When you’re out on your motorcycle, there are a couple of documents that you need to carry with you at all times. These documents include your driver’s license, registration details, and proof of insurance.
Although not compulsory, it’s a good idea to carry an emergency identification card with your details and an emergency contact in the case of an emergency. The thing is there aren’t too many places to put documents on a motorcycle.
So Where to Store Your Documents on a Motorcycle?
1. Under the seat
The most obvious place is under the seat, with a number of motorbikes having compartments built-in. Even if there is not one of these compartments, there is often a space beneath the seat where you can keep your documents in a zip-locked bag to keep them waterproof. The only issue is they are not readily accessible, and it can be a little inconvenient.
2. Inside your helmet
A less convenient place to store your documents is inside your helmet, although there may be some comfort issues. A word of warning though, ensure that you keep them at the back of your helmet rather than at the front because at the front there is the potential that they will slide forward and obstruct your vision.
Many helmets have an existing pocket-like space in them. If they don’t avoid forcing them under the fabric as there is a possibility that you might damage the materials that are designed to protect your head in the event of an accident.
Related: The Safety of Full Face Helmets
3. Inside bags
For those that prefer a more minimalistic approach to riding, this will be a straight no. However, for those that aren’t averse to riding with side bags, this option is ideal. The main difficulty is likely to be on those occasions when you leave the side bags at home, for whatever reason.
Firstly, you have to remember to take them out of side bags, and secondly, you will need to find somewhere else on the bike to store them.
4. Behind the number plate
Another innovative spot to keep your paperwork is behind the registration plate in a ziplock bag to keep them dry. While some may just jam them in behind the plate, a better option is to place them in a small lockable box.
These boxes have been specifically designed to fit behind the registration plate on a motorcycle. To anyone with an untrained eye, these boxes are totally unnoticeable.
5. Inside your jacket
Many motorcyclists wear the same protective jacket every time they get on their motorcycles. This means if you have a spare pocket you don’t need ready access to then this may be a good option for you.
At least, you won’t have to remember to take the documents with you each time you go riding because they will always be inside your riding jacket. The difficulty with this approach is pockets aren’t a particularly safe place and there is the potential for them to get damaged easily.
6. In a metal canister
There are an increasing number of products on the market, taking the form of canisters and tubes which you could easily slot your documents in. These canisters or tubes can be secured permanently to the bike.
They are safe and watertight. The downside is they are harder to place on the bike discretely, meaning they can fall prey to the less honest among us unless they can be locked. It’s also important to ensure they are properly secured to your motorcycle.
7. Under your cell phone in case
Most people have a cellphone these days, and most people carry it with them at all times. If you keep your cellphone in a case, it is easy to fold the documents and place them in your cellphone case before placing your phone onto and securing it in the case.
The main advantage of using your cellphone case is that the majority of people don’t leave home without it, so you are unlikely to leave it behind. The downside is there isn’t a lot of room in a cell phone case and the documents may not all fit.
There are a number of other ways that, with some imagination, you can secure the documents you are required by law to carry when riding your motorcycle. The important things to remember are the space should be watertight and able to be secured to ensure that your documents remain safe. It’s also important to ensure they’re relatively easy to access.
About the author: Michael Parrotte was the Vice President of AGV Helmets America, and a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, Sparx Helmets. In addition, he is the founder and owner of AGV Sports Group.
MS/L
