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CVO Social => In The News => Topic started by: Chuck Pryor on January 13, 2012, 10:14:50 PM

Title: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Chuck Pryor on January 13, 2012, 10:14:50 PM
Seems this is becoming VERY common in Nor Cal these days. Friend sent this to me.

Good Morning...... This is an FYI, warning, beware, ect. For those who ride touring bikes with hard saddle bags it seems to be the new thing to steal them. This was witnessed first hand the other night, after a meeting that I was attending, several people who rode their bikes came out to discover that all their hard saddle bags had been STOLEN! All were locked,somehow the thieves were able to remove the pins( that hold them on) from the outside!You might want to look into something to secure your bags and property, as people lost valuable items that were inside their bags as well. Be aware and hope that it doesn't happen to you!


Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: cvobiker on January 13, 2012, 10:21:42 PM
Seems this is becoming VERY common in Nor Cal these days. Friend sent this to me.

Good Morning...... This is an FYI, warning, beware, ect. For those who ride touring bikes with hard saddle bags it seems to be the new thing to steal them. This was witnessed first hand the other night, after a meeting that I was attending, several people who rode their bikes came out to discover that all their hard saddle bags had been STOLEN! All were locked,somehow the thieves were able to remove the pins( that hold them on) from the outside!You might want to look into something to secure your bags and property, as people lost valuable items that were inside their bags as well. Be aware and hope that it doesn't happen to you!

I'd like to know what paper or news agency this is reported in..  Did a search in all the local here and didn't find nada... Kind of makes me wonder of there is an add buried in that story.... :nixweiss:  pretty common with computer virus industry.... :confused5:


Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: mjb765 on January 13, 2012, 10:24:38 PM
Seems this is becoming VERY common in Nor Cal these days. Friend sent this to me.

Good Morning...... This is an FYI, warning, beware, ect. For those who ride touring bikes with hard saddle bags it seems to be the new thing to steal them. This was witnessed first hand the other night, after a meeting that I was attending, several people who rode their bikes came out to discover that all their hard saddle bags had been STOLEN! All were locked,somehow the thieves were able to remove the pins( that hold them on) from the outside!You might want to look into something to secure your bags and property, as people lost valuable items that were inside their bags as well. Be aware and hope that it doesn't happen to you!




This has been discussed at length on this forum...once in a while theft and sometimes having a bag fall off while riding. Several members have used Saddlebag Secure made by this company to help prevent this.

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=60689.0

Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Chuck Pryor on January 13, 2012, 10:29:11 PM

I'd like to know what paper or news agency this is reported in..  Did a search in all the local here and didn't find nada... Kind of makes me wonder of there is an add buried in that story.... nixweiss  pretty common with computer virus industry.... confused5


email that was forwarded to me came from local HOG chapter pres...   I have no other info other than what my friend sent.


Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Chuck Pryor on January 13, 2012, 10:30:42 PM
I'd like to know what paper or news agency this is reported in..  Did a search in all the local here and didn't find nada... Kind of makes me wonder of there is an add buried in that story.... nixweiss  pretty common with computer virus industry.... confused5


email that was forwarded to me came from local HOG chapter pres...   I have no other info other than what my friend sent.




Came from:

James Buckley
Assistant Director
Sacramento Chapter #295
http://sachog.com

Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: cvobiker on January 14, 2012, 11:39:46 AM
Hey Chuck

Actually i did find several New's accounts about saddlebag theft last night on Google, so I apologize sir for my assumption  :2vrolijk_21:  The accounts i read said that saddlebag thefts are up because of the latest craze with motorcycle high-end stereo equipment noting most thefts are saddlebags with speakers... Thefts also know that things such as cameras, tools and even weapons are carried in saddle bags and an experienced theft can take off with two saddle bags in less then 30 seconds..   So again, I apologize..  Anyone interested in reading what i found, just Google Harley Davidson Saddle Bag Thefts. 
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Midnight Rider on January 14, 2012, 01:03:21 PM
Get the Saddlebag Secure things from Brukus...CVO members get a discount.  The stock pins are useless as a theft deterrent...all it takes is a screwdriver and 30 seconds or less.  With the Saddlebag Secure, they'd have to break something to get them off.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Cvostu on January 15, 2012, 07:27:33 AM
Sounds like a good idea to take a precaution like this.   Bad enough losing your bags with all we might have in it, how bout when it's loaded with speakers and an amp?  I think it's a good Idea to protect ourselves.  I will definitely look into this and it's a good idea that it's been brought to our attention.   I agree,  doesn't take a whole lot to pop these off even when locked.  Sucks that we have to deal with this too.  >:(
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: spydglide on January 15, 2012, 07:39:06 AM
With the automatic security system on the new bikes, wouldn't it activate if someone was taking bags with speakers in them?  :nixweiss: spyder
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: faceracer on January 15, 2012, 07:50:25 AM
I purchased the brukus kit and feel its a cheap piece of mind. Made my mind up when one of the forum members lost a bag just like mine doing 60mph! That was a $1200 saddle bag / CVO paint job! I also purchased the kit for my tour pack.

On another note, Do any of you think this is happening because bikers stopped punching people in the face for messing with their bikes? Interesting thought proposed to me by a 1%er friend as we discussed these thefts saddle bag thefts?

Face
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Cvostu on January 15, 2012, 07:53:05 AM
I see a plug on the inside of each bag. Lots of wires too.   I'm not sure, hbut on the sesg3 there are wires for the ipod and the speaker on the right side.     The left side has wires for the speaker and an amp.   Not sure about any security back there.   Wouldn't be a bad idea to protect ourselves anyway.  I'm gonna look at the one that  Terry ( TC) recommends.  Can't be too secure these days.  Seems like more bad people are around in a bad economy.  :nixweiss:
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: mjb765 on January 15, 2012, 11:10:44 AM
I see a plug on the inside of each bag. Lots of wires too.   I'm not sure, hbut on the sesg3 there are wires for the ipod and the speaker on the right side.     The left side has wires for the speaker and an amp.   Not sure about any security back there.   Wouldn't be a bad idea to protect ourselves anyway.  I'm gonna look at the one that  Terry ( TC) recommends.  Can't be too secure these days.  Seems like more bad people are around in a bad economy.  :nixweiss:

The Brukus kit is cheap insurance and a quick install. If they really want what's in the bag they would need to break it off the bike to get it. If they want the bag in good condition, that's not happening with the kit installed. If the thief really wants it, all we can do is make it more difficult to steal and hope they walk away, but after that, that's what insurance is for.....
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Midnight Rider on January 15, 2012, 11:58:01 AM
On another note, Do any of you think this is happening because bikers stopped punching people in the face for messing with their bikes? Interesting thought proposed to me by a 1%er friend as we discussed these thefts saddle bag thefts?
Face

I'm not sure about how many "bikers" actually punched people in the face in the past, or how many are doing it now.  Unless you stay out in the parking lot with your bike, you can't possibly keep an eye on it 100% of the time.  I always attempt to keep my bike in view when in a place to eat, and try to stay in motels that either have secure parking, will allow me to park the bike in view of the front desk, or outside my motel room door.  But that can't always happen.  It only takes a minute for someone to steal something like bags, and less than that to just do damage to your bike for the hell of it.  These people who are stealing bags are not just your average person deciding to mess with bikes...they are thieves intent on a specific purpose, and have a market for their goods.  Walking up to one of them to punch them in the face is likely to get a gun pulled in your face.  Even if they are unarmed, and you are armed, shooting someone in defense of your motorcycle is likely to land you in jail, and getting into a gunfight in a parking lot over saddlebags, or someone sitting on your bike without permission, is probably not a real good idea either.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 15, 2012, 01:18:01 PM
Here is the kit from Brukus - http://brukus.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-product.cgi?d=brukus-motorcycle-parts&item=35502

I do believe I will be putting a kit together from my local hardware store, with what I have invested in the stretched bags and paint, I will definitely be doing this upgrade very soon.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: mjb765 on January 15, 2012, 01:21:01 PM
Here is the kit from Brukus - http://brukus.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-product.cgi?d=brukus-motorcycle-parts&item=35502

I do believe I will be putting a kit together from my local hardware store, with what I have invested in the stretched bags and paint, I will definitely be doing this upgrade very soon.

Don't forget to use tamper proof torx bolts like the Brukus kit does......
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 15, 2012, 01:35:53 PM
Don't forget to use tamper proof torx bolts like the Brukus kit does......

I could but, if I did leave the bags unlocked ( NOT ) a small pair of Vise grips could get a hold of those bolts regardless if they are standard or tamper proof... I do believe...  :nixweiss: 
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: mjb765 on January 15, 2012, 01:43:50 PM
I could but, if I did leave the bags unlocked ( NOT ) a small pair of Vise grips could get a hold of those bolts regardless if they are standard or tamper proof... I do believe...  :nixweiss: 

If the bolts don't stick out too far from the clips, they will be very hard to grab with a vise grips.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Midnight Rider on January 15, 2012, 01:58:06 PM
It is very difficult to grab the head of a button head type bolt with a pair of vice grips, and even if you could, it would take some time to get the bolts off.  Thieves are generally not going to fool with things that take too long to steal.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 15, 2012, 02:00:16 PM
If the bolts don't stick out too far from the clips, they will be very hard to grab with a vise grips.


I think the only difference between the bolts is the pin in the center of the Torx hole right, and I have small Vise grips that I know I can get a hold of those bolts if i had to ( like a thief ).

Just always trying to save a buck or two and it is always rewarding when I see how much I can save. 
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 15, 2012, 02:02:37 PM
It is very difficult to grab the head of a button head type bolt with a pair of vice grips, and even if you could, it would take some time to get the bolts off.  Thieves are generally not going to fool with things that take too long to steal.

This is why my bags would always be locked!
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: mjb765 on January 15, 2012, 02:49:11 PM

I think the only difference between the bolts is the pin in the center of the Torx hole right, and I have small Vise grips that I know I can get a hold of those bolts if i had to ( like a thief ).

Just always trying to save a buck or two and it is always rewarding when I see how much I can save. 

The only difference with the tamper proof is the button on the center of the head...but that would be inside the bag. What I was describing would be trying to grab the other end of the bolt that is threaded into the clip outside on the back of the bag. If you could that, it would take some time to get the bolt out.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 15, 2012, 03:41:40 PM
The only difference with the tamper proof is the button on the center of the head...but that would be inside the bag. What I was describing would be trying to grab the other end of the bolt that is threaded into the clip outside on the back of the bag. If you could that, it would take some time to get the bolt out.


I agree, just have to make sure they are the correct length! 
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: faceracer on January 15, 2012, 03:45:55 PM
I'm not sure about how many "bikers" actually punched people in the face in the past, or how many are doing it now.  Unless you stay out in the parking lot with your bike, you can't possibly keep an eye on it 100% of the time.  I always attempt to keep my bike in view when in a place to eat, and try to stay in motels that either have secure parking, will allow me to park the bike in view of the front desk, or outside my motel room door.  But that can't always happen.  It only takes a minute for someone to steal something like bags, and less than that to just do damage to your bike for the hell of it.  These people who are stealing bags are not just your average person deciding to mess with bikes...they are thieves intent on a specific purpose, and have a market for their goods.  Walking up to one of them to punch them in the face is likely to get a gun pulled in your face.  Even if they are unarmed, and you are armed, shooting someone in defense of your motorcycle is likely to land you in jail, and getting into a gunfight in a parking lot over saddlebags, or someone sitting on your bike without permission, is probably not a real good idea either.

I think that was a fly by.

The thought was that when there were less bikers and most people hated us and many feared us that people were less likely to mess with a bike for fear of getting killed. Its all just an extension of whats happening with the "I don't desipline my kid" generation. No respect, fear or compasion for anybody else. Just give  me what I think I deserve and I'll take the rest.  :soapbox: Sorry rant!!!!! Sorry I hijacked the thread! I Digress!

Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Mano on January 15, 2012, 05:45:27 PM
I purchased the brukus kit and feel its a cheap piece of mind. Made my mind up when one of the forum members lost a  doing 60mph! That was a $1200 saddle bag.



X2 :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: dlaws01 on January 15, 2012, 08:18:35 PM
  Walking up to one of them to punch them in the face is likely to get a gun pulled in your face.  Even if they are unarmed, and you are armed, shooting someone in defense of your motorcycle is likely to land you in jail, and getting into a gunfight in a parking lot over saddlebags, or someone sitting on your bike without permission, is probably not a real good idea either.



I don't know, . . . I kinda like the punch'em in the face idea.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Midnight Rider on January 15, 2012, 10:10:57 PM
  Walking up to one of them to punch them in the face is likely to get a gun pulled in your face.  Even if they are unarmed, and you are armed, shooting someone in defense of your motorcycle is likely to land you in jail, and getting into a gunfight in a parking lot over saddlebags, or someone sitting on your bike without permission, is probably not a real good idea either.



I don't know, . . . I kinda like the punch'em in the face idea.

Upside the head with a 2X4 would be better, but that would go over like a Baby Ruth in the Punchbowl too...
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Brukus on January 15, 2012, 10:15:24 PM
Just received this email yesterday from a customer in AZ - so it's not just in California.

"Today I went on a ride with some friends,we stoped to have lunch and were inside for a while when this guy comes in and tells the manager that someone was messing with our bikes. he came over and told us needless to say there was a stamped out the door. There they are two guys and one in a truck taking the bags off our bikes. they got four sets off plus trying to get mine off but they would not come off. Brukus you did it again saved my bags only had locks on for a week yes they do work thanks, all the other bags we got back with some damage and the goof balls are now in jail we hit them so hard and fast they were thinking what the hell was going on, nothing like show and tell. You should be getting some new orders soon. thanks again for such a good product."
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: dlaws01 on January 15, 2012, 10:56:03 PM
 and the goof balls are now in jail we hit them so hard and fast they were thinking what the hell was going on, nothing like show and tell.



I appreciate what you guys did to help those poor fellas understand what is involved if they get caught stealing. Good job.  My hat's off to you!
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Brukus on January 15, 2012, 10:59:13 PM
and the goof balls are now in jail we hit them so hard and fast they were thinking what the hell was going on, nothing like show and tell.



I appreciate what you guys did to help those poor fellas understand what is involved if they get caught stealing. Good job.  My hat's off to you!


LOL! Exactly! I'll pass your appreciation on to our customer.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: skreminegul07 on January 16, 2012, 09:17:12 AM
IMHO, based on the ageold "fear " of Harley bikers, anyone that may be witnessing a bag theft will be intimidated to ask "is this your bike?"  We are constantly going out to get stuff out of bags.  I've never been questioned by anyone or even another biker.  I guess if your using tools it might look more suspicious.  Heck nobody questioned me at a rally trying to get a guys disc lock off when he mangled it trying to drive away.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: faceracer on January 16, 2012, 11:09:35 AM
and the goof balls are now in jail we hit them so hard and fast they were thinking what the hell was going on, nothing like show and tell.



I appreciate what you guys did to help those poor fellas understand what is involved if they get caught stealing. Good job.  My hat's off to you!

X2!   :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: justplainjim on January 16, 2012, 01:20:44 PM
Ordered a set of Brukus saddle Bag Secure yesterday.  As previously stated "cheap insurance".

Thanks for the discount..
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: VANAMAL on January 16, 2012, 08:01:30 PM
DITTO
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: SilveRT8 on January 16, 2012, 09:38:04 PM
I just ordered 2 sets
I'm adding lower extensions to the bags on my 2012 CVO Ultra. It's costing me about $1200 for the parts + matching the CVO paint Stardust and Silver, so I'd better protect that investment.
The second set will be a gift for my riding Buddy's 2010 Ultra LTD, I just could not ride with him knowing my bags are safe and not his.
Cheap price for Peace of mind
Claude
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: faceracer on January 16, 2012, 10:37:05 PM
I just ordered 2 sets
I'm adding lower extensions to the bags on my 2012 CVO Ultra. It's costing me about $1200 for the parts + matching the CVO paint Stardust and Silver, so I'd better protect that investment.
The second set will be a gift for my riding Buddy's 2010 Ultra LTD, I just could not ride with him knowing my bags are safe and not his.
Cheap price for Peace of mindClaude

Great friend! you are a good man.... :2vrolijk_21:

I once paid over $300 to get a buddy's bike out of the shop from having a belt put on. It was the day before the Redwood run. I never saw a dime of it back but it was worth it to have my best friend riding next to me for our first Redwood run!!!!   FACE
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MAT on January 18, 2012, 02:04:05 AM
Here is the kit from Brukus - http://brukus.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-product.cgi?d=brukus-motorcycle-parts&item=35502

I do believe I will be putting a kit together from my local hardware store, with what I have invested in the stretched bags and paint, I will definitely be doing this upgrade very soon.


Less than $10.00 at at local family owned hardware store for the hardware, installed this afternoon...done deal!   :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Puzzled on February 12, 2012, 02:55:03 PM
I like the idea behind the brukus kit.  :2vrolijk_21:

I recall reading a thread years ago where someone had taken a 1/2 copper tubing end cap, drilled a hole in it and placed it between the bag and mount. I'll look to see if I can find the thread.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: rbaker on February 12, 2012, 05:56:39 PM
Went to "Vendor Discounts" and saved 10% on each one.

The web address above shows the general public's price.

ordered 2 sets today....


Richard

 :pineapple: :pineapple:
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: FUZZNUTS on February 13, 2012, 09:24:12 AM

Less than $10.00 at at local family owned hardware store for the hardware, installed this afternoon...done deal!   :2vrolijk_21:

Just a 5/16 stainless nut , washer and bolt. You could even drill a spot in the bolt for a cotter pin. I've seen that before in a few saddle bags before. ................................................Fuzz
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Brukus on February 13, 2012, 12:19:30 PM
Went to "Vendor Discounts" and saved 10% on each one.

The web address above shows the general public's price.

ordered 2 sets today....


Richard

 :pineapple: :pineapple:

Thanks for reminding folks about the Discount! And the Discount covers ALL our Products! - WingShields, SeatSecure, TourPack, Sissy Bar and Rack Secure, Fender Security Screw, ShieldShackle for detachable windshields, KickShoe, etc.....
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: Harley Guy on March 18, 2012, 05:42:14 PM
Get the Saddlebag Secure things from Brukus...CVO members get a discount.  The stock pins are useless as a theft deterrent...all it takes is a screwdriver and 30 seconds or less.  With the Saddlebag Secure, they'd have to break something to get them off.

I installed my Brukus hardware today - 15 minute install
.
.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: stevehd on March 18, 2012, 07:29:26 PM
I got the Seat Secure and the Saddlebag Secure.  The hradest part of the install was opening the parts bags.  Neighbors watched me doing the installs and commented on what a good idea the pieces are.
Title: Re: Saddle Bag Thefts...
Post by: MKW on March 19, 2012, 08:16:12 AM
Got the saddle bag secure by Brukus on my bike and put a pair on the wife's RK.  She dosen't even care but I'm affected if we are on a trip and her bags get stolen......... ;)  By the way, when I changed hers out one of the OEM mounts was damaged/worn and could have posed a problem on one of our rides.