View Full Version : The V-Strom needs a helmet lock.
speedsix
09-19-2008, 04:23 PM
Not like what is given. A normal helmet lock like my Kawasaki KLR even had. The KLR is a basic bike and didn't come with many extras but it did come with a helmuet lock and I loved it. One of the few things I prefered about my KLR over the V-Strom 650 I recently bought.
Other than that, I am very happy. It is a small thing and wouldn't cost much to add so go ahead Suzuki, I know you can do it.:D
The Vee does have a helmet lock mounted by the pillion peg. If it concerns you greatly maybe you could buy one and mount it on your Wee.
IMO all standard helmet locks are next to useless as they rely on locking the D rings of the helmet strap to the bike. To steal a helmet anybody with a sharp knife can cut the chin stap in seconds and be off with the helmet leaving the D ring nicely secured to the bike.
A far better option is either the Pacsafe style mesh net or a cable or chain that passes through the eye port of the helmet and secures around the frame of the bike. A further advantage of a cable or chain is that you can usually secure two helmets and if you choose correctly additional gear all with one device.
speedsix
09-20-2008, 12:23 AM
Not looking for maximum security, just a quick and easy helmet lock. Not all people carry a knife and few try and steal a helmet. If I feel that the helmet is in danger, I take it with me or lock in the my Givi truck if there is room.
The real issue is why not? If my cheap KLR can have one, why the heck can't the V-Strom? I am going to start carrying a gun lock but that is just one more key to carry. A bike mounted lock would be keyed the same as the bike and that would be good.
gijoecam
10-07-2008, 12:56 PM
Not looking for maximum security, just a quick and easy helmet lock. Not all people carry a knife and few try and steal a helmet. If I feel that the helmet is in danger, I take it with me or lock in the my Givi truck if there is room.
The real issue is why not? If my cheap KLR can have one, why the heck can't the V-Strom? I am going to start carrying a gun lock but that is just one more key to carry. A bike mounted lock would be keyed the same as the bike and that would be good.
Again, there IS one there. It's on the left side near the passenger foot peg, and it IS keyed the same as the bike.
It includes a cable to pass through the helmet, be it via the chin strap or through the chin bar. It's there, it works, and it's keyed to the bike... What's the problem, exactly??
greywolf
10-07-2008, 01:53 PM
The OP has a 650. It does not have the helmet lock a 1000 has. The 650 has a pair of helmet lock stanchions under the seat along with a pair of short, loop end cables. A cable is to be run through the helmet D-ring and the loops hung on the stanchion. The seat being locked in place protects the helmets.
gijoecam
10-07-2008, 03:04 PM
The OP has a 650. It does not have the helmet lock a 1000 has. The 650 has a pair of helmet lock stanchions under the seat along with a pair of short, loop end cables. A cable is to be run through the helmet D-ring and the loops hung on the stanchion. The seat being locked in place protects the helmets.
D'OH!! I get so used to people referring to the 1K as the V and the 650 as the Wee.... I missed the '650' entirely LOL!!
At any rate, even the 650 has the afore-mentioned provisions, so I still fail to see the issue....
I agree with the OP, it is a goofey set up. I always feel kinda like a scooter rider when I pull up some where and have to pop my seat in order to secure my helmet. It's a minor issue IMHO, the bikes got enough good going on to make me forget the bad! However, if it gets to bothering me too much I just look at the mud flap rear fender design and forget all about helmet lock issues. That kinda looks like something off a scooter too. Wait. What the hell have I done, I think I'm riding a scooter.
gijoecam
10-07-2008, 04:00 PM
FWIW, many crotch-rockets have a similar setup.... My CBR600 had a pair of hooks under the pillion cushion. Popping the seat wasn't exactly difficult... I just had a tendency to forget the key in the seat lock. D'OH!!
jeffster
02-14-2009, 10:19 PM
You can mount a helmet lock on the bars if you like. They're about $12-$17 U.S.
jeffster
You could also add a mount to your license plate bracket. There are a few designs...some hold 2 helmets. Here is one option for $40.
http://www.lockitt.com/accessories_helmet_holders.htm#kur4248
And as far as someone cutting the chin strap to steal the helmet...wouldn't that make the helmet worthless?
TravellingStrom
02-15-2009, 03:05 AM
If they added one I would use it.
I have lived without a helmet lock on the Wee for a few years now and have gotten used to it.
I just use a bicycle combination lock and chain which I use to secure the helmet through the chin guard to the right passenger footpeg. I can also use add my jacket to this lock through the sleeves.
It works and the lock lives in the top case when not in use. I have the top case attached 99% of the time.
Cheers
TS
Maybe I like my helmet too much, but I haven't found helmet locks useful. The few ways it's possible to hang my helmet where they've placed the lock either place the helmet bottom-up, or freely swinging and rubbing the bike with the exposed padding.
Bottom up it looks like an open bucket. I always worry about rain. Or worse, some jerk using it as a spittoon. Any other way lets the helmet swing against the oil and grime splattered parts of the bike by the chain guard.
But I've found a better spot anyway. If I'm stepping away for a while I usually just slide my helmet over the bar end. The strap buckles between the hand guard and grip to secure the helmet. The size of the hand guard fills the helmet and keeps it from swinging like it would on a helm lock anyway. The biggest worry is that a parking lot tip will cost me a helmet instead of a cheaper bar end and blinker. But I'm not sure a helmet hung near the passenger peg would suffer any less damage, since the passenger peg got plenty of scuffs the last time the bike laid down.
Would be nice instead of pulling the seat off all the time.
Mercenary
06-05-2009, 05:34 PM
You could also add a mount to your license plate bracket. There are a few designs...some hold 2 helmets. Here is one option for $40.
http://www.lockitt.com/accessories_helmet_holders.htm#kur4248
And as far as someone cutting the chin strap to steal the helmet...wouldn't that make the helmet worthless?
I like this option since my backrest makes it harder to get the seat off. But I agree that more cable is needed to run through the eye hole.
Cutting the chin strap wouldn't make it worthless, I read an article a while back were someone had stolen a bunch of helmets at a rally by cutting the D rings and then stitched on new webbing and D rings and sold the helmets on Ebay. One of the guy's who's helmets were stolen bought it back from Ebay and the cops nailed the guy. Had the guy's name in the helmet, crooks are so stupid.
sapperranger04
06-05-2009, 11:36 PM
http://www.lockitt.com/images/kur/CRhelmlck2JW.jpg
www.bikesax.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HL110&Category_Code=SEC-HLM&Product_Count=0
And its only 15 bucks
could mount it to the handle bars or crsh guards or whatever.
problem solved, now u owe me a beer....lol
scrminbanshee
06-06-2009, 02:08 AM
I just had a tendency to forget the key in the seat lock. D'OH!!
This is the story of my life...if you want to steal my bike just wait i will leave them in soon enough and then promptly wal away....
jgrohio
07-02-2009, 09:43 PM
http://www.lockitt.com/images/kur/CRhelmlck2JW.jpg
www.bikesax.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HL110&Category_Code=SEC-HLM&Product_Count=0
And its only 15 bucks
could mount it to the handle bars or crsh guards or whatever.
problem solved, now u owe me a beer....lol
ITS CHROME, I bought a Wee to never see chrome again. I hated cleaning a cruiser. If I could find it in black powdercoat maybe
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