Best motorcycle security | Protection against theft that... actually works!

Unfortunately, motorbikes are a huge draw to thieves, but many will be put off by decent motorcycle security. A disc lock, lock and chain, ground anchor and a cover will help, and a tracker could mean you get your bike back again, even if it is stolen.

Best security products at a glance

Casual motorcycle thieves who simply want some fun at someone else’s expense and potentially bait the police into a chase will be the easiest to deter, but even an organised operation stealing to order or to break the bike into parts and ship them far and wide can be tackled with enough layers of good kit.

There are plenty of steps that you can take to make life harder for thieves. Ultimately, the idea is to make your bike as unattractive as you can and force them to move on completely or, at least, to the next bike. This is easier at home, but there are portable motorcycle security products to take with you, too.

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We’ve gathered what we feel are the top motorcycle security products to help ensure that you keep your bike and it doesn’t disappear without a trace.

You can also check out how a product performs in our full, in-depth web reviews on security kit.

Best Deals at a Glance


The best motorcycle disc locks

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to add a layer of security to your motorbike – especially when you’re out and about – is a disc lock.

Relatively inexpensive and easy to carry around, a disc lock is clipped into place on your bike’s brake disc and prevents the front wheel from turning. Some are also alarmed or can double up as padlocks for your home security chain, too.

Sadly, disc locks will only deter opportunist thieves and the smallest examples can be smashed off with a hammer. Thieves carrying angle grinders can also chop out a section of the disc itself to remove the lock. That’s not to say a disc lock isn’t a useful addition to your arsenal, especially when layered with other measures.

Find our full list of disc locks

Gold rated with an alarm

The XA14 is a portable, tough, Sold Secure ‘Motorcycle Powered Cycle Gold’ certified lock with a shouty 110dB alarm built in.

Tested by Rich Newland for two years:

"Just compact enough to slide into a big jacket pocket, it is even better if you have room under the seat, in a tank-bag or rucksack. The main body is forged stainless steel and protects a sturdy 14mm locking pin.

"I’ve not yet found a bike that I can’t fit it to, and after two years of all-weather use the lock still feels like new. It’s bold in bright yellow – or more subtle if you take the black option. You get three sturdy keys; a reminder cord; and a USB lead to recharge the alarm battery – but no storage pouch."

Pros

  • Very portable
  • Easy to use
  • Effective alarm

Cons

  • No storage pouch included
  • Looks deceptively weedy
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 0.75kg
Size 10.16 x 7.62 x 5.08 cm
Construction Forged stainless steel
  • Motion activated 110dB alarm
  • 14mm T-locking pin
  • Rechargeable lithium polymer battery, with USB charging cable included
  • Reminder cable included

Diamond rated and angle grinder resistant

The Squire Defiant achieves the very highest Sold Secure grading levels with Diamond Approval, meaning that it’s been designed to withstand the most brutal attacks including angle grinders and power tools.

Tested by Carl Stevens for six months:

 "It has never been more important to keep your machinery as safe as possible, and a good, solid disc lock is a great way to keep things secure. The Defiant Disc Lock from Squire is a great option, achieving the very highest Sold Secure grading levels with Diamond Approval, meaning that it has been designed to withstand the most brutal attacks, including angle grinders and power tools.

"It feels incredibly secure and well-built, with a snug fitment to the brake disc. Yet even though the Defiant is impressively effective in its security, the best thing is that it’s small and weighs in at just 1.1kg, so it fits easily into a rucksack and isn’t noticeable either.

"The only real drawback comes in the form of the asking price, as on the one hand, £199 is a lot of money for a disc lock. Yet, it’s one of the most rugged locks I’ve ever used and if it saves your pride and joy, it’s worth every penny – and in today’s environment, you can never be too careful."

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Very portable
  • Sold Secure Gold and Diamond Approval

Cons

  • Rather expensive
  • Difficult to fit on some bikes
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1.1kg
Size 8.4 x 2.9 x 7.7 cm
Construction Hardened steel
  • 12mm 2-piece hardened alloy steel shackle
  • 25mm solid hardened steel body
  • High-security 6-pin dimple key cylinder
  • Anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-bump technology
  • 2 precision engineered 6-pin dimple keys included
  • Includes reminder cable
  • Durable neoprene pouch included

Diamond rated and angle grinder resistant

This U-lock from Litelok isn't strictly a disc lock but with its portability and ability to stop your front wheel from turning it fits into the category.

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for seven months:

"A ceramic composite is a material created from two or more elements with fundamentally different properties, giving a result that is greater than its parts.

"Litelok’s own special sauce for this is a trademarked recipe called ‘Barronium’ (after founder and CEO Professor Neil Barron, no doubt) and has been specifically developed to offer high resistance to angle grinder attacks.

"The claim is that it deflects the energy from the grinding disc back on itself, and there have been several independent tests which seem to prove the point. For added protection against assault from cutters and croppers, the Barronium armour is fused to a high-tensile steel core, making chopping through it just as much of a challenge as cutting. 

"Which brings me on to the environmental aspect. Litelok are a UK based firm and manufacture their security products at a solar powered facility in Wales. They also use a plant based ’eco-rubber’ for the X1’s coating and ship locks in a plain recyclable brown cardboard package, all in all a nice concession to the welfare of the planet.

"The rubber coating has a soft, malleable feel which helps prevents damage to delicate parts like discs, wheels and fairing panels. This is something I really like as the X1 is most effective when threaded around spokes and through brake discs to give any would-be thieves a time consuming puzzle. The self-sealing silicone cover over the lock barrel to prevent water and grit getting inside is a well thought through feature too. 

"I used to carry a substantial lock and chain, but it was an awkward and heavy lump to lug about. The X1 only weighs 1500 grammes (on my scales) and measures just 265 x 178mm, meaning I can chuck it in my topbox, tank bag, or any other piece of luggage."

Read our full in-depth Litelok X1 Moto review

Pros

  • Lightweight for a D-lock
  • Soft rubber coating
  • Sold Secure Diamond rated
  • Angle grinder-resistant

Cons

  • Bigger and heavier than a disc lock
  • No reminder cable
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1.5kg
Size 26.5 x 17.8 cm
Construction Angle grinder-resistant composite "Barronium®"
  • Plant-based eco-rubber outer layer
  • Finished with Quartz White retro-reflective vinyl strips

Best motorcycle locks and chains

The next step after a disc lock is a good quality lock and chain. These range from portable options you can carry with you to enormous units that are meant for use at home.

Many chains are available in different lengths and it’s recommended that you choose the one that means you can secure your motorbike to an immovable object without leaving the lock on the ground (to make life harder for a thief). Try to feed it through a section of frame rather than a wheel, as wheels can be removed swiftly and easily with minimal tools.

It’s also worth thinking about the practicalities of threading the chain through a substantial part of your bike. A particularly massive chain I once had would only fit through the rear alloy wheel of my ZX-10R and couldn’t be used at all on the spoked Ténéré 700 I had before that.

Find our full list of locks and chains

Gold rated

This heavy-duty lock and chain is just about light enough to carry in a tankbag but it's right on the limit and will be too heavy for some. Even so, it makes a great home security option.

Tested by Ben Clarke for two months:

"The recently updated Oxford Nemesis lock and chain set is a great middle ground between a portable chain you might use out and about and the kind of heavy-duty metalwork you could only realistically deploy at home.

"At 7.7kg (1.2m version), it's a little too heavy to carry with you on the road but the 16mm hardened steel links are more than a set of bolt croppers can munch through, so if you are able to carry it somewhere it offers a great level of security (it carries a Sold Secure Gold rating).

"On the plus side, it's dainty enough to fit between the spokes of most bikes-the fairly tight pattern of the Indian FTR S's cast rims are no problem - and it's light enough to manhandle without issue, too. As an added bonus, the padlock acts as a disc lock when you're out and about and you can arrange the chain in such a way that it's locked to the disc to make it harder for thieves to move your bike around and gain access with cutting tools. The fabric sleeve protects your paintwork and this is the first chain I've used where the studs holding the sleeve in place haven't immediately given up.
 
"The £189.99 price is a little salty but when you consider the lock's double use it doesn't seem so bad. There are plenty of deals to be had online, too."

Pros

  • Just light enough to carry
  • Long lengths available - up to 2m
  • Still fits through most bike rims

Cons

  • Chunky and heavy
  • Only fits through bigger ground anchors
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 7.7kg
Size 1.2 - 2.0 meters
Construction Hardened steel
  • 16mm hardened steel shackle
  • Anti-pick and anti-drill lock cylinder
  • Shock-resistant rubber over-moulded lock body
  • 3 (replaceable) keys provided with dust cover
  • Double security by securing onto the disc with chain
  • Reassuringly huge 16mm hardened steel chain links
  • Cloth sleeve helps protects paintwork
  • Zinc coated to help prevent corrosion

Gold rated

The Milenco Dundrod U-lock is another padlock that doubles as a disc lock and is coupled with a Sold Secure Gold rated 14mm chain.

Tested by Dan Sutherland for one year:

"It’s incredibly important to protect your motorcycle from theft. Not just when you’re out and about, but when it’s tucked up at home, too.

"As something of a serial worrier, I like to guard my bikes with the chunkiest, heaviest chains I can, to give me peace of mind it will stay safe when they are parked up overnight. This was particularly important when I moved to a house with the parking situated away from the property, and I called upon the security experts at Milenco to help keep my babies safe and sound.

"Sharing the house with another biker, I opted for the 1.4-metre, 14mm chain and mid-sized Dundrod+ U-lock with the idea being that we could run it through both of our front wheels for shared protection. Weighing in at 9.2kg, the bulky combo works a treat. Not only is it named after one of my favourite road racing venues, but it also provides just enough length to keep both machines together, with multiple keys coming as standard to allow us both access whenever required. 

"Away from the sheer size, the lock passes the Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold standard and remains quite light in your hand. There’s a hefty 14mm shackle to make it harder to cut through too, plus corrosion-resistant coating. I’ve seen no rust on mine, although it has spent its life in dry garages, and the keys have never had any resistance when turning in the lock.

"The chrome-moly steel chain is 14mm thick and whilst I haven’t taken a saw to it, it is claimed to be able to withstand a five minute attack from various tools – which should prove a deterrent if any thieves decide to have a go. 

"Despite its strength, it remains narrow enough to squeeze between the spokes of my old 1996 Honda CG125, too. However, I always aim for the bottom of the rim for fear of the weight damaging the dainty wheel structure. 

"The only criticism I have is of the chain’s blue outer cover, which can sometimes work its way around and bunch up at one end – obscuring the chain loop for the U-lock. This is a minor inconvenience though."

Pros

  • Corrosion resistant
  • Low risk of damaging your bike's paint in use

Cons

  • Lock is weaker than the chain
  • Outer cover can bunch up at one end
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    3.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 7.95kg
Size 1 meter
Construction High-grade steel
  • Lifetime lock warranty included
  • Pick resistant lock
  • Comes with 3 keys

Diamond rated

Price: $289.99
At the top end of the strictly home security scale are massive options like the Oxford Beast. With its 22mm chain links and enormous cylindrical lock, it's serious kit.

Find the Oxford Beast lock here

Tested by Rich Newland for 11 months:

"The trend for heavyweight locks built to meet the Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond standard, has resulted in some monstrous products and Oxford's Beast is one of them.

"At over 15kg this is home security only. The fat barrel lock weighs 3.6kg, boasts a 30mm hardened locking pin, measures 12.5cm by almost 9cm and would make for an effective sledgehammer if you stuck a handle on it.

"Meanwhile, the 1.5m chain (there is a 2m option at £229.99) weighs 12kg and uses 22mm links. As well as being Sold Secure Diamond rated, it gets an ART 5 ranking for its ability to resist attack and is rated as Secured By Design.
 
"The sheer bulk means it won't work at all with some bikes and if you have wire spoked wheels you may not be able to get the chain through the gaps. But, physical demands aside, it's a serious deterrent - and well worth the investment if you can make its size work with your bike."

Pros

  • Would take a very long time to attack
  • Maximum security rating

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • Not compatible with all bikes
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 12kg - 15.5kg
Size 1.5 - 2.0 meters
Construction Hardened steel
  • Oxford's largest and strongest ever chain
  • Black painted 22mm links
  • Compatible with Beast lock and ground anchor

Best ground anchors

A lock and chain is only as good as the thing you secure it to. If you have more than one bike then chaining them together is a good option. If not, and you don’t have anything else to use, a ground anchor is a great solution.

Typically, these are a hoop or tunnel that is either bolted to the floor or wall or cemented into place. Make sure you get the placement right first time because – for obvious reasons – they’re a pig to move afterwards.

Find our full list of ground anchors

Diamond rated bolt-in

As with the other Oxford Beast products on this list, this ground anchor is designed to be big and tough. It's also got a large enough tunnel diameter to take the Oxford Beast chain.

Tested by Saffron Wilson for six months:

"If you're looking for a substantial ground anchor to give you peace of mind in the garage, then the Beast is a great choice.

"This 4kg anchor is perfect for chunky chains and has double layered strength with a hardened steel construction which has received a Sold Secure Diamond rating, the highest rating possible. It's said to resist angle grinders, comes with anti- tamper fittings and can be fitted to concrete floors and brick walls.

"I personally popped it in my concrete floor with some heavy-duty drill bits borrowed from the neighbour and aside from creating the holes, it was easy to install. Although it's bigger than previous ground anchors I've used, it didn't impact on garage space too much and it's easy to manoeuvre a chain around and through."

Pros

  • Big enough for chunky chains
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Big unit to walk around
  • Proves that size does matter
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 4kg
Size ‎24.6 x 13.5 x 10 cm (in box)
Construction Hardened steel
  • Instructions included and fittings supplied
  • Fits all Oxford chains

Gold rated bolt-in

Milenco say they designed the Snaefell to be the toughest, strongest and most secure ground anchor ever made, and if its size and weight is anything to go by, you can tell. It’s so chunky, in fact, that it’s worth bearing in mind if you intend to install your anchor in a tight spot in your garage.

Tested by Ben Clarke for six months:

"With the rubber cover in place the Snaefell measures in at an imposing 350mm x 350mm (1sqft in old money).

"I’ve managed to install mine in deep tarmac, but I feel like it would be more secure in concrete. That’s not to say that it feels like it’s going anywhere.

"The hoop design makes it very easy to get your chain through and because of the way it pivots, there’s no fiddling around necessary. It’s not been tested by a thief yet (touch wood) but with a Sold Secure gold rating and a hardened 22mm steel link, I’d expect it to hold up well."

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Folds flat when not in use

Cons

  • More expensive than the competition
  • Much bigger than other options
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 5.57kg
Size 5 x 32 x 32 cm (in box)
Construction Hardened steel
  • Folding design
  • Full instructions and Fitting kit included

Diamond rated concrete-in

A hefty chain and lock are essential components in the fight against motorcycle crime, but they are far more effective when they are used to chain the bike to something immovable. There are generally lots of things when you are out and about, but at home, properly installing a strong ground anchor can often be the best way. This Y-shaped item is designed to be concreted into the ground and the chain fed through from one side to the other then through the bike's wheel. It has the highest certification from Sold Secure Diamond which means it offers excellent protection.

Pros

  • Almost impossible to remove once installed
  • Takes up no room above ground

Cons

  • Requires a more involved instillation process
  • You have to leave it behind if you move house
Weight 175kg (when fitted, including concrete)
Size 45 x 45 x45 cm (to install)
Construction Box section steel
  • Takes up to 19mm chains (other sizes available to take up to 25mm chains)
  • Drainage hole allows placing it outside

Best motorcycle shelters and covers

It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to keep your bike safe from thieves is to hide it from prying eyes. If you’ve got a shed or garage then you already do this, but if not then a cover or shelter might come in handy.

The cheapest and easiest option is a cover, which start from just a few quid and range up to about £100 depending on the features included.

Find our full list of motorcycle covers and shelters

High quality and weather resistant

Price: £59.71 (was £64.99)
The R&G Adventure cover is designed primarily for adventure bikes but that makes it big and roomy enough to fit over pretty much anything in a pinch. But there are other fits available designed for other styles of bike, from scooters to sports bikes and cruisers.

Tested by Michael Neeves for three years:

"It was only after buying a scooter that I became a bike cover connoisseur. I’ve used thin, cheap and cheerful ones in the past, but they can rip easily when the wind gets underneath, but this R&G cover is different.

"Made from sturdy waterproof material with belly straps and an elasticated hem, it uses up more space under the seat when you’re storing it, but the reward is a snugger fit. Even after being left outside in the elements, my Yamaha TMAX still looks like it’s been kept in a garage and after three years of service the cover is still in perfect condition."

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Snug fit gives more coverage

Cons

  • Doesn't pack down as small as other options
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Size 266 x 112 x 173 cm
  • Weatherproof cover
  • Front and rear chain loops
  • High visibility reflective logos
  • Clear PVC rear window allowing the number plate to be visible, with internal 'curtain' enabling it to be covered if desired

RiDE Recommended

The Stormex from Oxford will protect a bike from rain, sunlight, snow, and dust. It's fully waterproof with externally-bonded seams and has a soft lining to protect the bike's finishes. There's a belly strap to stop it from riding up and a window at the front for a solar-powered battery charger. There's also a window at the rear for the number plate, though this can be covered.

The Stormex gained a Recommended award from our sister publication RiDE when the magazine tested covers. They said:

"The all-singing, all-dancing Oxford Stormex cover is the highest scorer in our test. While the Stormex is a little cumbersome to get on and into place, at least at first – which hits its ‘ease of use’ score – it offers serious protection against the elements. The material proved water, abrasion and heat resistant, and should last a good few years."

Pros

  • Strong level of protection from the elements
  • Available in multiple sizes

Cons

  • A little cumbersome to get into place
  • Water resistance
    5.0
  • Heat resistance
    5.0
  • Abrasion resistance
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    3.0
Size 203cm - 277cm (length), 83cm - 104cm (width), 119cm - 141cm (height)
  • Reflective panels increase visibility at night
  • Strategically positioned holes facilitate the use of a lock
  • Lock pouch helps to keep your padlock off the ground
  • Soft inside to protect your paintwork from scratches

RiDE Best Buy

Price: $28.39
The Oxford Aquatex is a waterproof and heat proof cover that comes in eight different sizes so you can probably find a version to fit whatever bike you have.

Our sister title RiDE Magazine made the Aquatex their best buy in a cover group test. They said:

“Stocked widely by motorcycle dealers all across the country, this is a lightweight, low-priced and highly effective cover that’s easy to put on and take off. It proved to be completely waterproof and heat resistant in our test, with the only reservation being some moisture forming on the inside of the cover, making it cling to the bike when wet.

“The Aquatex probably won’t last a lifetime, but it’s convenient to use, will protect your bike and is well priced – hence it being awarded our Best Buy triangle.”

Pros

  • Well priced
  • Widely available

Cons

  • Lower quality - won't last a lifetime
  • Water resistance
    5.0
  • Heat resistance
    5.0
  • Abrasion resistance
    2.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
Size 203cm - 277cm (length), 83cm - 103cm (width), 119cm - 141cm (height)
  • Double stitched nylon construction
  • Stores away compactly when not in use

Other motorcycle security products to consider

Keeping your bike under lock and key is a great start, but there also steps you can take to make your shed or garage more secure and tracker products that help recover your bike if it does get stolen. You might even consider forensic tagging that may not save your bike in the first instance, but helps to secure a prosecution for the thief that took it.

Best heavy-duty security

If you're serious about motorcycle security, then a solid chain is essential. This behemoth from Almax uses 25mm thick links and weighs 23.4kg for the chain alone. Clearly, it's for home use, but in tests, it has stood up exceptionally well - more than three minutes to cut through a single link using a mains-powered angle grinder when tested by our sister title RiDE, earning it a Best Buy triangle. It is supplied with Squire's flagship padlock that has a hardened steel body and lock shackle and quarter of a million key combinations. Just make sure your back's in good shape; it's a monster.

Pros

  • Very secure
  • Later more than three minutes in angle grinder attack

Cons

  • Heavy

Best security for narrow passages

Price: $96.48
Not a direct bike-security product, but if you keep the bike in the back garden either under a cover or in a shed and have to wheel it down a passage to get to the road, then a locking post like this one can present an obstacle to ne'er-do-wells. Make sure you don't leave room on either side to allow the bike through but remove it completely when you want to move the bike out. A simple and straightforward aid to make their life harder and help you keep your bike.

Pros

  • Simple
  • Great extra layer

Cons

  • Only works in narrow spaces

Best security for garaged bikes

Most up-and-over garage doors aren't renowned for their strength; there is a limit to the amount of material and hence, weight - that can be used in them and still be able to lift up. As a result, the locking mechanisms aren't the strongest. But a door lock like this Squire item will make it much more difficult to get a garage door open and act as a visual deterrent at the same time. The locking bar is removable, so it doesn't get in the way of opening the door when you want to use it.

Pros

  • Makes it hard to gain entry
  • Extra layer of security

Cons

  • Only bronze rated

Best on-bike security object

Readers of a certain age will remember the Krooklok; this device locked the steering and the brakes on cars so they couldn't be driven away. This lever lock from Kovix does a similar thing; it clamps onto the throttle grip and locks the front brake lever in the on position, so the bike can't be ridden or pushed away. Again, it won't stop it being lifted up, but it is another layer of security, and an integral 120dB alarm lets passers-by know it's being tampered with.

Pros

  • Alarmed
  • Prevents wheeling away

Cons

  • Can be defeated by cutting brake line

Best security against parts theft

Datatag isn't a direct anti-theft system as such; it's a way of marking your motorcycle in a variety of ways, such as tamperproof stickers, RF ID chips and UV markings so that if it is stolen, it and its component parts can be identified quickly and easily by the police. The Datatag protection is clearly marked on the bike as a deterrent in its own right, and according to the manufacturer, bikes protected with this system are four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be recovered if they are.

Pros

  • Good deterrent
  • Means stripped parts can be traced

Cons

  • Doesn't necessarily prevent theft

Best budget tracker

Tracking technology is widely regarded as the best way to recover a stolen motorcycle (or car, horse lorry etc.) if they are stolen, and this DIY example from Monimoto is about as easy as they come. Hide the self-powered (for up to a year) tracker somewhere on the bike and fit the fob to your keys. It arms and disarms automatically via the fob, and if the bike is moved without the fob disarming it, it will ring your phone and provide its location for you to give to the police.

Pros

  • Affordable tracking
  • Fit it yourself

Cons

  • Doesn't prevent theft, but you can get your bike back

Best premium security

While a DIY tracker can be useful, a professionally-installed version offers more levels of security. For example, BikeTrac has a 24/7 control centre that will alert you and then the police to unauthorised movement of the bike, and it operates on a variety of levels, meaning it will still provide the bike's location if it's inside a shipping container, a van, underground or in a building. The company even offers a 'Theft Response Team', which, in the event the police doesn't have the capacity to track your bike, they will do so and notify the police of its location.

Pros

  • Theft response team
  • Live tracking
  • Police notified

Cons

  • Doesn't prevent theft, but you can get your bike back

Why we need security kit: how easy is it to steal a motorcycle anyway?

You might be thinking that all this motorcycle security kit seems like a lot of faff, and an extra expense that could be avoided. After all, that’s what insurance is for, and your bike has a steering lock on it already – isn’t that enough?

Well, unfortunately, motorbikes are one of the easiest vehicles to steal, beaten only by bicycles for how quickly thieves can snatch them away. A 2021 study by the Motorcycle Action Group found that motorcycles were 11 times more likely to be stolen than a car, which made them the number one target for vehicle theft by a country mile.

Although most motorcycles have steering locks, these are easily snapped off with a quick kick of the handlebars, allowing thieves with minimal experience to roll away with your ride in mere seconds. Even if steering locks were stronger, it only takes two or three burly blokes to lift a motorbike into a van and be gone just as quickly.

A stolen motorbike is loaded into a van

The fact that unsecured motorcycles are so easy to steal is only magnified by their relatively high value, which makes them the ideal gig for crooks of any calibre to quickly cash in on – at your expense. All this makes it important to keep your ride locked up safe wherever you go – especially when parking up outside your home for the night, where most bikes end up being stolen from.

Of course, no security measure is completely bullet-proof, and you can’t expect to stop the cartel from ‘donating’ your bike for their ‘charitable’ causes if they really want to. But that is what insurance is for. Motorcycle security products will help you keep your ride where it belongs, so you don’t have to worry about your bike being stolen any more than you would for your car.

What is the best way to secure a motorcycle?

The best way to secure your motorcycle depends on the security kit you have, or can afford to buy, so here’s some tips for each type of security product we’ve featured. Although it might seem obvious, there are some little tricks worth knowing to make sure you’re making the most of your security kit.

The most convenient option is the disc lock, combining good security with ease of use. Consider attaching it on rear brake disc, if your bike has one. Putting a beefy disc lock on doesn’t do much good if a thief can just take the wheel off, and the front is often the easier one to remove of the two. Some thieves even carry spare wheels with them to temporarily attach to the bike in preparation for this, so you can partially preempt this kind of attack by simply switching discs.

The tried and true method is the lock and chain, for the best you can get in raw toughness. For these, it’s best to attach it to an immovable object – lampposts and bicycle racks are your best bet in the urban jungle, but it’s worth installing a ground anchor if there’s nothing else suitable at home. Make sure to tie the chain around the frame of the bike, or the rear wheel if there isn’t enough space. The floor makes a great work surface for an angle grinder attack, or a sledgehammer, so keep the chain taut and above ground level.

A compromised cycle chain around a lamp post

If you really can’t attach it to anything, the best you can do is to tie the chain tightly around the rear wheel, then wrap it through the frame of the bike, leaving as little slack in the chain as possible. This makes it as hard as possible for an attacker to get a good angle to break the chain or lock, without also damaging the tyre, and making the bike harder to move.

Finally, bike covers work wonders for breaking line of sight, and making a bike look less attractive to thieves. Many thieves shop around for specific makes and models, stealing to order, and they often don’t want what they can’t see. Old decrepit bike covers work especially well to convince thieves your ride isn’t worth the effort – if the cover hasn’t even been looked after, the bike underneath must be in rough shape too, right?

Whatever you end up using, as long as you use something – anything – to secure your bike, you’ll be safer for it. It could be a several hundred pound chain and lock (in price and weight), or the cheapest disc lock on Amazon. Since motorcycle theft is largely opportunistic, anything is better than nothing, and any of the products on this list will reduce the likelihood of your bike being stolen. Go for something you’ll actually use, and it’ll help to make sure your bike sticks around to ride another day.

Other things to consider before you buy motorcycle security

When you’re buying security products, look for the Sold Secure logo. This is a not-for-profit scheme run by the Master Locksmiths Association that tests and rates products depending on their resistance to attack.

Look for products that have Motorcycle ratings and, ideally, Gold or Diamond for the highest levels of attack resistance.

How we test security products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles in order to provide you with opinions and evaluations you can trust, alongside news of the most significant developments in motorcycling safety gear. We want you to stay safe, enjoy your riding and hopefully look great while doing so! 

We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions.

That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, security products must have been used for hundreds of miles or several months by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and meet modern security standards as well as offering decent value for money. 

Each of our expert reviewers tests their security for portability, sturdiness, quality and value to ensure we advise you well. We also, where appropriate, comment on ease of installation and any other pertinent fact about the product.

If you can’t see a review against a security item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These locks will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

Here’s a brief run-down of the star rating system we use, and what each score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement. It might be lacking safety features, be poorly built or far too expensive to recommend.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A helmet with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

To find out more about our kit testing, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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