At the Hotel last night the hotel phone rings

[cabreco]

don't own a hand gun....

Then GET ONE!

 

A hand gun & a CCW is a good tool to have when riding... provided you follow all the reciprocal laws.

It's kinda like an adult diaper, no one has to know your wearing one, until Sh*t Happens!

[XV1100SE]

Then GET ONE!

 

A hand gun & a CCW is a good tool to have when riding... provided you follow all the reciprocal laws.

It's kinda like an adult diaper, no one has to know your wearing one, until Sh*t Happens!

 

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when travelling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while travelling.

[midnightrider1300]

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when travelling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while travelling.

 

 

I don't carry a gun & I see no need in carrying a gun... If you read my threads I don't lock doors or take my keys out of vehicles..and if I started across country I'd feel safe...

[cabreco]

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when traveling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while traveling.

 

In Canada, you basically have no choice (or gun rights)

When I lived in NYC, I had no choice either. I was lucky that I was never a victim. Since I moved, I carry.

 

It's not about feeling safe, it's about being prepared. In the same light as I would never drive without a spare tire in my car. I've never used my spare and I hope I never do; but in case of a flat I have a a remedy.

 

Things are not that bad if you are aware of your surroundings, but occasionally there is the nut job, wannabe gangster or desperate drug addict that uses violence to further their agenda.

 

I hope I am fortunate enough to NEVER have to unholster my weapon, but it is a fact of life that the police cannot be everywhere to protect people.

[MikeWa]

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when traveling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while traveling.

 

 

Last time I looked the crime rates for Canada and the US were pretty similar. So yes it is safe to ride in the US and Canadians are welcome visitors. However there are thieves everywhere so be smart about it.

 

It wouldn't be wise to shoot someone over a gps. You would be in the right of course but the legal fees and hassle would far outweigh the cost of a replacement.

 

i carry a bike cover and use it each night when on the road. Also thank the hotel and or other guest for the heads up and running the bg off.

 

Mike

[cabreco]

It wouldn't be wise to shoot someone over a gps. You would be in the right of course but the legal fees and hassle would far outweigh the cost of a replacement.

Mike

 

I agree absolutely Mike, the comment Donny was making was:

....I told my wife I guess it was good I didn't catch some1 cause I would have confronted them & my luck the SOB would had a gun & killed my AS$..

 

That's the concern, defending yourself against a violent attack from a criminal.

[rickardracing]

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when travelling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while travelling.

 

 

There have only been a few times when traveling either in a car or on the bike I wish I would have had something. It's really overkill and unnecessary.

[XV1100SE]

I think it is just a difference in attitudes.

 

I agree that there can be areas of a city you don't want to be alone in after dark...and you have to be aware of your surroundings. You don't park your bike or car on a dark street where there is broken (auto) glass on the road. Covering the bike is a sort of out of site, out of mind deterent. Removing the gps when you park is always a good idea, locking helmets when away from the bike another good deterent from theft.

 

As for attitude... statistics might show Canada similar to the U.S. overall... but if you ask Canadians whether they would carry a WEAPON for "what if" situations, I think you'll find the majority would say no. In my opinion I think Canadians would say there is no need to carry a weapon.... any kind of weapon.

 

Again... I strongly point out... I'm NOT commenting about being for or against guns. I agree with being prepared when travelling but in my mind that is about what clothes to pack, tools to carry, planning the route. Travelling in Canada I wouldn't be concerned about my safety and having to protect myself. Police are only a cell phone call away.

 

I would hope that the majority of the members see things this way as well rather than feel they should be "packing" in case they might have to protect themselves or "take the law into their hands". If you feel you have a chance of running into a situation where you might have to protect yourself... how safe do you feel?

 

Out of curiosity.... if the International were held in Canada.... how many Americans wouldn't come because they can't bring weapons across the border?

[cabreco]

It's easy to see how some discussions can get out of control due to

different philosophcal views

 

1 Police are only a cell phone call away.

2 "take the law into their hands".

 

Some take a more proactive approach. Yes, I agree the police are only a cell call away, but by then you may be asking for an ambulance not protection. Self protection is not "taking the law into your own hands". That's like saying performing CPR is practicing medicine without a license. Why learn CPR when EMS is only a call away.

 

It's all in how you view it. I live on the philosophy of "to each his own". There are many places where carry is forbiden, I do feel safe in general, I go to Canada & NYC a lot; but then I do have extensive martial arts training.

Personally, I hate carrying, & I really have no desire to take a life...but I have no desire to give mine or my family's life up.

Edited October 10, 2012 by cabreco

[RedRider]

As another option:

 

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/1735/PN-065-0523/TOURATECH-Zumo-660-665-Handlebar-Mount-V2-0-Locking-Silver

 

RR

[Kirby]

Kinda looks pointless if used with the Ram Mount system.

[ragtop69gs]

There have only been a few times when traveling either in a car or on the bike I wish I would have had something. It's really overkill and unnecessary.

 

It's only unnecessary till you need it, then, nothing else will do. Your first statement proves that.

[JohnT]

And you live where?:rotf:

 

He lives the same kind of place that I do. We lock our doors when we go on vacation. Key stays in the bike and my car. Wifey does take hers out.

As for carrying a weapon on the bike. Long guns are legal more places and a .357 lever action rifle is a nice unconcealed carry. Barrel as short as 16.5 inches are legal with no permit.

Or an empty rifle boot may make the rat bAst@&? think twice.

[XV1100SE]

I'd like to thank the members who responded. Just wanted to get an understanding why some members "carry" when they ride. Think the response was basically "just in case".

 

I've travelled in the States and don't have any reservations about touring in the States. Next summer we'll be travelling West from the International and looking forward to it. Won't be "packing" and don't see the need for it.

 

Getting back to the original topic...I never leave my gps on the bike, I lock the helmets in the trunk or use the helmet hooks (unless I'm within site of it). Covering the bike is a good idea and locking the front is a good idea depending on where you are. Be aware of your surroundings and try to park under a light near the entrance to hotel/motel.

 

You don't have to protect your things from honest people. Those slightly dishonest people will be put off by covers or locks. Those that want your possessions will find a way to take them no matter how much damage they have to cause.

[Cougar]

Doesn't your Zumo come off the mount like the 550 does?

I just remove my GPS and lock it in the trunk

[XV1100SE]

As another option:

 

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/1735/PN-065-0523/TOURATECH-Zumo-660-665-Handlebar-Mount-V2-0-Locking-Silver

 

RR

 

$175 ???? Wow.... think I'll just lock mine up in the trunk when I park !

[Freebird]

I agree and what am I missing here. You have a $175.00 locking mount secured to the ball mount with a big wing nut. Just loosen the wing nut and take the whole thing? I don't get it.

[aharbi]

I have to agree on taking the GPS out. Shoot depending on how I feel about it, sometimes when I stop for a BREAK OR LUNCH ALONG THE WAY i PULL THE UNIT OUT AND PUT IT AWAY. (oops sorry hit that key, not yelling) I cover the bike just for the previous mentioned reason, outa site out of mind. Keeps prying eyes out. Glad all your gear is there.

 

Ditto. Have to agree. I do the same thing and I get a better nights sleep when I travel on the bike. Peace of mind, don't have to keep rechecking it 25 times a nite. I also have motion, shock, voltage sensor alarm with a 1/2 mile range fob.

[twigg]

From the number of comments lately in different threads for the need to be armed when riding in the States.... is it safe to travel there any more? Are things that bad????

 

I wouldn't even consider a gun as necessary when travelling in Canada.

 

Sorry... this isn't about being for or against guns. Its about whether or not you feel safe while travelling.

 

Yes, it's perfectly safe with a modicum of care and good sense.

 

Except maybe when someone shoots you for admiring their GPS, because they thought you might be trying to steal it.

 

The simple truth is that violent crime against strangers is still very rare, even in the United States. There are small areas where the dangers are higher ... avoid them.

[Guest scarylarry]

He lives the same kind of place that I do. We lock our doors when we go on vacation. Key stays in the bike and my car. Wifey does take hers out.

As for carrying a weapon on the bike. Long guns are legal more places and a .357 lever action rifle is a nice unconcealed carry. Barrel as short as 16.5 inches are legal with no permit.

Or an empty rifle boot may make the rat bAst@&? think twice.

 

Your car stays outside?

[rickardracing]

It's only unnecessary till you need it, then, nothing else will do. Your first statement proves that.

 

 

Jay, I understand where your coming from. When I went to Arizona for work, there were a few times I wish I had been carrying. I do believe it is not really necessary and one of the main reasons I do not carry is my temper. There are times I get mad enough, if I had a gun, someone would get shot. Maybe I need to grow up more and work on the anger issue. Maybe someday I will carry. I have concidered getting my permit, it is my right, but at this point in my life, it's not for me. I do respect the rights of poeple that do carry.

[RedRider]

I agree and what am I missing here. You have a $175.00 locking mount secured to the ball mount with a big wing nut. Just loosen the wing nut and take the whole thing? I don't get it.

 

This setup is actually designed to mount directly onto the bars (or a cross bar) and not onto a RAM mount. I use one for my 276C on the KLR. It would likely require some modification to work as designed on the Venture. However, it does provide a metal, locking mounting for the Zumo that can be tethered to the bike with a wire. Wouldn't prevent the professional thief, but they are not the ones stealing GPS' out of a parking lot.

 

One reason for the expense of this mount are the shock absorbers. They allows using the Zumo on off road motorcycle applications. However, it does provide security and is a very high quality mount.

 

RR