Motorcycles are easy targets for thieves. They’re expensive items that can simply be rolled away and lifted into the back of a van in a matter of minutes. After that, they can be sold on or broken down into parts, and never seen again. Motorcycle thievery is a big business, and one that many bike owners fall victim to on a regular (and increasing) basis. That’s why it’s time you invested in a motorcycle lock or two, to keep your pride and joy safe and sound.
There’s no such thing as an impenetrable lock, or a one-size-fits-all security device that will stop your motorcycle from being stolen. That’s the sad reality. Modern thieves are clever and cunning, and there’s nothing that will truly stop a determined thief. However, you don’t need to make their job easy for them. Having the best security devices you can afford attached to your motorcycle gives you a fighting chance of preventing a theft. Here are the top 10 motorcycle lock, chain, and anchor products currently on sale.
Abus Granit is a brand name that you can trust, and this little product is one of the best motorcycle locks out there. We like this one because it’s small, discreet, and strong. You can take it with you and it will give you peace of mind when you need to park your bike somewhere unfamiliar. Not only is it a strong long that will give thieves a hard time, it also comes equipped with an ear splitting alarm that should alert you or other members of the public to anyone trying to tamper with your pride and joy. It used to be that disc locks weren’t particularly reliable, but today there are plenty of products that can stand up to even the most daring of criminals. This is one of them
The lock body, 13mm bolt, and locking mechanism is constructed from a tempered and hardened steel which makes cutting through it a difficult process for any prospective thieves. If that wasn’t enough, the alarm system is controlled by ABUS 3D technology which uses a sophisticated movement detection system, which delivers an ear-splitting alarm of at least 100 dB when tampered with. Thanks to brake disc recognition technology it won’t trigger when being transported in a locked condition. It’s an expensive motorcycle lock, but it also boasts a special cylinder that resists picking, LED and audio signals that display the lock’s status, two keys, and all batteries included.
Top Features:
Heavy duty hardened and tempered steel construction
If you’re looking for an affordable disc lock with strength and portability, then this is worth considering. Compared with the Abus Granit model listed above, this one falls short but it is considerably cheaper. It’s a compact and lightweight stapler-style disc lock that works by immobilizing your motorcycle at the disc brake, making it difficult for any potential thieves to push or ride your bike away without disengaging the lock first. The lock itself is key activated, with the key engaging a pin locking mechanism that locks through the vent holes on your brake disc.
Manufactured from tough, hardened steel, the Kryptonite 00084 Keeper 5-S Yellow Disc Lock features a dual-reinforced, disc-style cylinder with a 5mm pin diameter, which is capable of fitting almost all motorcycles. It’s a compact device that can easily be transported, and takes seconds to attach. This model also features a very useful bright orange reminder cable, which reminds you to disengage the lock before riding away, just in case you forget. And that happens more than you’d think. Lastly, this lock also comes with two stainless steel keys that have been designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning you don’t have to run the risk of bending them if you try and force the lock. It’s a simple and effective lock that should deter thieves and keep your motorcycle safe. This lock is available in a yellow or grey finish.
Top Features:
Hardened steel lock design
Dual-reinforced disc-style cylinder
Lightweight and highly portable
Ergonomic stainless steel “I” keys for added protection
Next up, we have another product from Kryptonite. This is a highly effective lock that should deter even the most determined of thieves. It’s tough, durable, and incredibly strong – but it’s not nearly as portable as other locks on this list, which is why it’s not in the number one spot. For home use, it’s an excellent choice though. The New York Fahgettaboudit chain literally makes thieves think “fahgettaboudit” when they take a look at your bike. Breaking a thick chain like this is too much work for the average chancer, and the super strong shack, which boasts modern cut-proof technology should put off even the most experienced thieves.
Manufactured from a strong 3t hardened manganese steel, this 60 inch motorcycle security chain feature strong six-sided 14mm chain links, a 15mm MAX-Performance steel shackle, and a tough Nylon protective cover. The actual locking mechanism features a double deadbolt system combined with a high-security disc-style cylinder, reinforced with anti-drill protection. It’s a seriously strong lock that will keep your motorcycle as protected as possible. If you prefer good, old-fashioned heavy chain with a strong shackle, then the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain Lock is the motorcycle lock for you. It’s not a particularly cheap option, and it’s not particularly easy to transport when compared to other offerings, but it definitely is strong and secure.
Top Features:
60 Inch with 14mm six-sided links made from hardened steel
Back to disc locks, this is the Xena XX-14, and it’s one of the best motorcycle locks that you can currently buy. It gets excellent reviews everywhere, and for good reason. It’s a tough and durable lock made from some seriously strong materials, but it’s also a fearsome alarm too, with a screech that reached a volume in excess of 120 dB. In terms of anti-theft measures, it’s packed with the latest technology, but it’s all wrapped up in a compact and lightweight package that you can literally take with you wherever you go. So what is exactly that makes this one so special?
The actual lock is a mono-block construction made from stainless steel with a high nickel content. The mono-block is exactly why you think it is: a solid lump of metal with a broad profile. It houses a tough 14mm double-locking pin made from a carbide enhanced hardened steel. What’s more, the barrel is pick-proof and even comes with a freeze-spray proof feature that should foil the more sophisticated criminals’ efforts. The alarm system is even more amazing. It boasts shock and motion sensors that will unleash hell if they’re disturbed. It’s powered by a long life CR2 Lithium battery, so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries too regularly. It’s also self-arming, which saves you even more trouble. It’s not a cheap lock, but it is an exceptional one.
Top Features:
Seriously strong monoblock construction from high nickel-content stainless steel
Sophisticated double locking system
Very loud alarm with a self-arming system
Supplied with 3 keys and a tool etched with a unique key code
Next up, we have something different: a handlebar lock. This particular handlebar lock comes from BigPantha, and it’s one of the more budget conscious options on the list. If you’re not familiar with handlebar locks, they’re fairly simple devices that clamp over your throttle and front brake, restricting access to the throttle, and completely engaging the front brake, which prevents the bike from being rolled easily. It can also be used on the other grip, stopping the clutch from being engaged and preventing your motorcycle from being put into gear, or stopping it from going into neutral, if you prefer. It’s a simple mechanism, but it can be quite an effective thief deterrent.
We like this one because it’s built from tough and durable materials. In fact, the folks at BigPantha boast that it’s waterproof, heatproof, rustproof and dustproof – which is pretty good for a security device in this price bracket. Not only that, it’s also super easy to fit and secure, and only takes seconds to engage, which is perfect for busy riders who are in a hurry. If that wasn’t enough, we like it even more because it’s so small and compact – something that BigPantha has also recognized since they’ve supplied it with a cool holster pouch which you can attach to your waistband, offering unparalleled portability!
Top Features:
Two claw grips for added security
Waterproof, rustproof, heatproof, and dustproof
Super easy and fast to install
Universal mechanism that will work on all motorcycles and other handlebar vehicles
This alarm-equipped disc brake lock from YOHOOLYO is an excellent budget-friendly motorcycle lock that works as a fantastic visual and audible deterrent for any potential thieves out there, at a price that you really can’t complain about. It’s not as strong as other similar locks but it will still do the job. It’s manufactured from a sturdy and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, and features a tough 7mm pin, which is engaged by a simple twist-turn key mechanism. It’s only compatible with disc brakes that have vent holes, but that covers most motorcycles, bicycles, and ATVs on sale these days anyway. Still, it’s not the actual mechanical parts of the lock that make this such a great lock for the price. It’s the alarm system that comes with it that we really like.
The YOHOOLYO lock features a fairly potent alarm that unleashes a siren with a panic inducing volume of 110 dB. The alarm system is pretty sophisticated for such a cheap lock, and features a very smart motion detector sensor that emits a series of loud beeps if it detects movement, which graduates into a much louder alarm that blasts at regular intervals as soon as it thinks someone is trying to tamper with your bike. It’s loud, and very effective. Apart from the lock, each order comes with a bright orange reminder cable that reminds the rider that they have a disc lock attached, and it deters potential thieves by showing off the fact that a security device is installed.
Top Features:
Strong aluminum alloy construction
Compatible with all vehicles that have a disc brake with holes in
This one is a cheat really, because it’s not at all portable and even if you feel like riding around with one of these in your saddle bags, you’re not going to be able to drill it into the ground whenever you feel like getting off of the bike. It’s not really a motorcycle lock, and it’s more of a ground anchor. However, if you’re new to the world of motorcycle security: locks like this exist, and if you’re serious about keeping your motorcycle safe at home then you’d be foolish not to install something like this. This product from Maxxhaul is so cheap that there’s no real excuse not to have one in your garage. They’re excellent for keeping your motorcycle safe. Plus, they make excellent motorcycle stands if you ever need to do some maintenance.
The mechanism works by simply rolling your motorcycle’s front tire into the chock. It automatically locks your front wheel in place, and keeps the bike upright. Obviously, it needs to be bolted to the floor for it to work, but once it’s secured it can hold almost every single type of motorcycle in place thanks to its three adjustable wheel locking positions. The lock itself is constructed from heavy-duty steel, and powder coated to keep the elements out. While it’s not at all portable (unless it’s secured to the floor of a trailer, which is totally possible) it’s a great asset to any motorcyclist’s garage.
Top Features:
Heavy-duty steel wheel chock for ultimate security
Three adjustable positions to accommodate a wide range of wheel sizes
For our next heavy duty chain suggestion, we’ve got the OnGuard 8012 Mastiff Quad chain, a heavy duty chain that offers serious protection from any would-be thieves. The chain itself has been designed and engineered to provide some serious cut resistance, courtesy of the chain’s titanium reinforced 10mm hex links, and the addition of a square section bar links. Despite being more compact and smaller than some other chains on the market, the OnGuard 8012 Mastiff Quad chain is capable of resisting attack from bolt cutters and saw blades. The chain is accompanied by a sturdy locking mechanism.
The actual lock section of the chain features a Quattro and X2 double bolt lock system, which offers strong lock down protection. Each lock comes equipped with an OnGuard cylinder which protects the lock from external interference and shock, including impacts, water damage, and heat. Another cool feature is the chain’s reinforced chain cover which keeps the bulk of the chain and lock protected from the elements. Each chain and lock set comes with four laser-cut keys which are unique to your lock, along with a special keycard with a number that you can give to OnGuard if you need a replacement key for you motorcycle lock. While it might not be as portable as other locks on this list, it can easily be transported over a shoulder if needs be.
Top Features:
Quattro and X2 double bolt lock system
Heavy duty square steel chain links with titanium reinforcement
Water, heat, and shock resistant chain cover
Compact coiling for easy transportation
Unique laser cut keys with additional unique keycard number
Next up, we have another handlebar mounted throttle and brake lock. This is the Grip Lock GLRed Motorcycle Security Lock, and it gets excellent reviews from everyone who owns one. It’s a pretty simple device which is similar to the BigPantha model listed above, but it’s more expensive. The extra money buys you a much tougher lock made from higher grade materials. The actual mechanism is constructed from hardened steel rods that are secured inside a polycarbonate cover. It doesn’t bend, it doesn’t rust, and it’s highly durable. According to Grip-Lock, it can withstand attack from metal saws, and should deter even the boldest of thieves.
What makes this such a great lock is the fact that it’s strong and durable, and small and lightweight. It’s so easy to transport that you can travel with it in your pocket or store it under your seat when you’re not using it. Plus, it only takes seconds to install! You only have to slot it over your handlebar and engage your front brake, and lock the thing closed. If you want an efficient lock that weighs next to nothing that can fit in your pocket, then this is a lock worth looking at. It’s compatible with all motorcycles that have a handlebar diameter between 1 and 1.5 inches. All in all, these handlebar grips make for a practical alternative to disc brake locks, or having to carry around a heavy chain.
Top Features:
Manufactured from a hardened steel core with a reinforced Nylon casing
In last place, we have this incredibly cheap but amazingly strong little motorcycle disc lock from TCMT. It’s very similar to the other disc brake locks that we’ve mentioned above but it has a super budget-friendly price tag – and that’s why we like it. Constructed from a tough, high-quality, hardened stainless steel, you can relax knowing that this lock’s body is pretty strong. The locking pin is also a just as strong, and has a diameter that will fit almost every disc brake with a hole in it. Like many other motorcycle disc locks, this one also has a hidden alarm system that will scare off any potential thieves.
The alarm system is equipped with a very loud 100 dB alarm, which should alert you or any nearby law enforcement to the fact that someone’s trying to steal your bike. The alarm is also completely water resistant and has a smart anti-damage function that should stop thieves from disabling it too quickly. This lock comes with two unique keys that set the lock and arm the alarm system. For the money, it’s hard to complain about this little lock system. And what’s more, it looks pretty cool, and it definitely looks more expensive than it actually is. This lock would work best in tandem with another security device, like a chain or handlebar lock for the best results.
Top Features:
Sleek and elegant design made from hardened stainless steel
Simple and easy to use
110 dB alarm sound
Water resistant and anti-damage lock mechanism
Comes with two keys
Motorcycle Lock Buying Guide
Motorcycle thieves are cunning criminals, and the sad truth is that there’s no such thing as completely infallible security system for your motorcycle. A determined thief will stop at nothing to steal your motorcycle, and they know every single trick and method to get past even the most sophisticated security systems. It’s a sad reality. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to make life easy for these thieves. A good motorcycle lock will help to stall a thief, cost them time, and make them weigh up the risk versus reward ratio for stealing your motorcycle. A troublesome looking motorcycle lock will give them pause, and should convince any opportunists to give your motorcycle a miss and seek out easier pickings. But why do you need a motorcycle lock in the first place?
Why Do You Need A Motorcycle Lock?
Motorcycles are easy to steal. It’s a simple as that. Unlike cars, motorcycles are light, easy to lift, and easy to transport. An experienced thief can overcome a basic safety device, and have your motorcycle loaded into the back of a van in seconds. In fact, that same thief can steal your motorcycle, have it disassembled and have those parts sold to buyers in less than 24 hours. Stealing a motorcycle can be easier than stealing a watch or a wallet. And that’s the main reason why you need to ramp up your security measures. Apart from the main reason that motorcycles are easy to steal, here are some extra reasons why you need to invest in the best motorcycle lock you can afford:
Some Brands Are More Attractive To Thieves
You might think that your generic, stock motorcycle isn’t worth stealing because models like it are ten a penny, but that’s not true. Models from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Harley Davidson are the most likely to get stolen. Since they’re so common, it’s easier for a thief to sell on a more popular and common brand than a rarer one. The actual stealing part of a motorcycle thievery is only half of the job. Popular brands are easier to sell on. Whole or in pieces. If you want to keep hold of your motorcycle, you’d better invest in a serious motorcycle lock.
Special Models & Parts Are Desirable
Believe it or not, these motorcycle thieves do their homework. There is a very high chance that your motorcycle has been specifically targeted. While it would seem obvious that a special edition or a limited production model should be more desirable, sometimes a regular, standard motorcycle might be targeted because it has a specific part needed, or a nice aftermarket full exhaust system, for example. Many thefts aren’t opportunistic but clearly planned with a specific model targeted. If a thief has taken the time to do their homework, the least you can do is put the same amount of effort into keeping your bike safe and well-protected.
High Theft Areas
Naturally, if you live in an area with a high-crime rate that’s notorious for motorcycle theft, then it should go without saying that you should invest in your motorcycle’s security. Even if you’re not parking your motorcycle in a place with a bad reputation for motorcycle thefts, you should still take precautions because when opportunity knocks…a thief will answer. For those interested, the states with the highest statistics of motorcycle theft are California, Florida, Texas, and both North and South Carolina.
A simple key and a steering lock won’t deter a professional thief. In fact, these days a key ignition and a steering lock wouldn’t even deter an amateur thief. Steering locks are easily smashed, and they won’t protect your motorcycle from anything. You need an aftermarket motorcycle lock system if you want to keep your motorcycle safe. It shouldn’t have to be this way, but that’s the way it is.
What To Look For In A Motorcycle Lock
All the locks we’ve suggested in the list above are excellent choices, but none of them are 100% guaranteed to protect your motorcycle. A combination of a number of security devices working in tandem is one of the best ways to protect your bike. But which locks are the best? Which ones suit your lifestyle more? And what other factors do you need to consider before pulling the trigger on a new purchase? Here’s everything you need to think about.
Materials
Always check to see what your desired lock is actually made out of. Since these locks need to be strong enough to withstand saw blades, angle grinders, bolt cutters and the elements, strong steel or other strong metals that can resist corrosion and rust are what you need. Make sure that exposed elements don’t have obvious weak points. If you can find a weak point, you can bet a professional thief can too.
Visibility
The best motorcycle locks are the ones that deter thieves from even attempting a theft. Highly visible, obvious looking locks are the best way to ward off potential thieves. Many motorcycle locks are given incredibly bright color finishes to attract the eyes of any thieves who have been looking at your bike. Deterrence is the best defense, so look for a lock that looks big, obvious, and difficult to remove.
Fit
If a motorcycle lock is going to have a chance of protecting your bike, it needs to fit correctly. Different locks have different characteristics and you need to take their specifications into account before you part with your hard earned cash. For example, most handlebar mounted locks have a maximum and a minimum effective diameter. Similarly, some disc brake locks only work on brake discs with holes in them. It’s worth checking that your lock of choice will fit your motorcycle before making a purchase.
Also, it’s worth paying attention to how a device fits too. If you’re buying a heavy chain that looks like it could end up scratching your paintwork, or it might have sharp parts that could cause damage to your rims of tires if you’re running the chain through your wheels. While scratched paintwork isn’t the end of the world, it’s not something you want either.
Ease Of Use
Another important thing to consider is the actual time it takes to attach a lock, and how difficult or fiddly it is to activate. A handlebar lock takes seconds to lock into place and activate. A disc brake bike lock can snap on in no time, but the alarm system could be awkward to arm. Chains are only as good as what you’ve secured them to, so if you’re wasting time riding around looking for a useful anchor, it’s not that useful to you. Consider where you’re parking, and how much time you have to secure a lock before making a decision on a product.
Portability
This is arguably one of the most important factors that you need to consider before purchasing a lock. Ground anchors are some of the best motorcycle locks out there, but you can’t take one of those to and from work with you every day. Chain are excellent too, but carrying a heavy and bulky chain across your back is uncomfortable, impractical, and dangerous. It’s not impossible, but it’s not recommended. Smaller locks like disc brake locks and handlebar locks are great because they can fit in a pocket or under the seat. It all depends on your own circumstances; the right lock for one rider might be totally useless to another.
Other Factors
The best motorcycle lock for you will largely depend on the kind of environment that you’re parking your motorcycle in. At home, a heavy chain with a strong ground anchor is going to be the best you can hope for. If you’re parking on the street in front of your workplace, a smaller lock might work better, and rather than relying on heavy-duty locking, a loud alarm might be of more use.
A lock with an alarm is a great option, especially if you’re relying scaring off a thief and deterrence rather than relying on heavy chains instead. But an alarm can be annoying if it’s on a product that isn’t well made. If it has a super sensitive motion sensor that triggers the alarm when a cat walks past at 3am…that could get real annoying real quick. Make sure you buy an alarm-equipped device that suits your needs. And that you can disarm easily. Or remove the batteries from in a hurry.
Like how an alarm-equipped lock could ruin your night’s sleep, you don’t want a lock that could ruin your day either. If you’re thinking of a shackle-type lock, or a disc brake lock, make sure you buy one that comes fitted with a brightly colored and highly obvious reminded cable attached. A reminder cable attaches to your throttle grip, reminding you to disengage your locks before riding off…and having an embarrassing accident.
Types Of Locks Available
Now that you know what to look for in a motorcycle lock, what kind of locks are even available? From the locks available, they all have strengths and weaknesses. They offer differing levels of protection, have different features, and come with various price tags. None of these locks will outwit a determined and experienced motorcycle thief, but anyone of these lock types will help to keep your motorcycle safer. Here are the different types of motorcycle locks on sale:
Chain Locks
Motorcycle chain locks are the most obvious type of security measure available. Generally, these chains are made from toughened steel links and are secured with a heavy duty padlock around a solid structure that is firmly attached to a wall or the floor. In theory, these chains are strong enough to resist bolt cutters and saw blades – and the vast majority of security chains on sale will require some industrial tooling to get through them. Unfortunately, these chains are often weakest at the lock, which is where thieves often target. Modern chain locks have advanced anti-drill and tamperproof lock faces, so as long as you buy a quality product, you should get excellent security in return.
Heavy chains aren’t particularly portable though. Chains work best at home where they can safely be attached to a permanent ground anchor. Since they’re so heavy, they’re not ideal to carry with you to and from work, and since they rely on permanent fixtures to be effective, you also need to ensure that something strong and sturdy will be available for you to attach your chain to.
Brake Disc Locks
Brake disc locks are an excellent lock for those who need a security device that they can store under their motorcycle seat or in their pocket. These highly portable locks simple clamp onto a motorcycle’s front brake, usually with a locking pin that goes through one of the pre-drilled holes on a brake disc. The lock makes it impossible for the wheel to turn, successfully immobilizing the motorcycle and making it difficult for any would-be thieves to roll away. These locks are lightweight, easy to use, and easy to transport. Many of them even come with loud alarms too.
There are downsides though. These locks can be dangerous if they’re left armed and you try and ride away. Most of the locks come with reminder cables that are specifically designed to prevent accidents like that from happening though. Also, while the wheels might be prevented from turning, there’s absolutely nothing stopping a determined thief with an accomplice or two from simply lifting your motorcycle into a van and driving away with it, giving them time to disable the brake lock later.
U Shackle Locks
U-Shackle locks are also popular lock types. These locks feature two parts, a base plate and a U-shaped steel shackle. The U-shaped shackle can be routed through a motorcycle’s wheel or frame, and also secured to a permanent fixture, which is then locked in place with the base plate. It’s a great type of utility lock that can be attached in a variety of ways, and when attached correctly it can prevent your motorcycle from being rolled away, or from being lifted. Plus, they’re lightweight locks that can easily be placed in a backpack when you’re riding.
The negative points for these locks include the rigid U-shaped shackle. While it’s versatile, it can also be difficult to find something that it will fit round. A chain has flexibility. These locks don’t. Also, the actual bar of the shackle can be thin, and thieves with the right tools can make short work of them.
Handlebar Locks
Handlebar locks are one of the most popular types of motorcycle lock out there. They are small, lightweight, and incredibly useful. These locks clamp over the top of your motorcycle’s throttle, and grip the front brake lever. This stops the motorcycle from being ridden away or pushed. The lock can also be used on the other side of the handlebar, gripping the clutch lever instead. These locks are an effective deterrent, at an affordable price point. Cheap, easy to use, and difficult for thieves to remove.
Despite being effective, compact and highly portable, these locks suffer from the same problem as disc brake locks: they’re not going to stop a thief from simply lifting your motorcycle into a van and driving away with it. However, that’s a risk that any motorcycle will have to take 90% of the time.
Ground Anchors
There’s no replacement for a properly secured ground anchored security device. Specialist stands that lock around your front wheel, with a strong base plate that is bolted to the floor, are the best defense against theft. Unfortunately, these devices are not at all portable and are only good for parking at home. Even with a solid ground anchored stand, using other motorcycle locks like a heavy chain and a handlebar lock is still recommended. Even then, a thief that really wants to steal your motorcycle will find a way. But having one of these, in tandem with a few other security measures, will seriously frustrate their efforts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How To Lock Up A Motorcycle?
A: There are a variety of ways to lock your motorcycle: using the steering lock; locking with a chain; attaching a disc brake lock; using a throttle lock; or a combination of different locks. The most important thing about locking a motorcycle is to lock it in the right location. It should be somewhere clearly visible in a well-lit area, ideally somewhere under the protection of CCTV, in a place where a van couldn’t easily pull up beside it. Ideal places to safely park your motorcycle are few and far between, but having the best security devices and motorcycle locks that you can afford will help to deter any potential thieves and protect your bike from theft.
Q: How To Chain Lock A Motorcycle?
A: When locking your motorcycle with a chain, it’s important to remember to attach the chain to the frame of your bike, and not to something easily removable like the back wheel. Wheels can be removed in seconds. After routing your chain through the frame of your motorcycle, it’s important to lock it to something immovable. Secure your chain with a strong padlock, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which is usually the actual locking mechanism. Some motorcyclists use two locks, a padlock and a U-shackle bolt to doubly secure the chain. There’s no such thing as overkill when it comes to keeping your bike safe, right?
Q: How To Theft Proof Your Motorcycle?
A: Let’s be honest, one security measure isn’t enough. Nothing will prevent a thief from stealing your motorcycle is they really want to. This sounds bleak, but realizing that is the first step to winning the battle against them. Don’t think of a motorcycle lock as an infallible device that will stop a thief from stealing your bike. Instead, see it as a device that costs the thief precious time instead. One security measure will only cost a thief so much time, so another is always necessary. A sturdy chain might take minutes for a thief to deal with, a disc brake lock another 2 minutes, a handlebar lock another 1 minute, and a steering lock 30 seconds. In total, a thief might see your motorcycle and think that a 5 minutes and 30 seconds is too much of a risk, and will move on in search of easier pickings.
The only way to protect your motorcycle is to go the extra mile, using a combination of sophisticated motorcycle locks and security measures to frustrate any potential thieves.
Q: How Effective Is A Motorcycle Disc Lock?
A: A motorcycle disc lock is a very effective way of deterring thieves, but alone it won’t completely protect your motorcycle from being stolen by a determined thief. It will take a minutes for a skilled thief to disarm a brake lock. Luckily, most modern disc brake locks also come equipped with an alarm that should attract attention if it’s being tampered with. This should deter a lot of potential thieves for even attempting to steal your motorcycle. As we said above, the best way to protect your motorcycle is to use a disc lock in tandem with other security measures for the best results.
Q: How Do You Lock Saddlebags?
A: While hard top boxes and lockable side luggage are becoming more popular, those who still use soft saddlebags are always going to be easier targets for thieves. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of special locks and cables that can be used to help keep your goods secure. Nowadays, you can buy special saddlebag locks that firmly secure your luggage to your motorcycle’s frame, with individual locks that deny entry to anyone wanting to go through your belongings. These aren’t infallible though, and if you must carry luggage, it’s better to opt for hard cases that are securely attached to the frame, or invest in baggage that can easily be removed and taken with you.
Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.
