Roll Bags and security

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:38 am

So I'm thinking I need more luggage.

I'm leaning towards a top case for security, but the roll bag looks so much more classy.

I've never seen one in person, so I have to inquire. Do these have any security built in? Are they locked at all to the rack they sit on? Can they be locked closed for that matter?

I'm not so much concerned that someone might cut into it as much as I'm always parked in a pretty public place, just don't want some piece of luggage that someone can rifle through while pretending to be the 'owner'. Or worse yet, just pick up like a briefcase and walk away with the whole shebang.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:37 am

I've had several top boxes that I liked then eventually disliked. For the last 3 years I've settled on the Prima. I think it looks great with the retro look of the Stella. There's no way to lock it but I've never had anyone take anything out of it. With nearly 17,000 miles on the Stella the only annoying problem I've had with strangers is the occasional idiot that thinks its cool to be sitting on my parked scoot.

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:08 pm

I just purchased a SX Appeal roll bag and it has no real security to prevent someone from walking off with it. It does however have four straps on the bottom so I'm going to fashion an aluminum U bar that goes through the straps and locks to the frame.

When I use my bag I'm not going to leave anything in it that could be taken, I'm also going to leave the top open so no one will ruin it trying to get it open to see what's inside.

You can also do something like this, which was what I was going to do, but I can't figure out how to drill a hole in such a small threaded shaft.

http://pirateupholstery.com/Leather%20craft.html

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:44 pm

Mulliganal wrote:

You can also do something like this, which was what I was going to do, but I can't figure out how to drill a hole in such a small threaded shaft.

You need a drill press and a drill press vise to do that.

I have roll bags on all three of my scooters, and have never had anything stolen from them.

If you are paranoid, a small hasp for a padlock can easily be added with pop rivets to add a modicum of security.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:10 pm

If somebody wants in bad enough a knife will get the job done. Anything of real value lock in the glove box on the Stella.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:42 pm

That's true Keith. I'm always parked very publicly- on campus- right in front of science building where lot's of folks are milling about. So I'm not too concerned with anyone doing anything that looks obviously criminal.

I'll bet I could rig up some sort of locking system on it that at least requires someone to do something drastic (but not necessarily difficult) to get in.

Thanks for the pictures everybody- I'm sold on these for sure.

Can they go on a front rack as well as a rear rack? I'm not crazy about chrome for my scoot, and I can find a front rack black, but not a rear one.

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 8:57 pm

Tom wrote:Can they go on a front rack as well as a rear rack? I'm not crazy about chrome for my scoot, and I can find a front rack black, but not a rear one.

I'm sure you could put the large bag on the front but it's pretty freekin' big. Prima makes a small one for the front and a large one for the back.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 11:21 am

Tom, I had the large Prima on the back and it just looked to large. I then went to the small and if looks much better. Not nearly as much room but it does look better. I also have a long cable and master key lock. I thread the cable through my Johnny Rocket Jacket sleeve and the helmet latch then through the backrest on the scoot. It's all out in the open and and lying on the seat but it won't walk off with anybody. As for the Prima bag, put a big Ol'rat trap in it and surprise the would be thief!

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:53 pm

I have the large Prima and take it on and off as needed. Honestly, a rear rack with some bungees is as good or better for many loads. Also, the Prima bag wears out pretty dang fast. I got mine for $20; I'd be far less happy with it if I'd paid MSRP.

For my helmet and gear, I've also run a cable lock through my jacket and helmet. Not pretty but it works!

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 4:29 pm

ericalm wrote:
For my helmet and gear, I've also run a cable lock through my jacket and helmet. Not pretty but it works!

Hi...what brand of cable do you use? Where on your Stella do you secure the cable?

I am awaiting delivery on an Airoh J105 helmet that doesnt have a D-ring, so this cable security solution intreagues me..

Thx