I use the locks and don't consider them very effective. As others have pointed out it is easy to twist the pin from the back, etc. I have a keyed padlock on each of my Pelican side-cases, and I run a cable from one lock to the other through and around my rear rack. It is the kind of cable you would use to lock up a bicycle. I consider that to be about as effective as can be expected.

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'12 vStrom650
'04 KLR650

I agree with stromAlaska. The SW-MOTECH "locks" are a joke.

Here's what I did instead...

Left:

Right:

I added tabs to both the frame mounted bracket and the racks themselves. Now the racks lock to the bike.

Ron

my racks came with the locks from the P.O. - though I have no luggage yet - I thing you would be nuts to not order locks.

I have yet to see a single report of anyone stealing luggage by removing quick lock racks. Thieves use crowbars and hammers to steal stuff, not quarters.

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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

I have a lock on each side and use the Caribou fastener kit with washers. Not so much for secure but for strength. If did it again I would get Happy Trails top loaders. I use bags inside anyway and the rack always stays on. The only advantage is for maintenance.

http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=...=i&item=000203

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Vstrom 650 ABS

For extra peace of mind, you can run a cable lock through the case handles and the seat racks.

I did this when I parked at the airport for a few days and prevented potentially hundreds of theft attempts.

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Sent from my Hewlett-Packard 75C, using the Flying Merkel motorcycle app.

Stromin'Nroman NC28729, USA

DL650A K7 (Greywolf Moto Lab's R&D test mule) June 1, 2012 - present
DL650A K7 April 23, 2007 - January 6, 2012, RIP

"Look here brother, who you jivin' with that cosmik debris?" Frank Zappa, 1975

What Stromin' said. If you are concerned a cable will fit down along the back of Trax boxes where they attach to the SW-Motech EVO racks. Then you can wrap the cable to the racks and then the bike.

No one has bothered my Trax boxes or SW-Motech EVO racks (locks on both) when left unattended.

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2006 Suzuki V-Strom DL650K
1986 Honda Shadow VT700C
1974 Suzuki TM-250
1966 Triumph Bonneville T-120R
1965 Suzuki 80

Thanks for the link greywolf!

Add me to the list of those who use the quick release SWM racks with one keyed fastener on each side. I think it is enough deterrent, at least for where I might park my bike.

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07 DL1000, all farkled up

Another option is bolting the racks to the bike instead of using the quick-lock fasteners. Since there are plenty of security-conscious people out there we created this kit:




Kevin

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