I also think the best option here is one of those bar-end helmet lock thingies. You can even put them in the end of your frame after a tail-chop. The only downside is that it's just one more key to carry around...

Someone can still steal your helmet with the oem cable, even if you got a longer one. I found out you can open the stock ducati seat with any key that fits. :/

So im surfing the market for a helmet lock as well, they all seem to have mixed reviews. ideally i want something that can hold 2 helmets, and it has to be able to hold 1 helmet very well since id like to carry that as a passenger helmet for on the go instead of using a fish net.

found htis simple device. read the reviews, it fits 2 helmets too. and around the chin bar

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2000201&productId=2000201&catalogId=10111

Quote from: gnostic203 on July 23, 2008, 02:18:55 PM
...Unless of course one carries it for a status symbol or decoration, I can't think of why one wouldn't want to lose the extra weight.

I need to be able to account for a $500 piece of gear that protects my brain.  I want to know if and when its one hit happens.  After trying to destroy an old helmet I realized how much abuse they can take without showing visible damage.  Also, gasoline fumes degrade the foam in the helmet, so I don't let the two spend much time near each other.

I have a coiled cable lock like this.  Was about $20, is about 1/2" thick, 6' long and came with a plastic mounting bracket that fits perfectly on the trellis cause I don't always carry a bag and it's too bulky to put in a pocket.  I usually only lock up the jacket (to the trellis) - rather carry the helmet so I can keep an eye on it.  Anything that looks like it could be cut with tin snips doesn't get to lock up something that costs more than $100.

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=TOD_64-6622&tier2=71

Quote from: gnostic203 on July 23, 2008, 02:18:55 PM
Unless of course one carries it for a status symbol or decoration, I can't think of why one wouldn't want to lose the extra weight.

Just think of how much it would suck the *one* time you come back to have it missing.



Or, to those of you who own pickups and know how people love to throw things into the bed......think what they might be doing to your helmet.

I know I'd rather not put on a lid possibly filled with someone else's spit.....

Quote from: gnostic203 on July 23, 2008, 02:18:55 PM
Unless of course one carries it for a status symbol or decoration, I can't think of why one wouldn't want to lose the extra weight.

Chicks dig bikers! 

My 750 has a little hook the previous owner had welded on under the seat for exactly this purpose. Didn't know Ducati was already doing it, that's interesting.

I prefer to take all my gear with me wherever I'm going. Maybe it's because I grew up in London where you can almost guarantee it won't be there when you come back, or it'll be soaking wet from rain. I just don't trust the general public with my stuff haha.

Quote from: ODrides on July 23, 2008, 09:51:12 PM
I need to be able to account for a $500 piece of gear that protects my brain.  I want to know if and when its one hit happens.  After trying to destroy an old helmet I realized how much abuse they can take without showing visible damage.  Also, gasoline fumes degrade the foam in the helmet, so I don't let the two spend much time near each other.

+1
Be really careful locking your helmet to a bike--it can receive an impact in numerous ways that might not be visible when you put it back on.

Quote from: CDawg on July 23, 2008, 01:06:09 PM
This is also a pretty cool produce for the helmet/jacket/etc... folks
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Helmet-Bolt-Lock-Kit-p-18969.html

No, it's not (IMO) Ordered one and tried the locking mechanism - it's not easy to use AT ALL. It spins and it's hard to know if it's locked or not. You will probably have to carry the cable around and it's stiff. The lock itself is large and heavy too. Plus I couldn't find a good place for it on the bike.
This piece is, so far, one of two items bought online that has never been used.
I sometimes use the stock cable and a small lock, but only when I'm away for a short time and really need both arms.