Seat theivery !!???

[woodmnctry]

Seat thievery !!???

On another forum noticed that several HD owners had their seats stolen ----- WOW!--- takes all types of low life --- guess I am just too trusting as had not really thought about the issue --- now I need to address the issue --- any recommendations as to a tamper resistant seat bolt? --- seems there are several out there --- will be securing the seats on the wife's TG and my bike and then guess I have to secure the saddle bags on my ride also as they seem to be disappearing way to often --- dang this torques my shorts!!!

 

[Shriner Jim]

Just don't know what to do. If you fix it so a thief can't take it off, how does the owner take it off?

 

[HogAir]

<script id="ncoEventScript" type="text/javascript]function DOMContentLoaded(browserID, tabId, isTop, url) { var object = document.getElementById("cosymantecnisbfw"); if(null != object) { object.DOMContentLoaded(browserID, tabId, isTop, url);} }; function Nav(BrowserID, TabID, isTop, isBool, url) { var object = document.getElementById("cosymantecnisbfw"); if(null != object) I replaced the screw in my seat with one of these...

Got it at Lowes. Not 100% but should slow down the casual thief.

You can also get the security bit there too. I purchased a couple of them. Keep one in the garage, and the other in my multi-bit screw driver in my trikes toolkit.

 

[Shriner Jim]

I replaced the screw in my seat with one of these...

Got it at Lowes. Not 100% but should slow down the casual thief.

You can also get the security bit there too. I purchased a couple of them. Keep one in the garage, and the other in my multi-bit screw driver in my trikes toolkit.

View attachment 19115[/QUOTE]

Pretty good idea. I'm gonna do it.

 

[87Trike1200]

Looks like a good idea. Is there a special name for this type of screw so we know what to ask for?

 

[woodmnctry]

I replaced the screw in my seat with one of these...

Got it at Lowes. Not 100% but should slow down the casual thief.

You can also get the security bit there too. I purchased a couple of them. Keep one in the garage, and the other in my multi-bit screw driver in my trikes toolkit.

View attachment 19115[/QUOTE]

This would be a great improvement -- I will be a Lowes tomorrow

TKS

G

 

[msocko3]

I replaced the screw in my seat with one of these...

Got it at Lowes. Not 100% but should slow down the casual thief.

You can also get the security bit there too. I purchased a couple of them. Keep one in the garage, and the other in my multi-bit screw driver in my trikes toolkit.

View attachment 19115

That'll keep the casual thief at bay, I happen to have a rather large set of security torx bits setting in my toolbox.

 

[trikermutha]

I put in a stud and put a nut on the stud..works fine for me..

 

[John Luciano]

It is a security bolt. I better stock up on them now that the word is out. What size do u use?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_423529-3767...l=1&currentURL=?Ntt=securit+screws&facetInfo=

 

[jcolson]

Come on guys, if they can't steal the seat, they will steal the whole bike!

 

[87Trike1200]

Come on guys, if they can't steal the seat, they will steal the whole bike!

Good observation, Jim, that could be, OR the seat-nappers might move on to another, non secure seat. If "seat-napping" is a problem, a couple of security bolts might be a good idea. Kinda like securing your car stereo. If "the bad guys" are after stereo's, are they gonna take your whole car or move on to someone else's non-secure stereo? (might be crappy example, but you get the picture).

Even a secured, locked, tied down, disabled bike would still be subject to seat-napping. Seems like a couple of bucks for bolts can't hurt. On the other hand, I personally never heard of seats being stolen, but if it's a potential problem in "your area" - why not change bolts? Can't hurt. :Shrug:

 

[HogAir]

I put the security screw in mine when I put Capt Itches Crotch Cooler on my trike. Don't want to make it too easy to remove it if parked somewhere.

Like Mike, I also have a collection of security bits at home. Just banking that most folks won't be carrying those with them on the road.

 

[msocko3]

I had to deal with a stripped security torx once, used a Craftsman damaged bolt extractor socket http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00952166000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1. I had one that fit right on top of the fastener, it digs in to remove the stripped fastener slicker than snot.

 

[Hap]

Seems odd that a person can walk up to a bike and start fiddling with the screws and walk off with seat and nobody notices? Where are they parked when this can happen? Even in parking lot at night...the flash light and fiddling should cause notice.

The tamper not screw isn't a bad idea I guess.

Hap

 

[msocko3]

Seems odd that a person can walk up to a bike and start fiddling with the screws and walk off with seat and nobody notices? Where are they parked when this can happen? Even in parking lot at night...the flash light and fiddling should cause notice.

The tamper not screw isn't a bad idea I guess.
Hap

If a person has turned a wrench or two they don't need a flash light, I could have a seat off and be on my way in 30 seconds on the darkest of nights. I could have your gas tank off and be gone in about 2 minutes, your outer fairing in about the same amount of time, your radio could take a walk with me in about 3 minutes once I get the outer fairing off.

If I person has no emotional attachment they will have no concern as to how many marks they leave getting what they want.

 

[GARYD]

You hit the nail on the head with that post, msocko

About the security bolt, if the thief sees it, won't he figure the tool is somewhere in the bike also??? And do even more damage??

On my old bikes I fabricated a bolt with a small handle on it so I wouldn't need a screwdriver to take it off, just reach in from the side and unscrew it.

I hated trying to get a screwdriver down between the seat and the tour pac - without scratching the paint. The Zepplin seat made it even harder because of the larger size.

Unless it's a special seat, Road Zepplin - etc., why would anyone want to steal a stock seat?

Pity the poor thief if he gets caught and goes to jail. When asked what he's in for and he says for stealing a stock motorcycle seat, the inmates will laugh themselves silly.

 

[Texan]

I replaced the screw in my seat....

Attachment 19115[/QUOTE]

Have that same security screw. Found a chrome one at a plumbing supply house.

Had a a friend buy a quick release, fancy chrome screw from HD for $25.00. I discouraged him at the time he bought it but he wouldn't listen. Several days later I spotted his bike at a mall. Yep, I did. Walk over like I knew what I was doing, removed the seat.. Strolled back to my pickup and watch. OMG ! He now has one like mine and the $25.00 screw is on eBay.

o~\o

 

[msocko3]

Have that same security screw. Found a chrome one at a plumbing supply house.

Had a a friend buy a quick release, fancy chrome screw from HD for $25.00. I discouraged him at the time he bought it but he wouldn't listen. Several days later I spotted his bike at a mall. Yep, I did. Walk over like I knew what I was doing, removed the seat.. Strolled back to my pickup and watch. OMG ! He now has one like mine and the $25.00 screw is on eBay.

o~\o

Now thats funny, I'll bet he about crapped his pants when he saw the seat missing and you must have just about peed your pants laughing.

 

[Texan]

Now thats funny, I'll bet he about crapped his pants when he saw the seat missing and you must have just about peed your pants laughing.

Yep, he did, I did !!

 

[GARYD]

Texan, I hope you got all that on video????? That would be priceless.

It would have been bad if it was someone elses bike, that looked just like his, and they caught you.

- - - Updated - - -

On America's Funniest Videos then the whole world could see it. epper:

 

[Texan]

Texan, I hope you got all that on video????? That would be priceless.

It would have been bad if it was someone elses bike, that looked just like his, and they caught you.

- - - Updated - - -

On America's Funniest Videos then the whole world could see it. epper:

Surprized you didn't hear him ! Did it while living in Downers Grove at Oak Brook Mall.

Yeah, would have been VERY funny but I knew his bike very well.

O~\o

 

[rider1234us]

If a person has turned a wrench or two they don't need a flash light, I could have a seat off and be on my way in 30 seconds on the darkest of nights. I could have your gas tank off and be gone in about 2 minutes, your outer fairing in about the same amount of time, your radio could take a walk with me in about 3 minutes once I get the outer fairing off.

If I person has no emotional attachment they will have no concern as to how many marks they leave getting what they want.

you are very correct. but....in all my years i have never known any one having a stolen seat or helmet

 

[GARYD]

you are very correct. but....in all my years i have never known any one having a stolen seat or helmet

I haven't either. I can't even sell 2) almost new $400 FF helmets for $50. Who wants to wear someone elses helmet? I don't even lock my helmet when I go somewhere, I just set it on my seat - sometimes even my jacket left on the seat. Overnight - no way.

I would think if someone wanted a seat, it would be easier and faster to just steal the whole bike.

 

[anad]

If someone wants a seat , or anything else on your bike , they will get it . Locks , special bolts , etc , don't get thief's from stealing , they just keep honest people honest . Just saying ! epper:

 

[Bubba49]

I put the security screw in mine when I put Capt Itches Crotch Cooler on my trike. Don't want to make it too easy to remove it if parked somewhere.

Like Mike, I also have a collection of security bits at home. Just banking that most folks won't be carrying those with them on the road.[/QUOTE]

What size screw did you use? I'm thinking about hitting up Lowes today since it's raining like hell here.

Bubba

 

[HogAir]

What size screw did you use? I'm thinking about hitting up Lowes today since it's raining like hell here.

Bubba

1/4-20 1/2" I think... It's been a while since I put it on.

Thinking about going back to get a C clip to put on the bolt to keep it with the seat whenever I remove it. You can tell it's a slow day...:Coffee:

 

[rhino 2]

I just cut a quarter size piece from a plastic water bottle and made a X slit in the middle and pushed it on the bolt.
So whenever I remove the seat the bolt stays with it and doesn't drop into the black hole...

 

[Shriner Jim]

I just cut a quarter size piece from a plastic water bottle and made a X slit in the middle and pushed it on the bolt.

So whenever I remove the seat the bolt stays with it and doesn't drop into the black hole...

Hey! I'm doing this. I've lost them down the black hole more than once.

 

[GARYD]

Great idea - me too!!!!

I like the price to.

 

[Gorilla]

And the crowd said why didn't I think about that.