Sidecase Security and Owner ID Strategies

[98288]

In light of my own recent experience, I thought that it would be a good idea to use a thread to compile ideas and strategies for

1) Securing Side Cases: some best practices

2) Owner ID Methods On Side Cases (inside and (or vs) outside).

While the story behind the idea would also be of interest, I suggest keeping it to the specific ideas/strategies. I have had good fortune in finding my lost sidecase and will now change how I approach these two points. My fuller story regarding loss, retrieval and the profound impact that a comprehensive and responsive network of resources can have will be forthcoming.
- Bob

[Paul_F]

Glad to hear that your missing side case is making it back to you Bob.

ID it for a future incident. Put your name, cell # on it and a short note saying that it carries only dirty laundry and camping stuff, essential for my cross country ride. I hope that this information will deter someone from breaking the locks to see what valuable booty might be inside.

Another thing that I do, is to use my convex mirrors to regularly check that the cases are always there. If one should go AWOL, it should not be too much of a ride back to pick it up.

There must be a lot of good guardian angels in the northeast for your bag to find it's way back to you.

[98288]

Glad to hear that your missing side case is making it back to you Bob.

ID it for a future incident. Put your name, cell # on it and a short note saying that it carries only dirty laundry and camping stuff, essential for my cross country ride. I hope that this information will deter someone from breaking the locks to see what valuable booty might be inside.

Another thing that I do, is to use my convex mirrors to regularly check that the cases are always there. If one should go AWOL, it should not be too much of a ride back to pick it up.

There must be a lot of good guardian angels in the northeast for your bag to find it's way back to you.

thanks Paul. I think that some folks don't realize that a bag can jump ship and 1) you won't feel it and 2) habituation sets in and you don't know it's gone when you stop (unless you want something in the bag...... ask me how I know). - Bob

[98288]

From: classicVW

I would do as Ted said. Someplace not visible while riding, like on the bottom of the case, or the side that's next to the bike just write your cell phone number and "reward". Do Not write : "If found return to [address]" ! For a reason that should be obvious!

[Omega Man]

I like the standard packing list pouch. Info can be put on a page of "write in the Rain" brand paper or an Index card sealed with clear shipping tape. Gary

[98288]

I like the standard packing list pouch. Info can be put on a page of "write in the Rain" brand paper or an Index card sealed with clear shipping tape. Gary

that's a bit of an idea that I had in mind Gary. Maybe a bit of CrazyGlue to help the adhesion? Maybe a standard luggage tag? Don't use your inkjet printer for the ink. I hope that some of these ideas help prevent the anguish of lost bags/belongings. - Bob

[kgadley01]

I'll just put the info inside my cases. I never lock them, because they stay mostly empty. I put all my stuff in my trailer...

[98288]

I'll just put the info inside my cases. I never lock them, because they stay mostly empty. I put all my stuff in my trailer...

ha...... that's where our wine was when we lost the sidecase! Stayed at a border town and drank all the beer and wine on board before crossing to Canada. We could because of that trailer. I still lock the sidecases though. Riding two up needs that room. - Bob

[Omega Man]

that's a bit of an idea that I had in mind Gary. Maybe a bit of CrazyGlue to help the adhesion? Maybe a standard luggage tag? Don't use your inkjet printer for the ink. I hope that some of these ideas help prevent the anguish of lost bags/belongings. - Bob

Yeah Bob, I might have put it one of the other related threads but because their very sticky, cheap, and effective I wanted to bring it up. Some people may even have them in the shipping dept. where they work . As for super glue the only thing I've ever had luck sticking is my skin. And-as the weather turns colder and my fingers start to crack, superglue is the answer. For a real nice all around adhesive that would stick a stamped brass dog tag to a case, I'm a fan of Shoe Goop. Gary

[98288]

Yeah Bob, I might have put it one of the other related threads but because their very sticky, cheap, and effective I wanted to bring it up. Some people may even have them in the shipping dept. where they work . As for super glue the only thing I've ever had luck sticking is my skin. And-as the weather turns colder and my fingers start to crack, superglue is the answer. For a real nice all around adhesive that would stick a stamped brass dog tag to a case, I'm a fan of Shoe Goo. Gary

shoe goo?

[TED]

I use a standard Avery label printed with "IF FOUND PLEASE CALL 703-XXX-XXXX -- REWARD FOR RETURN", then covered with a piece of clear packing tape so the tape overhangs about 1/8" all around, then affix to the inner portion of the bag where it can not be seen while on the bike, is protected from the weather, and doesn't rub against anything. You can also use paint pens found in stationary stores (with the added bonus that they come in silver and gold -- bling!).

[Omega Man]

shoe goo?

Oops typo- Shoe/marine/outdoor GOOP. I believe it's all the same. I dug up the site. www.amazinggoop.com Gary

[Paul_F]

that's a bit of an idea that I had in mind Gary. Maybe a bit of CrazyGlue to help the adhesion? Maybe a standard luggage tag? Don't use your inkjet printer for the ink. I hope that some of these ideas help prevent the anguish of lost bags/belongings. - Bob

I printed my information off on regular printing paper four years ago with my laser printer and covered with packing tape. Four years later and everything is as it was when I first taped the information to the cases. However, I do need to replace the K's information with my additional cell phone number.

Can't put the info on the bottom of the cases as that's where I have large strips of orange reflective tape, just in case the case (or bike) somehow lands upside down in a ditch. In that case, the reflective tape might help catch someone's attention. Besides, the bottom of the cases tend to get a little dusty.

[TED]

Try here:


So it looks like this (label also covered with clear packing tape)


Cannot be seen when the case is on the bike, protected from the worst of the weather, clearly visible when off the bike - works well for me!

[98288]

... if only I had done that Ted! I like that placement (looks like our bag...) However, if I had done that then I would never have discovered that rich communications network out there. I learned a lot. But from now on though..... - Bob