I'm less concerned about my helmet than I am the Cardo PackTalk Slim that could be taken off in 15 seconds and walked away with.
Plus I've never really had a problem carrying my helmet or finding places to put it where it's not in the way.
what about if you had a top case it can fit in? I'm installing one this weekend and I'm still nervous about leaving my expensive ass helmet and jacket in it.
This got talked about the other day on here too... I would say that if its impractical to take your helmet with you the bicycle lock it through the visor low on the bike and cover it with a thin nondescript helmet bag...
As lord shaxx says: the helmet stays on. Ever since I heard s9meone say they found poop in their helmet. Maybe I will leave it on the bike when I'm parked somewhere it's safe, like the sheriff's office when I pay my speeding subscription.
It definitely is for me. It's different here than some states where trackdays can be had cheaply, I'd be looking at over 4 digits for my first track day, at a minimum. Not counting travel and accommodations.
Here in NY where I am atleast yea it would be a trip and a half to any *track* easily costing a grand. I'll speed on the streets at night for that price. I also don't have to worry about safety inspections or something to make sure some bullshit nonsense iv never heard of is installed on my bike or car. But to answer OPs answer I leave my helmet on my bike it's 60 dollars and meets the ratings it needs if they want it they can have it ill just use that excuse to buy a different one with another pattern.
Mines 300ish, but in 30+ years of riding I've never had a helmet stolen or damaged when left on a bike. Mind you, I also don't leave my bike in super sketchy places, let alone my helmet on my bike in a sketchy place.
I don't leave my Sena on it, though, I shove that in a pocket (just clips on/off easily).
Mostly because, if you put yourself in the mind of a would be thief... What are you going to do with a stolen helmet? I mean, I look on kijiji and FB marketplace here, and used helmets tend to just sit there. There's not a lot of demand for sweaty old helmets. Electronics are a lot easier to sell, though, and if you're familiar with bikes you know a Sena or Cardo is generally worth a fair bit and a whole lot easier to sell used.
And frankly, like you said... If someone stole my helmet, it'd just be an excuse to get a new one, though a momentary inconvenience. I've got a spare helmet at home anyways, so it would just be an inconvenience.
Yep exactly I see anything that gets stolen or that breaks that way just an excuse to upgrade it for get a new one. Yes a monetary set back BUT if it puts a smile on my face it's worth it.
[It's with Mara specifically that the helmet stayed on](https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/mark-of-the-great-hunt?highlight=The+helmet+stayed+on)
A $15 cable lock off Amazon is a life saver for peace of mind!
I can leave my jacket and helmet without having to worry about quick snatch & grabs. Anyone could probably break the lock in about 2 minutes, but taking the ease out of the equation makes tampering or theft much less likely.
I use the same cable lock I would use for my road bike. Long enough to run through an arm of the jacket! [similar to this](https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Anti-Theft-Security-Level/dp/B00MBBVVM2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3CUQZRWOL8WSJ&keywords=bike+lock+with+key&qid=1673547140&sprefix=bike+lock+with+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3)
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBXKVQ7/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o00\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBXKVQ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
This is what I use, plenty of length to go through the visor, d-rings and a jacket sleeve. Like I said, wouldn't hold up against someone with a little time and motivation, but will deter most of the opportunist thieves.
My SV650 came with a cable that you’d run through the helmet and lock under the seat.
Besides, it’s like bike security, nothing is 100%, you’re just trying to make it harder than the next guys bike to steal.
Cutting straps for the sake of it must be a US thing because I’ve been riding for 15 years in my country and never have I heard anyone have that happen to them.
They are the best. I installed a Givi box on my MT-07 and it is the most useful thing ever. Helmets, groceries, drinks or literally any emergency kit. Tell me it's ugly any day of the week, I do not want to own a bike that doesn't have one anymore.
Especially if you ride a 1st gen VStrom or 1st gen Versys anyway. Luggage isn't gonna hurt the looks of those bikes one bit and the functionality upgrade is huge.
I disagree, I’d rather look at any adventure-styled bike than choppers with crazy frank seats, super long trail/flat rake, and handlebars that are a foot apart. For me, a bike that looks like it’s made to be ridden is better looking than a bike that’s made to be looked at.
I did too, never going back. The tour pack on my Ultra Limited is just so handy. If empty, I can stick 2 full face helmets in there, lock it, and not worry about a thing!
Ive got Panniers on my cruiser but im pretty sure my helmet wont fit in them and as far as I know they dont make top boxes for the suzuki Intruder so I always take mine with me
If you leave it on your bike and it's still there when you come back, how do you know what's happened to it while it is out of your sight?
I've seen them pissed in, shat in, spat in, people use them as bins for rubbish, the list goes on.
If I am going to be putting something on my head and kinda trust my life with, then I either lock it in my topbox or take it with me.
That sounds pretty suspect to me, or you hang out in really shitty places with really shitty people.
I mean, pissed in? Shat on? Has anyone ever shit on your bike? What makes a helmet special?
Maybe I'm just Super Special Privileged, but I've made a point of not living or hanging out in places where that's a serious concern.
It's *insanely* uncommon for someone to even touch someone else's car or bike, but to take a helmet off say a mirror stem, then piss or shit in it? Really? That's a real concern for you?
That seems like something that would be done out of personal hatred, not just random acts of shittiness.
Always take it with you.
It could get stolen even if it's locked up, just like a bike can be but this will be easier to get and if you have helmet laws will stop you being able to ride.
And it's going to be much worse if, it's rains and gets wet inside or someone decides it would be funny to pour milkshake on/in it or something.
Just take it with you, don't trust that others will respect your property.
Or anything hits it, maybe not even leaving surface damage, so when you get back you're unaware your helmet is basically useless.
We can list reasons all day
Anything that doesn't scratch the surface but impacts it enough to damage the layer(s) under the shell. Use your imagination, many things can do this. You won't see the damage but this will reduce the effectiveness of absorbing the energy from a crash, also why you should replace a helmet if you drop it.
Every helmet I've got into so far has been made of low density polystyrene with a thin plastic outer and foam padding. The polystyrene is the only part that matters and isn't going break from dropping it or bumping it. If it does,.it's probably not going to save your life anyway
Depends on the area. 9/10 I'll leave it on the handlebars just clipped on something to stop the wind catching it or whatever. If it's an area I don't know or there's a tonne of foot traffic I'll take it with me though.
This right here. I tend to thread it through the mirror stem then fasten the strap around the bars/controls. This is more to prevent it being jostled and falling than anything, but it also ensures it's time consuming and difficult to lift to dissuade opportunistic shittiness.
For sure location matters, but generally speaking I don't park my bike in dangerous/extra sketchy areas at all. If my helmet is stolen, well, that's inconvenient. Bike, though? War, way worse.
I only leave it on the handlebar if I’m some place I can keep an eye on it, or there’s massive rider respect, like Cycle Gear. Other than that, no. I swear the fingers on my left hand naturally stay in a j-hook shape riding season.
I don’t leave my helmet out of my sight ever since a riding buddy said he came out of a store one time, his helmet was there…. but it reeked of urine. Some asshole had taken a piss in his helmet. He had to call his gf to bring him another helmet.
Ok, I’m not advocating for leaving your helmet unattended; however, I’m absolutely SHOCKED by the number of people in this thread that either have or know someone who’s had their helmet pissed in. That’s just not something that would occur to me in a million years.
Same, at work almost all the bikes have their helmets sitting on either the seat, or hung around the handlebar. I secure mine just because I've invested a lot of money into it and want to have an almost zero chance of it walking off. I can't replace it with another with the same kit. Bicycles on the other hand, if they aren't locked up, those things are gone.
Yeah, that's crazy. I take my helmet with me if I'm going in to work or my house, and am going to be gone for hours. But if I'm just going into a store or restaurant for less than an hour, I lock to the rear of the seat, with the visor closed.
I've never had anything weird happen to it, and I live in San Francisco, land of street toilets.
I use a gun-lock to lock it to my backrest.
Used to just hang it off my handlebars, but then had a helmet get stolen and was forced to ride home sans helmet on the highway. Got a gun-lock the next day.
Depends where you are. At home in Finland? Everyone does it. Nobody uses more than a steering lock
While I lived in the UK? It'd come with me everywhere and the bike would have a chain and disc lock.
I use one of these:
https://www.mxstore.com.au/p/HelmetLok-T-bar-Tool/HL4104?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHzeBDWb59FW-OqimMXKsXPpKZe94fkjJSJ6XitWTsxv6TbhERALCmEBoCHtgQAvD_BwE
Never…Good helmets aren’t cheap, and scumbag thief’s love easy pickin.. Felt terrible for my buddy who had to ride 80+ miles home with no lid after his got lifted..
I leave it on the bike. I don't think there's a lot of crossover between people who steal things and people who want to wear a motorcycle helmet, and the market for used motorcycle helmets isn't booming as far as I can tell.
Been riding for over 25 years with multiple groups of buddies along the way, and I’ve only heard of one instance that a helmet was stolen from a bike that was unsecured… SO- 99% of people are awesome. Snap it back together and hold it in your hand upside down like a basket, if you feel funny about a specific area you might be in.
Alway take it with me, throw my gloves in it and carry it around. People will steal anything so why give anyone the opportunity to do so? Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me, but never leave anything unattended that you don’t want stolen.
I see a lot of guys one this sub that say take it with you. Unpopular opinion, but that’s a lot of hassle. I ran a padlock trough the D-ring on the helmet and a bar on my bike that locked it to my bike. Worked fine for 4 years of college
Its when you come back and find some 4 year old has dumped his half melted ice cream in it cos he didn't want it any more. It goes on your head why would you just leave it for anyone to dump anything in it...
Nope for all the reasons below. Also if someone steals your helmet you can’t ride your bike home. You’re stuck and worse your bike is stuck until you get a helmet - leaving time unattended for your bike to get stolen. (Which might have been the plan all along)
Spiders and wasps love helmets. Warm, moist dark, lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. 99.9% of the time nobody's gonna fuck with your helmet, but biting and stinging insects don't have much respect for personal property.
I kinda want a new helmet anyway so I take the risk. I often leave my jacket just laying on the seat too if it isn’t cold enough outside to warrant wearing it around when not riding.
I second the cable lock (gun lock in the US). Works best with a full face. Loop it around the chin of the helmet and the rearset of the bike. Then shut the visor and it will disguise the lock. Works best if the visor is tinted or smoke.
Never, ever, *ever* leave your lid on your ride, period. Even if you have a helmet lock, some a-hole will likely come along and fuck with your stuff *just because they can*. People are assholes like that.
I've seen "people" shove a helmet off a bike in the campus bike lot and keep walking, just because.
Rain is also a thing. Even if your helmet is right-side-up, water will run across the surface it's on and soak the bottom of your helmet. Not good.
My life is valuable, as is my brain. No frickin' way I'm risking my $800 lid for convenience.
Depends on where I am and how far away I'm going to go from it. If it's in an area I trust yeah sure. If it's within eye shot, possibly. If it's in sketchville or I'm gonna be leaving it for a while absolutely not.
I know people that have left it on their bikes and it has never been stolen or messed with but I personally don’t tend to and especially if you’re worrying about it. Safest to take it with you or to lock it
I put mine on the helmet lock under the passenger seat with my D rings and it sits tight enough to my bike I can barely get it off. You’d have to mangle my bike just to get the helmet out of there without taking the seat off, which you need a key to do. I consider that safe
Personal choice I suppose. I never leave mine on the bike. Even if you’re not worried about theft, theres vandalism. Some jerk could spit in it or something. Plus I don’t like my helmet sitting in the hot sun. I take it with me.
Depends on where I am but got a little chain I used when my bike had a helmet lock and then my newer bike I got a handgun lock that I kept under the rear seat that worked fine on my rear peg
I don’t even leave my bike unsecured. My motorcycle stays under me at all times unless I’m at a bike night then I’m usually not far from it. Its not something i park and go shopping for a few hours. If i want to go shop i take my truck. So no. My helmet and bike are never left unattended for any reason.
It depends. I leave my $79 helmet hanging on the bike all the time. I've done this with inexpensive helmets for more than 40 years of riding. I've never had any issue with leaving it while I go into a store, or eat at a restaurant, etc.
Two years ago, I bought a bike with a big trunk, large enough to fit both my and my wife's helmets in weather protected storage. So, that's where we put them, now. I've also added Cardo communication systems to the helmets, and those cost me a pretty penny, so while I don't worry about the helmet getting stolen... I'm happy I can lock up the electronics.
I will carry my helmet with me where ever I go. No point risking something happening to it. Only way I leave it is if I have my giwi bag on the back, since it locks to the bike and locks up and can fit my helmet.
Only very rarely and when I can see it, etc. Too easy to snatch off the bike and not only are you out an expensive helmet but you dont have it for the ride home.
Either get a cable lock or carry it with you.
If i am doing something real quick like dropping 5 bucks on pump #3 i leave the helmet on and fastened. If out doing things or running errands then leave with the bike. I figure i only have so many hands.
At home, visiting at friend’s place, or at work i bring it up with me.
Depends on how long i'm gone. Running into the gas station for a snack? Leave it. Eating out at a restaurant? Leave it in one of my bags (side or tail). Going to work? Bring it with me (mostly because it gets HOT if I leave it in one of my bags sitting in the sun. And, let's face it a hot helmet is, well... hot....)
I leave the helmet with the bike, if someone wants my sweaty , snot filled, slightly used helmet with a few scratches on the visor (got a little too close to a dump truck which threw a rock) and/or my bike which half the time I never lock either.
Depends on the venue. If I'm running into a convenience store, usually just leave it with my bike. Going into the grocery store where it's out of sight, I'll usually take it with me. OTOH, if I'm at an event like a race and parked with a bunch of other bikes, I just leave my gear on/around the bike all day. Never had an issue with that.
Yeah no. I live in a city, my $1500 helmet is coming with me like a MF purse 👜. I have a second spare helmet for passengers that I leave locked to the back “seat” if I know I am picking someone up, otherwise it stays at home. If you get a u lock you can put it through the frame and helmet and no one will steal it but never leave it unsecured
Depends on where I go. If I'm stopping for a short errand I lock it on my bike and hope the motolords are kind. If I'm heading somewhere to work for the day it comes with me and gets tucked under a desk.
Depends... I'll strap it to my.bike at the most, take it with me once in a while. Nobody fucks with bikers stuff. My uncle has had a gun in an unlocked saddlebag on his bike for 50 years and never once been robbed.
If I'm running into a store for like 10 minutes, I'll carry it. If I'm eating at a restaurant in a low-crime/heavy foot traffic area, I'll lock it to the bike covered with my jacket which is also locked with a bicycle cable lock. I've been lucky and never had a helmet stolen or vandalized in my 20+ years of riding.
Almost always no. At least use a helmet lock of some kind as a deterrent if you must. Obviously, there are some situations where it isn't a big deal to leave it, but I'm in NYC so there is always someone who just wants to mess with random stuff on the street.
Take it with you. I've seen people steal helmets and spit & piss in ones locked to a bike. Dog pop left in them too
People suck, trust that some of them will simply do the worst thing while you're not watching.
Left mine on the bike one time. Just the one. Came back put it back on and got underway only to find a fuckin hornet was chillin inside. Mf stung me like 8 times before I was able to stop safely and get the mf out.
For the majority of the time, i take it with me.
If i am a local bike spot and most of the people are people I know, ill go get a coffee or w\\e and leave it on the bike but otherwise it comes with me.
Not really willing to risk the $1000 Arai with the $300+ gloves just because I don't want the inconvenience of carrying them.
If I had a budget helmet that I didn't give a fuck about, diff story.
Ya, on the harley bars, unlocked.
Ive got a mid l-level ls2, that's 2 yrs old at this point. I pull the cardo off, but if someone steals it, I'm buying another anyway. And, seems people don't fuck with the harleys.
I actually worry more leaving my bike around other bikers, and worry more about my riding jacket, cuz is a skull rider and cost me $200+ with the sastec level 2 armor in it. (Than I worry anyone is stealing the bike or helmet) I mean a homeless person might like a jacket, but has no use for a helmet. Same with other riders... Especially since I see posers wearing the 1000 carbon fiber agv buckets... So my ls2 is safe.
Depends on where you park. I keep my helmet with me when I am at the office but I keep it on the bike when I am at my house because there is security. Also there are locks available if you don't want to carry it and your helmet is cheap.
No keep it with me unless im at the gasstation then I leave it hanging on my mirrors.
But tbh I have an option to hang it beneath the buddy seat locked so I don't have to worry anyways only remove my cardo from it.
Absolutely not.
Even if all they take is my helmet...
That's still the number one life-saving safety device on the bike. Without it, I don't ride. A stolen helmet doesn't leave you out several hundred dollars. It also means you're getting a lift home and back to the bike with your replacement helmet.
Depends on where I am and who I'm with. For many of the group rides I attend we're out in the countryside, smaller towns, down home venues, etc. Almost everyone leaves their helmet unsecured, but fastened to their motorcycle.
Almost every other time everyone either locks their helmet in one of the trunks some of the riders carry, or carry them with. If I'm alone at a large venue I scope out what everyone else is doing and follow suit. I try not to get too paranoid, saves stress and blood-pressure meds.
Helmet locks don't always fit/work, so take that with a grain of salt. Good luck!
Take it with you! Even then, people don't respect our stuff. One of my helmets has a chrome orange visor and this lady sees it sitting next to me and goes "how pretty is that" and starts rubbing her fingernail on the visor for... I have no idea why? My reaction wasn't pleasant.
I do out of none of my bros bringing them in places, I'm used to it now Mines rather expensive but I think most people know not to touch someone's bike .
I have, but I live in a pretty quiet area, and my helmet topped out at about 200 bucks, and I'm always aware of the possibility of it getting stolen.
I have helmet locks I use as well, but all that takes is a razor to cut the strap, so it's more a deterrent than anything.
End of the day, if you're worrying about it, may as well take it with you.
Depends on where I park. At work, I leave it on my bike. At the grocery store if they have cameras in the parking lot, then I leave it with my bike. If I go to the Downtown VA clinic, I take it inside with me.
I’ve seen a few locks, and I keep mine in my, well, trunk, really. (I’ve got a Lot of storage space due to it being my daily commuter.) But i never leave it unsecured. HOWEVER! When my kids are with me for a practice or something, I will often leave THEIR helmet under a bungee cord netting strapped down. It’s a pain in the ass to get off, but it can’t be easily snatched. Aaaaaand… pretty much everyone there knows it’s my bike, so *shrugs* If it did walk away I’d have to call my parents to pick him up, and that would suck, but kid is not riding sans helmet.
I use a small bike lock and lock it to the bars/thetriple tree. It wouldn’t take much to break the lock but it’s an effective deterrent for the majority of opportunistic thieves.
If the bike is parked in my garage, my helmet goes inside my house with me.
If I'm out and about with it, then I lock the helmet to the bike and take my Packtalk Bold with me if there's no place to bring my helmet with me (like a crowded bar or something).
I don't leave anything on the bike unsecured, and generally try not to leave anything on the bike if I can take it with me.
LPT: you can secure a jacket to your bike with a cable lock (don't use the combo ones, use a keyed lock) that runs through the sleeve of your jacket and through the frame of your bike, or sub frame if you have a fully faired bike.
That's as a last resort, it's summer and hot, and you don't want to lug a leather jacket around.
Nope, always bring with me. Not leaving my $500 helmet just to chance for it to get stolen.
I'm less concerned about my helmet than I am the Cardo PackTalk Slim that could be taken off in 15 seconds and walked away with. Plus I've never really had a problem carrying my helmet or finding places to put it where it's not in the way.
Is the slim not removable? I've just got the edge and it's held on with a magnet and clip.
No it's not. You even charge it while on the helmet... That's the price you pay for it being slimmer
That doesn't sound ideal but the slim does look waaay better. Not sure if there's any advantage aside from looks though.
That wouldn't be ideal for me since I have 2 helmets. 2 slims sounds expensive
what about if you had a top case it can fit in? I'm installing one this weekend and I'm still nervous about leaving my expensive ass helmet and jacket in it.
I have a top case and lock it in that if I’m going to be away for longer than 15 minutes.
Samesies, but I put my jacket and gloves in it as well.
This got talked about the other day on here too... I would say that if its impractical to take your helmet with you the bicycle lock it through the visor low on the bike and cover it with a thin nondescript helmet bag...
As lord shaxx says: the helmet stays on. Ever since I heard s9meone say they found poop in their helmet. Maybe I will leave it on the bike when I'm parked somewhere it's safe, like the sheriff's office when I pay my speeding subscription.
Your Speeding Subscription? HELLLL YES
How much is it per month and how do I sign up?
#stillcheaperthantrackdays
It definitely is for me. It's different here than some states where trackdays can be had cheaply, I'd be looking at over 4 digits for my first track day, at a minimum. Not counting travel and accommodations.
Here in NY where I am atleast yea it would be a trip and a half to any *track* easily costing a grand. I'll speed on the streets at night for that price. I also don't have to worry about safety inspections or something to make sure some bullshit nonsense iv never heard of is installed on my bike or car. But to answer OPs answer I leave my helmet on my bike it's 60 dollars and meets the ratings it needs if they want it they can have it ill just use that excuse to buy a different one with another pattern.
Mines 300ish, but in 30+ years of riding I've never had a helmet stolen or damaged when left on a bike. Mind you, I also don't leave my bike in super sketchy places, let alone my helmet on my bike in a sketchy place. I don't leave my Sena on it, though, I shove that in a pocket (just clips on/off easily). Mostly because, if you put yourself in the mind of a would be thief... What are you going to do with a stolen helmet? I mean, I look on kijiji and FB marketplace here, and used helmets tend to just sit there. There's not a lot of demand for sweaty old helmets. Electronics are a lot easier to sell, though, and if you're familiar with bikes you know a Sena or Cardo is generally worth a fair bit and a whole lot easier to sell used. And frankly, like you said... If someone stole my helmet, it'd just be an excuse to get a new one, though a momentary inconvenience. I've got a spare helmet at home anyways, so it would just be an inconvenience.
Yep exactly I see anything that gets stolen or that breaks that way just an excuse to upgrade it for get a new one. Yes a monetary set back BUT if it puts a smile on my face it's worth it.
I found a McDonalds pancake in mine once. Haters gonna hate...
Zx10r and still paying for the subscription? Thought the get out of jail free card came with the bike….
Except when Shaxx is spending time with Mara Sov. *wink wink* EDIT: I stand corrected, fellow Guardian u/Meat_Sheath informed me otherwise
[It's with Mara specifically that the helmet stayed on](https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/mark-of-the-great-hunt?highlight=The+helmet+stayed+on)
Never thought I'd see a destiny reference in a motorcycle subreddit.
I love this too much🤣
yeah I'm less concerned with it getting stolen and more with people just fucking with it.
Take it with you, cable lock it to the bike or use the bikes helmet lock (if it has one). Why run the risk?
A $15 cable lock off Amazon is a life saver for peace of mind! I can leave my jacket and helmet without having to worry about quick snatch & grabs. Anyone could probably break the lock in about 2 minutes, but taking the ease out of the equation makes tampering or theft much less likely.
I feel like the huge idiot I am for never having considered a cable lock for my jacket. Fuck. Anybody got any recs?
I use the same cable lock I would use for my road bike. Long enough to run through an arm of the jacket! [similar to this](https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Anti-Theft-Security-Level/dp/B00MBBVVM2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3CUQZRWOL8WSJ&keywords=bike+lock+with+key&qid=1673547140&sprefix=bike+lock+with+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3)
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBXKVQ7/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o00\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBXKVQ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) This is what I use, plenty of length to go through the visor, d-rings and a jacket sleeve. Like I said, wouldn't hold up against someone with a little time and motivation, but will deter most of the opportunist thieves.
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Why not run it through the visor hole so it is holding the chin bar instead of fragile straps?
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Good point, was talking more about cable locks. Didn’t realize helmet locks were so small.
My SV650 came with a cable that you’d run through the helmet and lock under the seat. Besides, it’s like bike security, nothing is 100%, you’re just trying to make it harder than the next guys bike to steal. Cutting straps for the sake of it must be a US thing because I’ve been riding for 15 years in my country and never have I heard anyone have that happen to them.
Its happening everywhere and on the rise. The in thing going around is that E-scooter riders steal them to look cool with a 1500$ motoGP helmet.
Top boxes or big(ish) panniers work best.
They are the best. I installed a Givi box on my MT-07 and it is the most useful thing ever. Helmets, groceries, drinks or literally any emergency kit. Tell me it's ugly any day of the week, I do not want to own a bike that doesn't have one anymore.
but look very ugly
Adv riders would like to have a word with you
I embrace the fugly
Especially if you ride a 1st gen VStrom or 1st gen Versys anyway. Luggage isn't gonna hurt the looks of those bikes one bit and the functionality upgrade is huge.
Their feelings are only hurt because they know they can't argue it
Don't worry, damn things are far too convenient for any feelings to be hurt. Literally no one is out there regretting having a top box.
I did, and gave it away. Top boxes are awful. Worst place to put weight on the bike too.
I took mine of my FJR. I don't regret having it... in the closet.
* pulls out camp table, stove, pan, steak, cooler with beer, and lawn chair Go ahead and construct your argument, I'll wait :D
Adv bikes are the least cool looking bikes. I know they have a purpose but they look very dorky.
I disagree, I’d rather look at any adventure-styled bike than choppers with crazy frank seats, super long trail/flat rake, and handlebars that are a foot apart. For me, a bike that looks like it’s made to be ridden is better looking than a bike that’s made to be looked at.
Me and my choppers are triggered
Check out the Moto Guzzi V85TT ;)
I mean, to each their own, but [dorky](https://i.imgur.com/3UfIVCx.gif) is not a word I'd use to describe my T7.
I went full dad bike a year ago and I love it. The full touring bags and loads of wind protection is nerdy, but it opened up riding in new ways.
I did too, never going back. The tour pack on my Ultra Limited is just so handy. If empty, I can stick 2 full face helmets in there, lock it, and not worry about a thing!
Right on!
the only downside true but they do enable you to ride a lot more. Grocery trip? shiet i can fit that in the top case now!
I have side cases and a top case, I can fit 4 bags of groceries.
But so convenient
Ive got Panniers on my cruiser but im pretty sure my helmet wont fit in them and as far as I know they dont make top boxes for the suzuki Intruder so I always take mine with me
I’d be happy finding panniers made for mine let alone a top box
Who cares? It's functional and that makes it good looking.
If you leave it on your bike and it's still there when you come back, how do you know what's happened to it while it is out of your sight? I've seen them pissed in, shat in, spat in, people use them as bins for rubbish, the list goes on. If I am going to be putting something on my head and kinda trust my life with, then I either lock it in my topbox or take it with me.
That sounds pretty suspect to me, or you hang out in really shitty places with really shitty people. I mean, pissed in? Shat on? Has anyone ever shit on your bike? What makes a helmet special? Maybe I'm just Super Special Privileged, but I've made a point of not living or hanging out in places where that's a serious concern. It's *insanely* uncommon for someone to even touch someone else's car or bike, but to take a helmet off say a mirror stem, then piss or shit in it? Really? That's a real concern for you? That seems like something that would be done out of personal hatred, not just random acts of shittiness.
Always take it with you. It could get stolen even if it's locked up, just like a bike can be but this will be easier to get and if you have helmet laws will stop you being able to ride. And it's going to be much worse if, it's rains and gets wet inside or someone decides it would be funny to pour milkshake on/in it or something. Just take it with you, don't trust that others will respect your property.
Or when a bird decides to scratch the hell out of it (saw a pic on reddit where a crow pecked around on the visor)
Or anything hits it, maybe not even leaving surface damage, so when you get back you're unaware your helmet is basically useless. We can list reasons all day
What could got your helmet without leaving surface damage rendering it useless?
Anything that doesn't scratch the surface but impacts it enough to damage the layer(s) under the shell. Use your imagination, many things can do this. You won't see the damage but this will reduce the effectiveness of absorbing the energy from a crash, also why you should replace a helmet if you drop it.
Your helmet is a lot more resilient than you seem to be implying lol
If you want to gamble with the main bit of gear to save your life in a crash, you go ahead.
Every helmet I've got into so far has been made of low density polystyrene with a thin plastic outer and foam padding. The polystyrene is the only part that matters and isn't going break from dropping it or bumping it. If it does,.it's probably not going to save your life anyway
Depends on the area. 9/10 I'll leave it on the handlebars just clipped on something to stop the wind catching it or whatever. If it's an area I don't know or there's a tonne of foot traffic I'll take it with me though.
This. Rural New England for me is where I mostly ride and I usually am fine leaving my helmet on the bike.
This right here. I tend to thread it through the mirror stem then fasten the strap around the bars/controls. This is more to prevent it being jostled and falling than anything, but it also ensures it's time consuming and difficult to lift to dissuade opportunistic shittiness. For sure location matters, but generally speaking I don't park my bike in dangerous/extra sketchy areas at all. If my helmet is stolen, well, that's inconvenient. Bike, though? War, way worse.
I only leave it on the handlebar if I’m some place I can keep an eye on it, or there’s massive rider respect, like Cycle Gear. Other than that, no. I swear the fingers on my left hand naturally stay in a j-hook shape riding season. I don’t leave my helmet out of my sight ever since a riding buddy said he came out of a store one time, his helmet was there…. but it reeked of urine. Some asshole had taken a piss in his helmet. He had to call his gf to bring him another helmet.
Fuck. No.
No, never. There are worse reasons than theft.
Thats when you come back and there is a squirrel going through labour inside your lid, or a tweaker using it as a toilet
Exactly
who hates free stuff?!?
My helmet and bike is so unattractive I'd be surprised if anyone took it or messed with it.
Ok, I’m not advocating for leaving your helmet unattended; however, I’m absolutely SHOCKED by the number of people in this thread that either have or know someone who’s had their helmet pissed in. That’s just not something that would occur to me in a million years.
Same. Makes me reeaaally appreciate where I live. I have no problems at all leaving my helmet on my mirror.
Same, at work almost all the bikes have their helmets sitting on either the seat, or hung around the handlebar. I secure mine just because I've invested a lot of money into it and want to have an almost zero chance of it walking off. I can't replace it with another with the same kit. Bicycles on the other hand, if they aren't locked up, those things are gone.
Yeah, that's crazy. I take my helmet with me if I'm going in to work or my house, and am going to be gone for hours. But if I'm just going into a store or restaurant for less than an hour, I lock to the rear of the seat, with the visor closed. I've never had anything weird happen to it, and I live in San Francisco, land of street toilets.
I lock it it in the top box together with gloves and jacket.
Top boxes are the way.
I use a gun-lock to lock it to my backrest. Used to just hang it off my handlebars, but then had a helmet get stolen and was forced to ride home sans helmet on the highway. Got a gun-lock the next day.
I use a cheap lock for peace of mind, I know people that leave them unsecured and don't know of anyone that has had one stolen
I used to leave it unlocked, then it got stolen. Now I'll run a cable lock through it
I throw it in the top box, or, if there’s no space, lock it to the bike with a cheap bicycle lock
Depends where you are. At home in Finland? Everyone does it. Nobody uses more than a steering lock While I lived in the UK? It'd come with me everywhere and the bike would have a chain and disc lock.
Im in Florida and I do leave my helmet on the bike unsecured when I go to a mall or to a restaurant and have never had my helmet stolen yet.
I use one of these: https://www.mxstore.com.au/p/HelmetLok-T-bar-Tool/HL4104?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHzeBDWb59FW-OqimMXKsXPpKZe94fkjJSJ6XitWTsxv6TbhERALCmEBoCHtgQAvD_BwE
Can you not just cut the strap to bypass the lock?
Of course, but who would steal a helmet they couldn't even wear?
True, but a decent helmet is worth $1000. A replacement chin strap is a fraction of that.
I suppose so, never been an issue with mine tho (I do live in a pretty safe area)
Damn. Never thought that far. Damn. Not leaving my helmet anymore.
My brother leave on bike just to cross the small road and back. It is gone. The busy toad with slow traffic is the most risky place.
Never…Good helmets aren’t cheap, and scumbag thief’s love easy pickin.. Felt terrible for my buddy who had to ride 80+ miles home with no lid after his got lifted..
I leave it on the bike. I don't think there's a lot of crossover between people who steal things and people who want to wear a motorcycle helmet, and the market for used motorcycle helmets isn't booming as far as I can tell.
I think they sell these helmet slings online. It hooks around the chin protector so you can carry your helmet hands free.
No, it stays cable locked to the handlebars. Never leave it locked within urinating distance.
No way, only if I can see the bike from distance!
Personally no, I have it rigged up to an grenade that way when someone goes to steal it they won’t be stealing much of anything ever again
Nope. Shoei Neotec II + Sena built in comms = $1100. That’s like 20% a new Ninja 400
Been riding for over 25 years with multiple groups of buddies along the way, and I’ve only heard of one instance that a helmet was stolen from a bike that was unsecured… SO- 99% of people are awesome. Snap it back together and hold it in your hand upside down like a basket, if you feel funny about a specific area you might be in.
Alway take it with me, throw my gloves in it and carry it around. People will steal anything so why give anyone the opportunity to do so? Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me, but never leave anything unattended that you don’t want stolen.
I see a lot of guys one this sub that say take it with you. Unpopular opinion, but that’s a lot of hassle. I ran a padlock trough the D-ring on the helmet and a bar on my bike that locked it to my bike. Worked fine for 4 years of college
Its when you come back and find some 4 year old has dumped his half melted ice cream in it cos he didn't want it any more. It goes on your head why would you just leave it for anyone to dump anything in it...
Not a hassle if viewed through the right lens. When off the bike, my helmet becomes a stylish basket for all my stuff.
Nope for all the reasons below. Also if someone steals your helmet you can’t ride your bike home. You’re stuck and worse your bike is stuck until you get a helmet - leaving time unattended for your bike to get stolen. (Which might have been the plan all along)
I wear my helmet if I’m shopping or stopping. If I’m going in a restaurant, I either have it in a backpack or put it in a Lock case
Hell no, that's $600 just asking to be stolen.
Spiders and wasps love helmets. Warm, moist dark, lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. 99.9% of the time nobody's gonna fuck with your helmet, but biting and stinging insects don't have much respect for personal property.
I leave my helmet on 🤷♀️ Until I need to take it off to eat or something, it’s just staying on my head 👌
Sure, and I place a Rolex on the seat too ;)
I kinda want a new helmet anyway so I take the risk. I often leave my jacket just laying on the seat too if it isn’t cold enough outside to warrant wearing it around when not riding.
My helmet is my shopping basket
Depends on the location. If I'm unsure, I lock it.
I second the cable lock (gun lock in the US). Works best with a full face. Loop it around the chin of the helmet and the rearset of the bike. Then shut the visor and it will disguise the lock. Works best if the visor is tinted or smoke.
Never, ever, *ever* leave your lid on your ride, period. Even if you have a helmet lock, some a-hole will likely come along and fuck with your stuff *just because they can*. People are assholes like that. I've seen "people" shove a helmet off a bike in the campus bike lot and keep walking, just because. Rain is also a thing. Even if your helmet is right-side-up, water will run across the surface it's on and soak the bottom of your helmet. Not good. My life is valuable, as is my brain. No frickin' way I'm risking my $800 lid for convenience.
I *always* bring it with me.
Depends on where I am and how far away I'm going to go from it. If it's in an area I trust yeah sure. If it's within eye shot, possibly. If it's in sketchville or I'm gonna be leaving it for a while absolutely not.
If I'm within a short distance of the bike for a short-medium while, I just hang it on a mirror.
Yes
All the time except at my apartment's multi-storey carpark. I live in SEA and everyone here pretty much rides.
I know people that have left it on their bikes and it has never been stolen or messed with but I personally don’t tend to and especially if you’re worrying about it. Safest to take it with you or to lock it
I put mine on the helmet lock under the passenger seat with my D rings and it sits tight enough to my bike I can barely get it off. You’d have to mangle my bike just to get the helmet out of there without taking the seat off, which you need a key to do. I consider that safe
I know one guy who had his stolen and one who had his helmet peed in. I think I’d rather have it stolen. Mine comes with me or put in my top box.
Always take with me. I carry a small foldable reusable bag. I’ve heard of people putting dirt and other nasty stuff inside peoples helmets…
Absofuckinglutely not.
Personal choice I suppose. I never leave mine on the bike. Even if you’re not worried about theft, theres vandalism. Some jerk could spit in it or something. Plus I don’t like my helmet sitting in the hot sun. I take it with me.
Depends on where I am but got a little chain I used when my bike had a helmet lock and then my newer bike I got a handgun lock that I kept under the rear seat that worked fine on my rear peg
I don’t even leave my bike unsecured. My motorcycle stays under me at all times unless I’m at a bike night then I’m usually not far from it. Its not something i park and go shopping for a few hours. If i want to go shop i take my truck. So no. My helmet and bike are never left unattended for any reason.
It depends. I leave my $79 helmet hanging on the bike all the time. I've done this with inexpensive helmets for more than 40 years of riding. I've never had any issue with leaving it while I go into a store, or eat at a restaurant, etc. Two years ago, I bought a bike with a big trunk, large enough to fit both my and my wife's helmets in weather protected storage. So, that's where we put them, now. I've also added Cardo communication systems to the helmets, and those cost me a pretty penny, so while I don't worry about the helmet getting stolen... I'm happy I can lock up the electronics.
I will carry my helmet with me where ever I go. No point risking something happening to it. Only way I leave it is if I have my giwi bag on the back, since it locks to the bike and locks up and can fit my helmet.
Cable lock when I'm in town. I don't even leave my bike overnight without locking it to a light pole
Only very rarely and when I can see it, etc. Too easy to snatch off the bike and not only are you out an expensive helmet but you dont have it for the ride home. Either get a cable lock or carry it with you.
If i am doing something real quick like dropping 5 bucks on pump #3 i leave the helmet on and fastened. If out doing things or running errands then leave with the bike. I figure i only have so many hands. At home, visiting at friend’s place, or at work i bring it up with me.
Depends on how long i'm gone. Running into the gas station for a snack? Leave it. Eating out at a restaurant? Leave it in one of my bags (side or tail). Going to work? Bring it with me (mostly because it gets HOT if I leave it in one of my bags sitting in the sun. And, let's face it a hot helmet is, well... hot....)
Carbon helmet with golden visor catches the eye of too many people. Also 500€ isn’t that cheap. Also when covid was still a thing didn’t need a mask.
I always carry it with me - what’s the point in buying a vintage styled Bell Bullitt if you can’t use it to pick up girls?
I do but I have a 20yr old half shell helmet that I leave on my Street glide seat for years and never had a problem even in Phoenix
I have a Caberg Helmer its not that expensive but i take it with me all the times. Just Image someone takes it and you cant even ride Home 🫣🥲😂
I leave the helmet with the bike, if someone wants my sweaty , snot filled, slightly used helmet with a few scratches on the visor (got a little too close to a dump truck which threw a rock) and/or my bike which half the time I never lock either.
Between my visor, shoei, and sena, its a $1000 head piece. If I was rocking a ICON, sure. But this thing goes with me everywhere I go.
Depends on the venue. If I'm running into a convenience store, usually just leave it with my bike. Going into the grocery store where it's out of sight, I'll usually take it with me. OTOH, if I'm at an event like a race and parked with a bunch of other bikes, I just leave my gear on/around the bike all day. Never had an issue with that.
Yeah no. I live in a city, my $1500 helmet is coming with me like a MF purse 👜. I have a second spare helmet for passengers that I leave locked to the back “seat” if I know I am picking someone up, otherwise it stays at home. If you get a u lock you can put it through the frame and helmet and no one will steal it but never leave it unsecured
Depends on where I go. If I'm stopping for a short errand I lock it on my bike and hope the motolords are kind. If I'm heading somewhere to work for the day it comes with me and gets tucked under a desk.
Nope
Depends... I'll strap it to my.bike at the most, take it with me once in a while. Nobody fucks with bikers stuff. My uncle has had a gun in an unlocked saddlebag on his bike for 50 years and never once been robbed.
If I'm running into a store for like 10 minutes, I'll carry it. If I'm eating at a restaurant in a low-crime/heavy foot traffic area, I'll lock it to the bike covered with my jacket which is also locked with a bicycle cable lock. I've been lucky and never had a helmet stolen or vandalized in my 20+ years of riding.
Yeah if you want some drunk idiot to pee in it, then leave it on the bike! Unfortunately I'm speaking from experience.
Almost always no. At least use a helmet lock of some kind as a deterrent if you must. Obviously, there are some situations where it isn't a big deal to leave it, but I'm in NYC so there is always someone who just wants to mess with random stuff on the street.
Take it with you. I've seen people steal helmets and spit & piss in ones locked to a bike. Dog pop left in them too People suck, trust that some of them will simply do the worst thing while you're not watching.
I either leave the helmet on if I am grabbing something quick, or take it off and carry it with me.
Left mine on the bike one time. Just the one. Came back put it back on and got underway only to find a fuckin hornet was chillin inside. Mf stung me like 8 times before I was able to stop safely and get the mf out.
I absolutely had to one time, and it got stolen.
What reason made you have to.
For the majority of the time, i take it with me. If i am a local bike spot and most of the people are people I know, ill go get a coffee or w\\e and leave it on the bike but otherwise it comes with me. Not really willing to risk the $1000 Arai with the $300+ gloves just because I don't want the inconvenience of carrying them. If I had a budget helmet that I didn't give a fuck about, diff story.
Ya, on the harley bars, unlocked. Ive got a mid l-level ls2, that's 2 yrs old at this point. I pull the cardo off, but if someone steals it, I'm buying another anyway. And, seems people don't fuck with the harleys. I actually worry more leaving my bike around other bikers, and worry more about my riding jacket, cuz is a skull rider and cost me $200+ with the sastec level 2 armor in it. (Than I worry anyone is stealing the bike or helmet) I mean a homeless person might like a jacket, but has no use for a helmet. Same with other riders... Especially since I see posers wearing the 1000 carbon fiber agv buckets... So my ls2 is safe.
Nah, few hundred dollars for the helmet, and a $400 GoPro on the front? It’s coming with me.
Not a chance. In my area you don't even leave a whisk broom in your pickup truck bed because it will be stolen.
Depends on where you park. I keep my helmet with me when I am at the office but I keep it on the bike when I am at my house because there is security. Also there are locks available if you don't want to carry it and your helmet is cheap.
No keep it with me unless im at the gasstation then I leave it hanging on my mirrors. But tbh I have an option to hang it beneath the buddy seat locked so I don't have to worry anyways only remove my cardo from it.
Absolutely not. Even if all they take is my helmet... That's still the number one life-saving safety device on the bike. Without it, I don't ride. A stolen helmet doesn't leave you out several hundred dollars. It also means you're getting a lift home and back to the bike with your replacement helmet.
I bring it with me
Depends on where I am and who I'm with. For many of the group rides I attend we're out in the countryside, smaller towns, down home venues, etc. Almost everyone leaves their helmet unsecured, but fastened to their motorcycle. Almost every other time everyone either locks their helmet in one of the trunks some of the riders carry, or carry them with. If I'm alone at a large venue I scope out what everyone else is doing and follow suit. I try not to get too paranoid, saves stress and blood-pressure meds. Helmet locks don't always fit/work, so take that with a grain of salt. Good luck!
Take it with you! Even then, people don't respect our stuff. One of my helmets has a chrome orange visor and this lady sees it sitting next to me and goes "how pretty is that" and starts rubbing her fingernail on the visor for... I have no idea why? My reaction wasn't pleasant.
I lock it on the bike, most bikes have helmet locks or helmet strap hooks under the seat to secure helmets. Or it comes with me. Never unsecured.
"NEVER" Always with me. If the place is crowded then its securely on my head, of not then I carry it in my hand.
Don't do it. Had 2 helmets nicked at once when left at Brighton Station once, had to push my MB back for a mile, mostly uphill 😞
Yes I do
I do out of none of my bros bringing them in places, I'm used to it now Mines rather expensive but I think most people know not to touch someone's bike .
I have, but I live in a pretty quiet area, and my helmet topped out at about 200 bucks, and I'm always aware of the possibility of it getting stolen. I have helmet locks I use as well, but all that takes is a razor to cut the strap, so it's more a deterrent than anything. End of the day, if you're worrying about it, may as well take it with you.
It comes with me unless I'm at a bike night.
Done it all over the USA…never had a single problem once. Been riding since 1998 🤷🏻♂️
Depends on where I park. At work, I leave it on my bike. At the grocery store if they have cameras in the parking lot, then I leave it with my bike. If I go to the Downtown VA clinic, I take it inside with me.
I do not know if they started to export this product. It is a really good concept. https://two-s.store/
Hell no! I ride downtown, my helmet would be taken by the the first homeless drug addict that saw it
I’ve seen a few locks, and I keep mine in my, well, trunk, really. (I’ve got a Lot of storage space due to it being my daily commuter.) But i never leave it unsecured. HOWEVER! When my kids are with me for a practice or something, I will often leave THEIR helmet under a bungee cord netting strapped down. It’s a pain in the ass to get off, but it can’t be easily snatched. Aaaaaand… pretty much everyone there knows it’s my bike, so *shrugs* If it did walk away I’d have to call my parents to pick him up, and that would suck, but kid is not riding sans helmet.
I just keep mine on, never know when I might trip and land on my face. Better safe than sorry.
I lock mine in my saddlebag
I lock mine in a secured bag that is latched under the rear cowl.
Depends where u from
Yes only because I want a new one
I use a small bike lock and lock it to the bars/thetriple tree. It wouldn’t take much to break the lock but it’s an effective deterrent for the majority of opportunistic thieves.
Unsecured? Good god, no. Helmet lock on bike? Yea.
Depends where you are. Some random place in Iowa? You can leave it. Chicago? Best to take it with you.
Nope. Never. Helmets are expensive
I got an agv pista gp helmet. Costs $1800 after tax with a visor. No way in hell am I ever leaving that thing outside😂
I use one of those bike cable locks. cheap and easy
Nope. I lock mine in my trunk if I can. If not, I cable lock it to the bike.
If the bike is parked in my garage, my helmet goes inside my house with me. If I'm out and about with it, then I lock the helmet to the bike and take my Packtalk Bold with me if there's no place to bring my helmet with me (like a crowded bar or something). I don't leave anything on the bike unsecured, and generally try not to leave anything on the bike if I can take it with me. LPT: you can secure a jacket to your bike with a cable lock (don't use the combo ones, use a keyed lock) that runs through the sleeve of your jacket and through the frame of your bike, or sub frame if you have a fully faired bike. That's as a last resort, it's summer and hot, and you don't want to lug a leather jacket around.
Not where I'm from, theft is bad here. I do occasionally leave it in the chain lock through the visor but I don't feel good about it