Ask a thief how easy it is to steal a motorcycle. You’ll be surprised that it hardly takes 5 minutes to make your bike disappear. According to the National Insurance of Claim Bureau, around 40,380 motorcycles were stolen in 2019 alone.
So how can you stop your motorcycle from being stolen? Motorcycle thieves target bikes that are easy to steal and are less time-consuming. Using the best motorcycle lock makes it difficult for them to break, which requires more effort and time.
Before I dive in, let me tell you about the different types of motorcycle locks and the level of security they provide to make the bike deterrent.
Grip-Locks
Grip locks are designed to be allocated on the motorcycle’s throttle grip and brake lever, which freezes the front brakes, thus disallowing the bike to move. The locks are made of solid metal and steel, which are resistant to hammer attacks.
Disc Locks
As the name suggests, these locks are intended to be used on ventilated disc brakes. The lock anchors the holes of the disc plate, which stops the motorcycle from rolling over. Few disc locks are integrated with anti-theft alarms that produce a sound above 100 decibels when trying to unlock without the key.
U-Locks
U-shackle locks anchor the motorcycle wheel to a fixed element such as a post or metal grill. It consists of a large U-shaped steel shackle anchored to a base lock. These locks are easy to carry and serve a decent level of security.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are the most difficult to break, though they are heavy and cannot be carried along the journey. Chain locks are made up of heavy-duty steel that is resistant to attack with saws, bolt cutters, etc. The chains are accompanied by padlocks to secure the motorcycle with a post or anchor. Remember, the thicker the links, the stronger the chain.
Best Motorcycle Locks Reviewed 2022
1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit
Kryptonite is one of the top manufacturers of motorcycle locks. The company is in this business since 1971 with a mission to empower to protect what you value. The New York Fahgettaboudit chain is a 14mm six-sided chain link made of 3T manganese steel.
The hardened double deadbolt design gives protection against twist attacks, while the disc-style cylinder is drill resistant. Furthermore, to cuff the chain is a Kryptonite New York disc lock with a 15mm steel shackle. The chain is covered with a sliding dust cover to protect it from dust and debris and prevent your motorcycle from scratches. A set of three keys is provided with one LED replaceable key fold.
The company offers an Anti Theft Program where in the event of you losing your protected item, kryptonite will payout to a certain value depending on the security value of the product. There’s also a Key Safe Program where you register your key codes on Kryptonite’s official website. And in case you lose your keys, the company ships two keys globally for free.
The motorcycle chain is 150cm long and weighs 10.8 lbs. Personally, I feel this is the best lock for a motorcycle since it is resistant to most attacks. Though it is possible to cut this chain, you might need a 42″ hydraulic bolt cutter, which most people don’t have.
2. Grip-Lock
Grip locks are famous because of their compact design. They are easy to carry because of their lightweight and rocksteady design. Grip-Lock is intended to mount a handlebar and lock the brake lever and throttle grip, thus ceasing the motorcycle to roll any further.
The lock is very convenient to use as it takes less than 10 seconds to apply or remove, making it suitable to use even when you leave your motorcycle for short intervals.
The lock is made with hardened steel rods covered in a polycarbonate case to protect it from rust. Talking about security, the Grip lock can withstand metal saws and will not bend or break. The lock is available in bright colors, so it is visible as a deterrent. Also, it only weighs 0.7 lbs and can be stored under a motorcycle seat.
3. MYSBiker Motorcycle Alarm Disc Brake Lock
You may need additional security if you hate someone tampering with your motorcycle. Disc locks with anti-theft alarms are a perfect combination to keep thieves away.
The MYSBiker disc lock secures your motorcycle with a 14mm double-locking carbide-reinforced hardened steel locking pin. At the same time, the body of the lock is constructed with forged stainless steel, which feels sturdy and sits tight on any disc brake.
The lock is integrated with an alarm of up to 110 decibels which automatically activates upon sensing any shock or vibration. The alarm is powered by six coin batteries and produces a loud shrill sound waking the entire neighborhood UP.
Just so you don’t wheel the bike with the lock intact, you get a 6ft reminder cable designed to attach to the clutch or brake lever. Also, if you accidentally move the bike, the device beeps thrice to remind you to remove the lock.
The lock weighs 1.3 lbs which is heavy for its size while promising excellent build quality. It’s waterproof as well as rustproof, so it can be used in the rain.
4. Club UTL810 Utility Lock
Motorcycle U locks are easy to operate and allow you to secure the bike with a fixed object such as a fence or metal grill. The Club UTL810 is adjustable from 8.25 to 11.5 inches and can secure various on-road and off-road motorcycles. The adjustable option helps to eliminate the dead space within the lock to avoid any access to pry the lock.
Built with heavy-duty case-hardened steel that can withstand over 1500 pounds of pressure. A steel gusset is situated on the side of the lock to prevent pipes from being used to break the lock.
For quick convenience, the lock features self-locking without the keys. The entire frame is vinyl coated to prevent the bike from scratches and protect the lock from rust. Also, the lock being a bright yellow color serves a high visual deterrence. It comes with three keys that are weather resistant.
5. Kryptonite Keeper 5s Disc Lock
Kryptonite locks have a high-security rating no wonder it is once again on the list of best motorcycle locks. The keeper 5s is a dual-reinforced high-security disc-style cylinder lock that is compact, lightweight, and weatherproof.
The staple-style disc lock has a 5mm pin diameter that fits smaller vent holes allowing it to be used on various motorcycles and scooters. It comes with a bright orange reminder cable that can be attached to the handlebar to prevent riding with the lock armed.
The lock includes two keys designed to keep them from bending or breaking. Due to moisture, sometimes the keys get stuck inside the lock; you can use chain lube to keep the operation smooth.
6. Yohoolyo Alarm Disc Lock
Disc locks are popular mainly because they are convenient enough to carry and are integrated with anti-theft alarms. This sturdy and durable disc lock from Yohoolyo is constructed entirely from metal. The lock comes with a sensitive motion detection alarm that can reach up to 110 decibels.
If someone touches your motorcycle, the locks emit three long beeps followed by a louder sound at intervals of 10 seconds. The lock pin is 7mm longer, fitting either the front or rear disc brakes of various motorcycles. Along with anti-corrosion properties, the lock is waterproof and can be used on rainy days.
The Yohoolyo disc lock is powered by six coin batteries and comes with an extra set with the pack. There’s also a reminder cable to be attached to the brake or clutch level to remind you to remove the lock.
7. Big Pantha Lock
The best part about handlebar locks is you don’t need reminder cables. This universal grip lock from Big Pantha is designed to work on all motorcycles with grips up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
The lock has the excellent built quality and secures the throttle grip and brake lever in place. A rubber spacer is present in the device to avoid the throttle turning, thus making it impossible to roll the motorcycle. The security lock is intended to use regularly as it takes less than 5 seconds to install. Many users stated that the lock had protected their motorcycle from theft attempts to break the lock but failed.
The Big Pantha is compact, rugged, and convenient enough to carry in your pocket. You also get a custom-designed holster to transport your grip lock.
8. Kryptonite New York Chain Lock
The Kryptonite chain lock is a smaller version of the New York Fahgettaboudit with a weight of 13.15 lbs and a length of 100cm. Forged with 3T manganese steel, the 12mm six-sided chain links are united with the Evolution Series 4 disc lock with a 14mm max performance steel shackle.
The disc-style cylinder is drill resistant, while the hardened double deadbolt design gives protection against twist attacks. This chain lock will probably need a hydraulic bolt cutter which is huge to attack the links.
The chain has a protective nylon cover with hook n loop fasteners to prevent it from rusting and scratching the bike. It comes with three keys with one LED replaceable key fob. The lock is covered by Kryptonite’s Anti-theft program and Key safe program.
9. INTEKIN Motorcycle Chain Locks
The Intekin motorcycle chain lock has been one of the most popular choices for a budget-friendly option. Though the lock is priced low compared to other chain locks on the list, the Intekin has been approved by sold secure security.
Built with high manganese steel, the chain features 10mm links which provide extra protection against bolt cutters. On the other hand, the lock, along with the lever and body, is entirely built with carbon structural steel, which is resistant to metal saws and leverage attacks.
The chain is protected with weather and heat-resistant nylon sheath, while the chain lock is covered with a key dust cover and is resistant to rust, dirt, and dust. The INTEKIN motorcycle chain lock is 100cm long and weighs 7.5 lbs, making it suitable for motorcycles, ATVs, and trikes.
10. USHAKE Motorcycle Lock
If you are tired of managing the number of keys you have to carry, the USHAKE combination lock is what you need. This sturdy-looking lock works with a combination of 5 numbers that you set to unlock.
The U lock is constructed with a 14mm hardened zinc alloy steel shackle that resists leverage attacks and cutters. Also, a 4mm PVC coating prevents the lock from scratching your motorcycle.
The cylinder is covered with high-security plastic to avoid dust and dirt. The lock is well built with a weight of 3.7 lbs. Also, the numbers are pretty easy to set. Please note that in case you forget the combination code, there is no way you can reset the lock.
FAQ’s
- What’s the best lock for a motorcycle?
Our pick for the best motorcycle lock is the Yohoolyo Alarm Disc Lock. It’s built entirely from metal with a sensitive motion detection alarm system of up to 110 decibels. The compact, easy-to-carry lock comes with a reminder cable and is lightweight.
- Are motorcycle disc locks effective?
Since motorcycle disc locks are built with hardened steel, they are not resistant to prying attacks. Though disc lock with a motion detection alarm system can prove to save your motorcycle when someone tampers with your bike.
- How can I stop my motorcycle from being stolen?
Using multiple locks is the best option to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen. Ensure the locks are highly visible and serve as a deterrent so they don’t come near. Thieves look for bikes that are easy to break in. The best thing someone can do is to make the job challenging and time-consuming.
- Is there a bike lock that Cannot be cut?
Usually, chain locks are difficult to cut but it all matters on the type of tool one uses. Using a chain lock with thicker links above 12mm is resistant to metal saws and bolt cutters. It’s not that they cannot be cut; it just requires a bigger set of electric or hydraulic tools that creates a loud noise and is difficult to move around with.
- Are chain locks better than U-locks?
Chain locks are more resistant to attacks when compared to any motorcycle lock. The difference between the two is the option of portability. Though U-locks, when combined with a grip lock, can result in advanced security to the bike.
- Are alarmed disc locks worth it?
Unless you leave your motorcycle unattended on a deserted road, alarm disc locks are worth it. Most of them are equipped with ear-splitting alarms above 110 decibels which would immediately call people’s attention around the block.
- What is the best way to lock your bike?
Using a chain lock combined with a disc lock is one way to secure the bike. Remember, the more locks, the more secure your bike remains. Since chain locks are not portable, you can use a grip lock combined with a disc or U lock.
- What is the best lightweight bike lock?
With the ability to secure your bike to a fixed element such as a post or fence. The Club UTL810 U-lock is the best lightweight bike lock. It is easy to carry and is bright yellow, which serves as a deterrent.
- What is the best alarm disc lock?
With an ear-splitting alarm noise of up to 110 decibels, the Yohoolyo Alarm Disc Lock and the MYSBiker Motorcycle Alarm Disc Lock are the best options. Both locks are resistant to rust and water so they can be used on rainy days.
- Are Motorcycle grip locks any good?
Grips locks are intended to lock the front wheel and the throttle grip. Leaving no option for the bike to roll over, so the only option to steal is to lift the bike to the back of a truck.
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Conclusion
Always make sure that you never leave your ride unattended for a long time. Use an alarm disc lock along with other locks and park your motorcycle near the crowd.
Make sure to use brightly colored locks so that they act as a deterrent and keep the thieves from tampering with your motorcycle.
It’s important to have a theft recovery plan. Using a GPS tracker on your motorcycle would help track your ride if your bike has been picked up and is being taken somewhere. In the event of any movement, the trackers can notify you on your smartphone.
