couple bucks. I lock them through the chin bar and not the D ring.

[lamble]

We try to carry our helmets inside and "store" them with a counter person in a business we are entering when possible. Otherwise I lock them to the bike with either the main locking cable I use on the bike or a smaller one I got in a hardware store for a couple bucks. I lock them through the chin bar and not the D ring.

Me too. Why should some theiving scum bag have the benefit of the money I worked bloody hard for to buy a carbon Series IV, just because they want it.
If I don't lock it, I take it with me.
Cable through the chin bar every time.

Lock it, don't lose it!

[Belquar]

I always take it with me. I use the helmet lock on the bike when I am hunting, but I am usually pretty deep in the woods so don't really risk walk by theft.

I can keep it in the top case if necessary. Otherwise it isn't usually a big deal to carry it with me do to whatever I need to do.
I never leave it unlocked on the bike. Just don't ever want to get stranded without it.

Brian

[lamble]

Oh just remembered. British MotoGP Donnington 2004, some helmets that were locked to bikes were used as impromptu toilets when the chemi toilets filled up on day one of a three day event.

I didn't do it,honest sir...although the greasy burgers and warm beer were a potent mix.

[osbornk]

I live and ride in the country and don't worry about it unless I go to a "big city" (over 25,000 people). I then lock it in my top case or take it with me. Haven't lost one since I started wearing them in 1974.

[The_Veg]

I did use a small padlock (with long U-bolt) when I first started riding. Now I usually just hang the helmet on the right grip, and if I'm really paranoid about it falling off I might clip a carabiner between the D-rings and the mirror stalk (if I remember to have the 'biner on me at the time...).

[rinty]

I use a lightweight downhill ski cable lock, through the chin bar. These things are very compact, and you can carry them in your pocket, if you're not touring. Admittedly the cable is easy to cut, but it will deter a casual theft.

Rinty

[torinokuchi]

We use the stock bmw lock on the gs for one helmet and I bought a small keyed helmet lock that mounts to the handlebar on the left side with tamper proof screws...got it at the local accessories place for about 19 bucks.

[beemerron]

I had a Duo-Tech stolen while it was sitting on my bike at a "biker" bar several years ago. Since then I either take my Schuberth inside with me or lock it to the bike. Real scum that would steal someones helmet.

[wmubrown]

In the Long Haul Road story, the author had his helmet stolen. Besides being pricey, they are essential to our safety.

Not to mention still required by law in some states. LEO's will not accept "my helmet got stolen" as an excuse for not wearing one where required.

[CTHalk]

I always carry my helmet when I leave my bike. If it got stolen, I would be immobilized. I will NOT ride without a helmet. I spent my first 7 years riding without a helmet except when it was cold and I wanted warmth. After a crash without a helmet (my butt and ankle took the hit) I started to occasionally wear a helmet. Then I dumped my dirt bike at low speed (wearing a helmet) and really rung my bell. I got a partial hearing loss from that one.......and realized that if I was sans helmet in that low-speed fall.... I would probably be Mr. Oatmeal now. From that day on, ALWAYS a helmet. Even if I am testing an old-timer motorcycle two houses up and back, I put the helmet on. If I ride the bike across the yard to the garage, I may risk it..... but I feel naked.

[gfspencer]

I always carry my helmet when I leave my bike. If it got stolen, I would be immobilized. I will NOT ride without a helmet.

Same here. When I leave my bike my helmet goes with me.

[BradfordBenn]

I typically carry my helmet with me, more for my safety then for theft deterrence. I do not want someone messing with it. I do also keep a cable style lock on the RT and will lock it to the bike if practical. It is short enough to keep it from hitting the ground. I can also lock the riding gear up that way.

[Kayseventyfive]

I use a lightweight downhill ski cable lock, through the chin bar. These things are very compact, and you can carry them in your pocket, if you're not touring. Admittedly the cable is easy to cut, but it will deter a casual theft.

Rinty

I had a cable made up at a boat store from stainless braided wire with a loop at each end for a padlock. It is fairly stiff, so is easy to poke through a jacket sleeve and is too thick to be cut by hand. It still coils up and stores easily in the back pocket of my jacket.

[Screamineagle]

around here the only people that wear them are BMW riders and they wouldn't steal. So I leave mine on the side of the bike on the ground. It also has quite alot of stone chips and looks old, but its not. Only two years old but the looks might help to keep it safe.