Leave Helmet on Bike?

[mrao108]

I live in Dallas, TX and ride nearly every day. On NON-GoldWing bikes, I often see riders leaving their helmets on their bikes when they are parked on the streets/lots. I imagine GoldWing owners typically store their helmets in the top case/trunk. 99% of the time I store mine in my top case as well. I'm just curious/wondering what others typically do -
(a) do you typically store your helmet in one of the locking luggage storage; e.g., top case/trunk
(b) do you leave your helmet somewhere on the bike - on the driver seat or hanging off a handlebar
(c) do you lock it in the helmet lock below the rear top case/trunk
(d) do you take it with you
(e) do you not wear a helmet

I'm just curious.... this has been on my mind.

I would prefer to just leave it on the driver seat but instead lock it in the top case/trunk only for fear of theft. I even avoid the lock under the top case in case someone might walk up and kick it (vandalism) thereby causing damage to both the helmet and the rear exterior of the bike. It's almost a year old now but it (was) my first expensive (to me) brain bucket - a SHOEI Qwest. If it was one of my first cheap $99 helmets, I would have left it on the seat, and been less worried about replacement cost.

Just wondering what y'all do, and if it is an "expensive" helmet or not. Thanks

[CaptLen]

I have a Shoei and lock it beneath the trunk; or sometimes take it with me. I agree that I worry about vandalism. My buddy has a Harley and maintains that people are afraid of Harley riders so he just leaves his on the handlebar.

[mrao108]

Interesting...I'm curious if anyone has any stories of having experienced actual theft or vandalism. Thanks for sharing

[Micky Runey]

Years ago, while visiting Springfield, MO, another couple parked their bike outside the arcade/theater and did not lock their helmets. My wife and I locked ours using the factory supplied Yamaha helmet locks. I mentioned to my friend that he should do the same, but he replied that they always left their helmets on the seat and never had any problems. My friends had to ride home that evening without their helmets. Missouri is a helmet state. Fortunately, for them, no police officers spotted them as we made our way back to Kansas - a state in which helmets are optional.

[Toyfarm]

Lock it beneath the trunk.

[hparsons]

Years ago (20+, because I hadn't married my wife yet), I left both helmets on my bike (don't remember if it was the Silverwing 650, or the Kaw KZ450, but one of those two, probably the latter), and I left mine and my "passenger" helmet on the handlebars of the bike. Both were gone when I left my date's apartment later that night (actually, about 1 in the morning). It was an apartment complex, and I decided then that I'd be more careful on the combination of "where" and "when". Worst of it was that TX had not yet changed its helmet law, and I was worried sick I'd get a ticket on the way home. Didn't happen though.

These days, I'm not afraid to leave the helmet on the handlebars if it's daylight, or I'm in a protected parking lot (like work). If I'm concerned, I lock it on the back hooks. A full face will fit in the trunk, but it's crowded.

[zippytoall]

If the bike is out of sight I always lock them away. If in the Houston area, they're always locked up.

[Westdc]

If you longer want something - Leave it in plain site unlocked and your item will be gone - Gold Wings have helmet lock installed .or you can place them in the trunk - for bikes that don't have helmet locks -the aftermarket provides Locks that can be installed.

If you need a new helmet and don't want to recycle it - just leave it unattended on your bike and some person will take it-There's a PAWN Shop on every corner.

[jmohme]

I toss my helmet and jacket in my Tailwind unless I have it packed full, then I use the helmet hangers under the trunk.

[clayusmcret]

It all depends on the location and time of day. To go into a fast-food restaurant to grab a bite, normally on the seat and I try sit where I can keep a watch. If going to be away from the bike for more than 20-30 minutes? It depends on how much crap is in the trunk whether I lock it inside or outside on the hooks.

[530ktm]

Put it on the seat or handlebars if it is in sight or in top trunk if out of sight. If trunk is full then it or they go on the back helmet locks. I may invest in a cable and lock helmets on the seat to the grab rails because trunk is a pain when full trying to get to the releases.

[1096dad]

My oblong head will only fit into an Arai helmet and they don't come cheap. Between that and the bluetooth, I've got to much invested to take any chance of someone walking off with it. It gets locked in the trunk or on the hangers or it goes with me...everytime! Same with my wife's Nolan, but it won't lock onto the helmet hangers because of their unique fastener for the chin strap.

[JGDJR]

My answer is (A) I would NEVER leave my helmet hanging on the bike unless I was right there. If my trunk is full...
I put it in a helmet bag and carry it.

John

[Pizza Man]

Because mine is triked, I lost my locks under the trunk.
I carry a bike cable with combination built in lock.
I put one end through each chin bar and then through the passenger handle.

[Cruiseman]

I typically keep mine in my trunk. If I am on a road trip and my trunk is full, I might just carry it with me into a restaurant. If I am just stopping to get gas, or go into a convenience store, I have been known to leave mine on the seat. It just depends on the environment.

[cirbtap]

If they want it more then me--------have at it. I'll go get another one----some place

Ride safe-----Pat

[KYBubblehead]

Short time stop? Leave it on the seat......longer than that? Locked in the trunk....

[ColoradoWinger]

My helmet is too big to fit in the truck. Depending on where we are I will leave mine on the bike, the wife will carry hers into the restaurant. If we are going to a movie or dinner downtown i will lock them to the hangers. If we have the trailer, they go in there with the jackets. I guess our answer is our Shoei's get protected as the situation presents itself.

[Badd Dadd]

Around the small town its hanging on the mirror. In the city or going to be gone for awhile the 1/2 helmets are in the trunk the Nolan N43s are on the hangers. You can get a Nolan on a T hanger if you adjust the loop in the strap.

[tommyone]

I put mine in the trunk or take it with me.

[Grandpa1]

Just put 'em up and don't worry about it. One less thing. Just sayin'!