Ever been Mugged on a Ride?

[dinandan]

Hello All

I'm planning a trip from Houston to Lake City, CO. My family has complete faith in me and my bike but thinks the probability of being robbed is high. Has anybody out there ever been mugged on a MC ride? If any of you high mileagers could tell me how many thousands of miles you're ridden without incident I'd really appreciate it. Or is this occurrence a considerable threat to Motorcyclist?
Thanks,
Dan

1983 R80RT

[kbasa]

200K+. No incidents.

Stay out of the crappy part of town.

[username]

30k miles, nothing but kind people.

enjoy the trip.

[Holly]

No idea what my total miles are but I did 10,000 km last year. I ride alone. I am a little (5'2") old lady so I would have been an easy victim. Never had the slightest problem. Everyone was friendly and wonderful.

Holly

[flash412]

Here's the deal... as stupid as thieves are, they would rather get away with "profits" than get hurt and/or arrested. People on motorcycles appear MORE threatening to thieves than generally almost any "class" of potential victims. A woman alone on a motorcycle is a LOT more theatening to a thief than, say, the same exact woman in a pretty pink dress getting into or out of a minivan or SUV. The biker-woman is perceived by a thief as being more disposed to kick him in the nuts or shoot him than give up her wallet. This idea goes double for guys riding alone.

My s.o. has never wished she had a gun with her while riding. Neither have I. I've ridden about 250k miles, including about 4,500 miles in southern Africa; 3,500 of them solo miles. Never once have I wished I had a gun, or even a rock for that matter. Yeah, once in a while I feel like I need to keep a closer eye on my stuff. But I have never once felt like a potential mugging victim.

[Voni]

800,000 sMiles. Never a worry about mugging.

Friendly and Over friendly folks almost everywhere!

My Mom watched the news on TV and knew only of a really dangerous world. I rode out into it - solo a lot of those miles - and couldn't find trouble.

Voni
sMiling

[dinandan]

Thanks for the Feedback!

I figured I had nothing to worry about. I just wanted to hear it from someone who has been there.

Dan

[bob204bc]

I've been riding 36 years and that is the least of my worries.:dance

[GSTom]

I never worry about personal harm, but I am paranoid about leaving stuff unsecured on the bike where someone could just walk off with it. I generally secure my helmet, jacket, etc, to the bike when I am away from the bike other than at gas or quick food stops. Even that depends on the neighborhood you're in.
Use common sense and you should be able to travel hassle free.

[lamble]

I was once charged $4.50 for a gallon of gas in Nevada, just because there wasn't another station for 250 miles in either direction, and I do sound British.

Does that count?

To allay fears, I also stopped in Texakana to ask a group of Hell's Lovers for directions. They gave me a seat in the shade, a hour's convivial chat and free drinks, oh and an invite to join them in Sturgis.

[RandyB]

The biggest threat you are likely to face is someone talking on a cell while driving the SUV and yelling at the kids. Simultaneously. Everyone I have met, and that includes some in rough places, has always been nice. BMWs are quite a conversation starter.

[Paper]

Ever been Mugged on a Ride?

Almost.. And it happened in the area you're headed.. Parts counter at Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati.. I made it out with my wallet still intact, and took my business elsewhere. Anyelsewhere.
:brow

Never again..


On the road, by someone other than a dealer? Never.. Watch yourself and your location and you'll be fine.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I'll add to the list...100,000, mostly solo miles. Lots of friendly people out there. If you have a reliable bike, a good head on your shoulders and your Anon Book in your tank bag, I think you'll be fine. :)

[Rapid_Roy]

I have had over a 100,000 no mugging miles.
I can't say I have had no problems though.;)

[riderR1150GSAdv]

80K in 3 years and never a problem. I concur that cellphone toting cagers :banghead are more dangerous than anything else.

[sfarson]

Have never had an issue in the states, including accidental turns into "challenging" areas of big cities. Currently in La Serena, Chile following business in Santiago. Have a KTM 990 ADV (Just to ride something different than Munich) parked outside the cabana, and lo and behold... WiFi available. Have decided to take some rural back roads the next couple of days... away from the cities, away from the highways, passing through dusty small towns, and hopefully all will go well. From a distance things look very rural away from the highway. Optimistic and have faith all will be OK though it isn't without risk.

[rgvilla]

Let's see, I took my first long distance ride when I was 21, cross country from Albuquerque to Boston, slept mostly at rest stops etc. Have had many more since then including a couple of trips into Mexico, way into Mexico. I'm 57, have no idea how many miles I've ridden but have at least 10 major long rides. I have never had a problem with people, except as has been noted with inattentive drivers trying to "mug" me. :doh

[GregFeeler]

I've been riding for over 35 years and hundreds of thousands of miles without a single problem. However, I don't leave my common sense at home. There are good and bad places everywhere, so keep your eyes open and pay attention to your spider sense. If something doesn't seem right or the hair on the back of your neck feels funny - move a bit further down the road. That's good advise any time, any where. OTOH, I've had so many people go out of their way to offer advice and assistance. You'll never know this country until you travel it on off the Interstates on a bike. Once you do that - you'll likely never want to stop. :thumb

[wildwilly]

Hello All

I'm planning a trip from Houston to Lake City, CO. My family has complete faith in me and my bike but thinks the probability of being robbed is high. Has anybody out there ever been mugged on a MC ride? If any of you high mileagers could tell me how many thousands of miles you're ridden without incident I'd really appreciate it. Or is this occurrence a considerable threat to Motorcyclist?
Thanks,
Dan

1983 R80RT


Back in 1974, my brother and I parked on the street where Los Angeles H-D was sponsoring a riding event (California 1000). We left our Triumphs parked adjacent to a line of Harleys and walked toward the H-D dealer to register for the event. When we returned, we found our bikes lying on their sides, apparently kicked over by somebody who didn't approve of us/and, or our rides. Standing nearby were a group of riders staring and snickering as we picked up our bikes, with no offers to help us.

Yes, I know. We didn't get assaulted, but because of that incident, I vowed that I would never participate in any event that was sanctioned, or affiliated with H-D, and I have maintained that view to this day.

[ptero]

I've also ridden 35 years and hundreds of thousands of miles with no problems. That includes a lot of campsite experience.

There have been only two things that happened while parked and away from the bike. A helmet was stolen at a friend's house while we were inside. Another time the tank bag was tampered with in a parking lot. Neither occurrence were in an area where I would have suspected trouble. :dunno

[charleshickman]

15 years and maybe 100K and no problems. Young men are the most frequent issue (no prejudice, I used to be one). But with most you have an 'in' because your on a bike. I smile and try to be everyone's best friend. It usually works.

[scblanch]

Just arrived home from a trip to the west and back through the south. 6830 miles no problems and very nice people. I believe you treat people the way you want to be treated and you will be fine. I camped and moteled.:rocker

[BradfordBenn]

It is just like any other kind of traveling. One still needs to be aware of their surroundings. If it doesn't feel right, it probably ain't right. I travel an awful lot for work and can say that even being on the road 180+ days a year (typically by plane sigh) I have not had a problem by just paying attention to where I am.

[ddorwart]

Thank goodness we motorcylist has bad images. With that said, who would be "bad" enough to rob a "bad dude" on a bike? You would have to be crazy!!

Tell your family that...

[pladohgrl]

Just did a trip from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Massillon, OH and the only thing I attracted was attention. Everyone wants to talk about the bike.

You will be fine, enjoy!

[Mika]

I started riding when I was sixteen and took my first cross country trip that same year.
In various life roles during the intervening years as:

Employee I have been robbed twice at gun point.
Business manager I have suffered employee theft and a couple of break-ins.
Business owner I have gone through an unfriendly take over and lost my business and job.
Bicycle owner I have had a ten speed road bike stolen.
Home owner- two different homes have been broken into.
Car owner – two cars stolen and a third was repeatedly a target.

I am afraid as a motorcyclist I just have wonderful stories from over the years. Heck, I can even tell you stories of varies branches of that evil biker gang known as the Dealers (even the most dreaded of all – members of the BMW Dealers) going out of their way to help me when I have been on the road.

Your family cares about you and want you to be safe. Tell them what your plan is to keep yourself safe. It may not eliminate their fears, but will help them deal with them. The world can be dangerous. Keep your wits about you and be careful. And always remember and never forget when you are on a motorcycle tour – have the time of your life!

[Ted]

About 125k miles, travels from Texas to the tip of Nova Scotia and never a problem. Well, there was this one time I was in Montreal and left the stich and helmet on the bike to go sit at a cafe and relax a bit. When I got back my helmet was gone - as I was doing the "stunned, standing there looking at the bike expecting it to magically appear" thing a shopkeeper walked up with it and told me she was worried it would fall off seat so they took it in for safety (even cleaned the visor!)

Oh, and at GMR one year (1997?) Pat Roddy and Larry Fears took several cigars out of my tank bag (to be fair Larry did leave a note that said "I stole some of your cigars, sue me - Larry".) I thought Frank Glamser might have been in on it too, but he usually keeps a pretty nice stock himself. Later that year Larry and I were in Quebec City and he fully redeemed his felonious conduct (and then some.)

[chasman]

300K+ over 30 years...never a problem. "Ride Like the Wind" and enjoy your travels.

[ian408]

I've only felt like I got mugged by the occassional hotel owner :D

Ian

[BouncinBob]

Closest I came was some one stole the EZ Pass off my bike at a local bike night. Thankfully I had locked up the other more valuable items in the saddle bag. Not something I generally do.

Over the years, I've slept in many a rest area with all kinds of electronics on my bike and wallet in the tank bag. Never felt threatened.

[mrich12000]

Well I wasn't mugged. BUT, I had parts stolen of my bike in :nono Qubec.:buds Rt side cover of my K75, took me months to find the proper one.

[dlowry]

No issues ever until today - my son's bike was pushed over at school. Thankfully the school and the police liaison took it seriously enough and the culprit was nabbed and confessed. No charges pressed since I'm sure his (European) parents will inflict enough grief on him. Not bad for 40ish years of riding and 3 generations of our family riding and a total of 8 riders amongst the immediate family. The extended family's at least a dozen riders...

[terham]

I worry more about flat tires.:( In 29 years of riding I've had four flats, I think, and no muggings.

[Timba]

I don't worry about it. It's never happened, but there was this one odd occurance on the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of years ago.

Two friends and I, plus one wife and one girlfriend had been riding the parkway all day. We were tired and pulled into one of the nice secluded overlooks to take a nap, parked our bikes, and all but Tom's wife and I conked out immediately.

About ten minutes later, a ratty green pickup, with a camper shell that had windows so dirty you couldn't see through 'em, pulled into the same parking area. The truck slowed as it passed by us, and I could see the driver looking intently our way.

He continued on about 30 feet, and pulled in to park, letting one of his front wheels run up on the curb.

I thought the behavior a bit odd, so I shifted my position to be able to keep an eye on him without turning my head.

After about ten minutes, the driver got out of the truck and walked over to the information sign. He looked to be about sixty, with unkempt long hair, and wearing only what appeared to be boxer shorts. He spent as much time looking at us as he did at the sign.

He then got back in his truck, started it up, drove to the far end of the parking area and turned around so it faced us, and parked again.

By this time, the hairs on the back of my neck were prickling, so I turned away from the view even more so I was facing entirely towards him.

He sat there in his truck watching us for about ten minutes, then started it again, and idled slowly by us, watching all the while, and slowly exited the parking area.

It was probably nothing, but Tom's wife, who was also awake, said it gave her the heebie-jeebies.

I think a little awareness goes a very long way in convincing predators that there is easier prey out there. :D

[knary]

My grungy pink aerostich with 100k+ miles on it was stolen from a campground where I and a dozen or two other riders were enjoying a relaxed gathering. Aside from that, zero problems when not moving.

[GSJIHAD]

Well over 100,000 over the years and no mugging. Thats only on the bike. Countless months on foot in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, East Africa, parts of the Middle East---and still no muggings. Trust your instrinct, stay away from "bad parts" of town and find your cubby hole every night before or just after dark. Do this and you will find that 95% of the people in the world are just like you and mean you no harm. Oh, I did have a drunk friend throw a mug at me at Vermont last year but I will assume that doesnt count.

Cheers
:drink

[LARGE JOHN]

400,000 plus miles over thirty five years in the u.s. canada and nearly all of europe and as close as i've been to robbed was at the petrol station. lol

just use the same common sense you use at home and you'll be fine

[Herleman]

I got "mooned" once following a school bus near St Augustine. Nothing more. I think there may be some perceived threat from motorcyclists rather than toward them. People seem to be more concerned about what WE may be up to.

If I were a mugger, I would also have to consider how I was going to get away from a motorcyclist after I had done the deed. There isn't a lot out there that could escape from a good bike, especially one with a thoroughly irritated rider.

[HFbmw]

Cool to see all the stories and long rides without problems.

I had an incident when riding all night. Stopped in some big rest area in or around Cincinnati, Ohio... parked a good distance away from the lighted rest area and was checking the carbs on the R75/5.

Some car rolled in and parked right by the beemer. I was on the left side and popped up to peek at this cage...

Wheels spinning the car zoomed off never to be seen...

Heheh...

tim lindstrom

[handsome]

Not yet...but I am riding to Cincinnati in 2 weeks! Maybe there!:rofl

[dinandan]

Hello ALL,

WOW, Thank you ALL for the stories and reassurance. Reading these posts makes me think it will be SAFER to ride rather than drive to CO. (My R80RT is 10 times more reliable than my Range Rover; And WAY easier to fix)

Thanks
Dan

[RandallIsland]

When I was way younger and probably ... no, assuredly under the influence, the dealership in Gotham robbed me blind. Ever since then, smooth sailing past 60 k...

[83869]

Stay out of the crappy part of town.

Stay out of towns :)

170k Beemer miles, 285k miles total

No muggings

(knock on tupperware)

[RebeccaV]

Great thread. I have never personally had a bad incident on the road but I have three friends who been victims of vandalism:

One friend on a Honda ST1300 had his bike tipped over in a hotel parking lot in Key West (some damage to the fairing). One friend on an LT had a paper towel stuffed into his oil filler reservoir at a gas station which destroyed his engine. He had to trailer the bike home and replace the engine.

One friend had his keys removed from his Guzzi and thrown in a waste basket at a gas stop. Eventually the gas station attendant checked the security video tapes of the station and they clearly showed a man grabbing the keys off of the bike and tossing them into a trash basket.

He got them back fortunately but potential vandalism scares me more than a potential mugging or theft because damage to my bike could be a lot more costly and make it more difficult to get home than losing a wallet or piece of gear.

[wuli959]

never fully mugged . . .

only one significant incident in 24 years and many miles of riding . . .

was on the side of the road reinstalling a tire that I had just patched. had three good old boys pull up in a pick-up truck and offer to help. I politely refused and they pulled away.

They went about 300 yards down the road but then started to back-up towards me. Stopped about 40 ft away and two jumped out with tire thumpers in their hands. I verbally challenged them before they got past their truck about what their intent was while reaching into my tank bag.

They didn't respond but did get back in their truck and pulled away.

Turned the tire install into race track speed effort and hit the road in a different direction. :bolt