You are right about this. I used to own this type of rack system on my ZRX, and if you have clearance to access the back of the retaining pin/lock, then all you need is a plier to rotate the pin 1/4 turn. I ended up grinding off most of the excess pin so that this could not be done on my system. Pretty bad design in my opinion. The rest of the rack system is very well made.

Also, I would agree that a thief could more easily break open or break off a Givi case from the rack, not even bothering with the security knob.

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09 Orange DL650

"Your attitude is the only difference between an ordeal and an adventure"

I have ridden for 40 years now and have never had anything stolen off of my bike or from my camps. The only incidents of theft was back in the early 80's when a buddy of mine had his helmet stolen from his bike. I believe it was in Kansas somewhere.

I know theft happens, but in most cases its a grab and run type of thing. At rallies I have never heard of anyone having a theft.

Not to steal this thread, but has anyone else experienced theft?

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Bright Side

I rationalize that it would require a lot more resources (time worry and $) to try to protect against theft than to just replace whatever might be stolen in the unlikely event it might occur.

That being said, I don't think my Givi racks look bad at all on my bike. I would have no interest in a quick release system.

Just ordered a set from http://www.dualsportplus.com/index.html in Stoney Creek Ont. I'll have them in early January.

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2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!


Art in Peterborough
03 DL1000
Race Tech gold cartridge's and spring's, , Pro Taper Contour ATV high bars Kaoko Throttle Lock, Oxford heated grips, SW Motech crash bars, Pelican 1550's on SW Motech racks, Zumo 660
03 Yamaha WR290F woods and ice bike

One thing I noticed with the locks is that you have to lube them up a little when new. When I origonaly installed mine I locked them and gave them a twist and they unlocked.

As they were new they were stiff inside. The plastic knob and metal disk inside were stocking together instead of spining free from each other (if that makes any sence). A little lube and worked as it was supposed to.

Its all good now.

I hate to say it but ... talking to friends of mine on the police force here in town... most thieves won't even think of "un-doing" luggage off a bike, they will just break locks with pry bars, rocks, bricks, axes, etc...

As far as fastening them to the bike, I mentioned the locks - he retorted "how fast do you think I could cut them off ? ... Faster than unscrewing them man"

I hate Police officers honesty and accuracy. lol. Here is what he said he has seen used for just about anything that will fit in the teeth/ jaws of the tool :

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"Gone in 30 seconds !"

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Now flying the Team Orange colors (yes, I went to the dark Dakar side and bought a KTM...)

:rolleyes:

The internets BEST Site for Image Hosting ---> Smugmug <--- SAVE $ 5.00 on smugmug membership with this COUPON - hUuJ7EHBKXWDU

I have them and have never had a problem with theft. As pointed out most people don't know about the quick release. A thief will be more concerned about what might be inside the luggage than the trying to run off with the whole set. I considered leaving one pin out and replacing with a bolt, spacer and lock nut on my Colorado trip but didn't. My givi top case can be opened with a screwdriver faster than messing with the metal side boxes.

I think the most important step in preventing any theft is where you park and leave your bike and for how long. If you had to a cable lock could be used to lock the case/mount to the bike. Just have to remember to remove it depending on how you wrap it before riding off.

Side note: the later sw evo side racks are narrower than the older design if anyone needs to know.

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willp
07 Vee 1000
10 Triumph Thunderbird

I'm looking on TT for the lock set for the SW Motech quick-release sideracks for the '09 Wee, but cannot find it. Would someone send me a link? I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

.

SW-MOTECH Keyed Locking Quick-Lock Fasteners (pair) - TwistedThrottle.com

The key lock sets are the same for all bike models.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

On the couple long trips I've taken with my Seahorse cases, the locks on the cases are only for when I am riding and then going into a store or restaurant. I know we are talking about the racks themselves, but I agree with the others here that thieves are mostly looking for the content, not the bags. I have the permanently mounted Givi and hardly use the cases, and it never occurs to me the empty racks look bad. But I only washed my bike once this summer too! Depending where I stay, I will empty the cases at night and leave them unlocked because they are empty anyway. Some places I've locked them to keep (hopefully) on the bike.

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06 V-Strom DL650