How to choose the best motorcycle security

Don’t panic. While this is the most in-depth and honest review of all of the best motorcycle security out there – on any budget – using any lock, even a cheap one, will significantly reduce the chances of your bike being stolen. Despite what social media would have you believe, while any crime is a problem, the main thing you should be doing is enjoying your motorcycle or scooter.

Our data shows that using a disc lock reduces the chance of a thief stealing your bike by a factor of three, while a quality chain and lock will make it less likely to be stolen than a car. As with any crime, be aware of it, take some simple steps (in the same was you lock your house when you go out), then stop worrying.

The best motorcycle security

Watch our video looking at just some of the kit featured in this article

How bad is motorcycle crime in the UK?

There are crime hotspots when it comes to Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) and the biggest is, unsurprisingly, London. But figures have shown that seven out of ten bikes aren’t locked at all, which is why the Met police urges riders to lock, chain and cover their motorcycles and scooters.

A scooter is a cheap, efficient, fun and socially distanced way to get to work, but as it only costs a fraction of the price of a rail ticket, to many it’s apparently not worth the ‘hassle’ of locking up when parking.

But my bike or scooter has a steering lock – won’t that do?

No. A steering lock is very easy to defeat – thieves just need to kick the bars and it breaks. A typical technique – especially in a busy city – is to snap the steering lock then push the motorcycle or scooter away, often with another stolen scooter. We’ve seen stolen bikes hidden as little as 60m away from the point of theft, while the thieves wait to see if a tracker is installed.

Three locks on the front wheel alone might be considered excessive by some, but this rider is determined to keep hold of his bike. The level of security you need will depend on where you live

Shouldn’t the police do something about bike crime?

They do, but the results of investigations and intelligence gathered can take years to reach the public eye. A theft made famous by social media still circulates, though nobody shares the news that the gang behind it got 12 years.

Statistically speaking, you’re unlikely to be a victim of theft, but like anything, it can happen. Using security on your bike is about making it harder to attack than another; it’s about dissuading a thief. You’ll hear people say ‘if they want it, they’ll have it’, and that’s kind of true, though they’ll go for the easiest targets first.

And if you are unfortunate enough to have your bike stolen, you can’t always expect the police to turn up and dust for prints. Besides it being an expensive process for an already stretched public service, the scene of a motorbike theft is often simply a space where it used to be. And unless the criminals were on your property when they carelessly left figer prints, the defence could easily be that they happened to be passing and touched the bike before it was pinched.

But you should expect a police force to take the full details of when and where the crime occurred, because it’s this intelligence gathering that can – eventually – lead to convictions.

I pay enough for my insurance, why should I spend more on a lock?

If you’re riding legally on UK roads, you at least have third party insurance. That should pay out to the other party were you to, for instance, ride into the back of a car. But despite having insurance for that eventuality, it’s a fair bet that you try to avoid it, right?

While theft insurance is there to help reimburse you should the worst happen, it’s not something anyone wants to go through, so simply using some extra security – and it can cost as little as £40 for one of the best disc locks – will make it far less likely that you have to go through that heartache.

Why aren't all locks on the insurance lists of approved items?

If you’re taking steps to protect your bike, then you might well expect a discount on your insurance policy, but it’s not quite that simple.

The first issue is that not all security devices are on the lists displayed by insurance brokers and price comparison sites. In an ideal world, everything certified to a minimum requirement by Thatcham or Sold Secure would be on a central database, and that is – to some extent – possible with a list that’s sent out to all motorcycle insurance providers by a company called Polaris.

The problem is that this list can take a long while to filter through, so some certified devices might not always appear on all insurance broker and price-comparison websites.

If you can’t find the lock you’re using on the security device list, you might see an option like ‘unknown mechanical device’, which could help when buying a policy.

In some cases, some OEM immobilisers aren’t Thatcham approved so aren’t on the list, but you could see if ‘unknown immobiliser’ is available.

For uncertified trackers, like Monimoto, you might find an ‘Other tracking device’ option is worth using.

If you’re in any doubt, call your insurance provider, but whether you use a specified device or an unknown one, it’s impossible to say what discount they might generate on an insurance policy as there are so many variables, which can all influence the policy price.

In some cases, using secondary security will be the only way some insurers will quote for a specific rider and their circumstances, while in other cases it might make no difference at all.

This is some of the kit I use to test chains, locks, disc locks and other motorcycle security devices here at Bennetts BikeSocial

What’s the best motorcycle chain, lock and disc lock?

There’s a lot of ‘advice’ online, especially on YouTube, but always check the source. Has the host properly destruction tested the product, or have they just been sent it and like the look of it? Do they know how to properly attack a lock, or do they tickle it with thick grinding discs to get ten minutes of sparks? Is the presenter using affiliate links or getting a kick-back from the manufacturer? Or even is the channel representing a store, which will have its own agenda when it comes to what it wants to have sell well?

Everybody’s opinion is valid, but when it comes to your bike’s security it has to be down to proper testing.

When buying any motorcycle security, look for the Sold Secure rating. Manufacturers submit their products to the Warwickshire-based testing house (also home to the Master Locksmiths Association) to receive a grading based on the resistance to attack. Thatcham used to do this testing too, but for a few years now they’ve only tested electronic security products for bikes, like trackers and alarms.

Make sure you see a Sold Secure ‘Motorcycle’ (or ‘Ground Anchor’) rating; if it just says ‘Sold Secure’ it could be rated to bicycle level. Here’s how the professionals test locks:

You can check if a product is currently on the Sold Secure database by using the approved product search on its website. Note that brands have to re-submit their products for testing every year so it’s expected that items carrying the Sold Secure badge have a rating that applies to the batch being sold, but you can always check the status of any product on the Sold Secure database.

This chain and lock is listed as being Sold Secure-approved, but there’s no level shown in the listing. With no recognisable brand or model, Sold Secure was unable to confirm if the chain had ever been rated (it keeps archives of everything that was tested in the past). I also contacted the supplier, but have yet to hear back…

What’s the best lock for my scooter or moped?

As you’re likely to have a decent amount of space under the seat of your scooter or moped, I’d strongly recommend you buy a portable chain (see below). Scooters have smaller brake discs, so disc locks designed for them have thinner pins that are easier to break. As such, they tend to do poorly in our reviews so use a chain and lock for more versatility, and if you can, carry a cover with you too – you’d be surprised how effective this is at dissuading thieves.

Where can I find reviews of the best motorcycle security?

Right here. Like Sold Secure, we test based on the current methods of UK criminals. This isn’t about clickbait, so we don’t waste time with Ramset guns and other methods that make for good viewing figures but aren’t contributing to this country’s crime statistics.

Our tests involve angle grinder attacks, 42” bolt-croppers, sledge hammer (unlikely as it’s noisy and awkward, but a good sign of the quality of hardening in chains), freeze spray and other tools such as pry bars, lump hammers, claw hammers, drills and hacksaws.

Picking isn’t an issue in bike theft, but the professionals at Sold Secure do include this in testing, which is why our reviews always reference the Sold Secure results. Yes, anything can be picked given the right skill and tools, but this is about what’s really happening on the street, as even the picking entertainment channels agree now.

We’re constantly updating our tests and always adding to them, so check the website for the best motorcycle and scooter security products.

The best chain and lock, the best disc lock, or the best ground anchor and other security devices will depend on your circumstances such as your bike, where you live, where on your property your bike is kept and what you can carry when you’re out and about. As such, I’d urge you to read the reviews in full to understand what suits your needs best, and to get the best value for money.

Based on data collected from the testing carried out, below are what I would recommend as the best motorcycle and scooter products for use when you’re at home and out and about. Discounts are available for some, but none of these are commercial links and we don’t receive any kick-backs for them. Value considerations are based on the  typical street prices, not discounted prices.

Note that leaving any lock out in the street when not in use is ill-advised as thieves could scupper it, leaving you unable to use it when you arrive by – for instance – pouring glue in the keyway. Another trick can be to cut a link when there’s nobody around and the chain’s not in use, then tie it back together with a zip-tie, hiding the join under the sleeve and making it quick and easy to defeat when it’s securing your bike.

10 of the best portable motorcycle and scooter chains and locks

The best lock is the one you use, so it’s important that you can carry it with you; a chain with links of 14mm thick is about the limit of what can practically be carried on a bike. Avoid putting any security in your pocket, and if you use a rucksack, make sure you wear a back protector.

Some locks will fit under the seat of some bikes, or you can pop them in luggage. If you have a scooter, just chuck them under a seat. If neither option works, consider something like the Milenco Chain Lock Bag, or go for the BikeTrac Grab Bag and Chain.

Keep in mind that, while some of these locks double as disc locks, they’re unlikely to work like this on a scooter, which has smaller brake disks. They’ll still work great as a chain and lock though.

• Hiplok DX1000 | £300 | 2.69kg
  Nudging its way into the top spot with an excellent combined resistance to abrasive and diamond cutting disc attacks, the attack times are academic really. The main advantage of the new Hiplok DX1000 is the fact that it’s the largest angle-grinder-resistant lock currently on the market. Paired with Hiplok’s Hiplok’s A1000 or AX1000 ground anchors, it makes for a great set up both out and about and at home.

• Litelok X3 | £249.99 | 2.08kg
  While this is a D-lock (or U-lock), if you trim back some of the shackle coating and use it with a chain, it creates an outstanding security set-up thanks to the fact that, if placed over the front wheel and tyre, or around a hefty cast spoke, it prevents the bike being pushed away. Also consider the Hiplok D1000 and the less resistant but still impressive Litelok X1.

• Milenco 12mm Chain Lock | £66.66 | 4.96kg (1.4m)
  This isn’t the lightest lock available, but the very low price and good resistance to attack ranked it high in our reviews; it’s easy to use and a superb value option. Outstanding.

• Pragmasis 13mm chain with RoundLock | £101.25 | 5.09kg (1.4m)
  While we don’t yet have a review of this specific bundle, I have destruction tested both the chain and the lock. The RoundLock is the toughest little lock I’ve reviewed and it doubles as a stand-alone disc lock, while the 13mm chain offers good resistance to attack in a fairly portable combination. While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• BikeTrac Grab Bag and Chain | £149.99 | 3.55kg (1.2m)
  A combination of a tough 10mm chain and the superb Abus Granit XS67 mini-U lock – bundled in a waterproof bag that straps easily to most rear motorcycle seats – the Grab Bag and Chain even includes a lock reminder to help prevent you riding off with the lock attached. The convenience of this package makes it highly recommended.

• Milenco 9mm Chain Lock | £44.66 | 2.98kg (1.4m)
  A 9mm lock is easy to attack, but this is very portable and represents very good value, especially if budget is high on your priority list.

• Squire Massive with SS50CS padlock | £148.80 | 5.41kg (1.2m)
  While we were able to beat this with a prolonged sledge hammer attack, that’s incredibly unlikely. Overall, this is a solid performer when it comes to portable security.

• Abus Platinum Chain 34 | £139.99 | 3.57kg (1.4m)
  This 10mm chain performed very well – while we were able to beat it with 42” bolt croppers, it took a long time and a lot of effort. For portable security, this is a great choice.

• Squire Immense | £111.25 | 4.07kg (1.2m)
  42” bolt croppers will eventually get through this lock, but it’s the poor resistance to a sledge-hammer that sees the score drop. However, this is a very unlikely attack and easy to defeat by keeping the chain off the ground and difficult to access.

• Abus Granit 58 Lock-Chain | £200 | 5.48kg (1.2m)
  It’s not cheap, but this is an excellent quality U-lock combined with a very practical 12mm noose chain, which almost doubles the effective length of the chain.

These locks are featured here based on our destruction testing, street price (RRP is listed), weight and ease of use. Prices are based on the closest length to 1.5m. Please do check out the dozens of other reviews of chains and locks to be sure you get the security that best suits your needs and budget.

Disc locks have limitations, as explained below. Theoretically a criminal could also remove the wheel altogether, though this is unlikely, especially given a push-away theft

11 of the best motorcycle disc locks

All disc locks have the same vulnerability – the bike can be picked up and put in a van. However, particularly in busy cities, a more likely attack is the ‘push-away’ and a disc lock will help reduce the chances of this happening. Our data shows that a disc lock can make your bike three times less likely to be stolen.

A D-lock (or U-lock) that fits around the wheel, thick cast spokes, or through the wheel and around the forks is more effective than a disc lock, and it can often be paired with a chain.

If your machine doesn’t have an alarm already, getting a disc lock with one can be a great idea. Yes, people do often ignore them, but they can put a thief off and could alert you to an attempted theft.

Keep in mind that many disc locks will be very unlikely to fit a scooter, which has smaller a brake disc (as does the Honda MSX125, or Grom). I’d suggest you’re best off with something from the portable options above, or a D-lock.

• Roadlok | £209.96 | 510g (total)
  While Roadlok isn’t compatible with all bikes, it’s the best disc lock we’ve tested, given that it’s always to hand and it’s far less likely to cause damage to your bike if you forget to disengage it before riding off. Like anything, it can be defeated given the time and tools, but the clever design makes this very hard to attack and a superb solution.

• Hiplok DX1000 | £300 | 2.69kg
  Nudging its way into the top spot with an excellent combined resistance to abrasive and diamond cutting disc attacks, the attack times are academic really. The main advantage of the new Hiplok DX1000 is the fact that it’s the largest angle-grinder-resistant lock currently on the market. Paired with Hiplok’s Hiplok’s A1000 or AX1000 ground anchors, it makes for a great set up both out and about and at home.

• Litelok X3 | £249.99 | 2.08kg
  The resistance to angle-grinder attacks of this D-lock is outstanding, and it’ll also fit over the front wheel of many motorcycles, making it very versatile. Pair it with a chain and it’s a formidable setup

• Litelok X1 | £149.99 | 1.73kg
  This D-lock isn’t as angle-grinder resistant as the Hiplok D1000, but it does fit over many motorcycle front wheels, so it’s a little more versatile. It offers good resistance to angle-grinder attack.

• Hiplok D1000 | £250 | 1.95kg
  Very impressive resistance to angle-grinder attack. It doesn’t quite fit over a motorcycle front wheel and tyre, but cast spokes are much harder to attack than many realise. Pair it with a chain for an excellent security set-up.

• Abus Granit Detecto XPlus 8077 | £151.99
  It’s not cheap, but this thing is solid, intimidating, and it can be used with a chain. It’s also very loud and has a warning LED that flashes when it’s fitted. Put this on the front and a chain on the back and you have a great mobile security setup.

• Squire Eiger Mini U-lock | £45
  A brilliant value, versatile mini-U lock, this disc lock can secure a chain or hang off your brake disc. It can be beaten, but it’s a very tough little device and really easy to carry. Definitely one of the best disc locks you can buy.

• Pragmasis RoundLock | £39.99
  Not only does this disk lock represent extraordinary value for money, it can also be used to secure 13 to 19mm chains and it’s the only lock that beat all of our destruction tests – not what you expect of something so cheap. At this price, you could buy two and spend an extra £4 on having them keyed-alike, then put one on each brake disc. Or use one on a chain and one on the disc. An outstanding piece of security, though note that it won’t work on some BMW brake discs. While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• Pragmasis DIB D-lock | £49.95
  Bulkier than a disc lock, it still breaks down and fits under many bike seats. A U-lock (or D-lock as Pragmasis calls it) can be put around the wheel or a cast spoke, which eliminates the vulnerability of being able to cut the brake disc. While we found the shackle can rotate a little too far for our liking with one cut, it’s still not going to come off a wheel and at this price, it’s something of a bargain. We haven’t reviewed this on its own yet, but the link takes you to the review with a chain. While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• Kovix KAL 14 alarmed disc lock | £119.99
  Difficult to cut, this is a solid disc lock that makes a hell of a noise if disturbed. Keep an eye out for the Xena 14mm lock though, which often comes in cheaper than this and is just as hard to attack. Expect a review soon...

• Magnum Plus Titan alarmed disc lock | £80 While not perfect, the Titan is as tough as more expensive alarmed disc locks, so at the price is well worth considering.

These disc locks are featured here based on our destruction testing, street price and convenience. Please do check out the dozens of other reviews of portable motorcycle security to be sure you get the security that best suits your needs and budget.

I like long-link chains as they tend to be lighter and the links can pass through each-other in order to keep the chain tight. It also means they can work with closed-shackle locks that only accept one link

10 of the best heavy-duty motorcycle chains and locks

These locks are all too heavy to carry on the bike, but they do offer the very best security you can get – the more metal in the links, the longer they’ll take to cut. These are the toughest chains and locks money can buy, deterring all but the most determined, and slowing down even the most professional thief.

Not included in this list, but well worth a look is the Pragmasis Anti Pinch Pin. This device can pass through a space in the frame, or many hollow rear-wheel spindles to give even more security than chaining up the rear wheel. A clever design.

• Hiplok Mega Chain | £169.99
  This noose-end chain might ‘only’ be 1.3m long, but its effective length is as good as a 2m traditional chain when used with a loop-type ground anchor. It’s no use for a traditional padlock, but is perfect with a quality D-lock, like our favourites the Hiplok DX1000 (currently the best angle-grinder resistant motorcycle lock) and the Litelok X3.

• Pragmasis 25mm chain and Squire SS80CS XLN | £360.47
  Pragmasis continues to impress with its new 25mm chain, which when bought alone costs from just £180.52, making it the cheapest extreme security chain on the market. It’s available with the massive Squire SS80CS XLN padlock, or you could use it with something like the Hiplok DX1000 or Litelok X3 for a home and away security solution. The Pragmasis Protector 25mm Titan chain replaces the Midlands-based company’s 22mm chain. While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• Oxford Beast | £299.98
  At the time of writing, I found this combo for £203.92, which is a great price for a 22mm chain and lock. The huge lock won’t double as a disc-lock, but it’s certainly an imposing-looking piece of kit.

• Pragmasis Super Dooper Anti Pinch Pin | £180
  This brilliant design creates an extension to your chain that allows it to pass all the way through the bike. With this, there’s absolutely no chance of a thief removing parts of the bike to take it away! While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• Hiplok DX1000 | £300 | 2.69kg
  While it has a class-leading combined resistance to abrasive and diamond cutting disc attacks, the attack times are academic really. The main advantage of the new Hiplok DX1000 is the fact that it’s the largest angle-grinder-resistant lock currently on the market and when paired with Hiplok’s A1000 or AX1000 ground anchors, it makes for a great set up both out and about and at home.

• Litelok X3 | £249.99
  Thanks to its outstanding resistance to angle-grinder attacks, this has to be included in the best heavy-duty kit for home use. What you attach it to is more likely to be the weak point, but if you can get it into a ground anchor (or can afford to buy two to link together), it’s a versatile and effective solution for home and away.

• Pragmasis 19mm chain and Roundlock | £169.95
  Sure, there are thicker chains in this list that offer even greater resistance to an angle grinder attack, but the Pragmasis 19mm strikes a comfortable balance between protection and affordability. And once again, the RoundLock shines as an almost impenetrable device that doubles as a disc lock when you’re out and about, or could work with a lighter, more portable chain. While Pragmasis has sadly closed down now, some stock is still available from its resellers here.

• Milenco Snaefell lock and 22mm chain | £299.99
  Like the Oxford Beast, the Milenco is fairly easy to find at a discount over RRP – at the time of writing it was £349.99 for the generous 2m length. Our pricing is typically based on the closest length to 1.5m, but while the 1m Snaefell can be picked up for just £229.99, that’s a bit short for a chain of this size and you’ll have to have your bike very close to the ground anchor. Stainless steel keys and an overall quality feel make this worth a good look.

• Squire Colossus with SS80CS | £318
  Let down in our scores by the unlikely (and easily prevented) sledge-hammer attack, the Colossus nonetheless gave an outstanding resistance to an angle-grinder thanks to its hardening and link shape, defeating the 115mm, 1.2mm disc used in our testing, and only being cut in one pass with a larger 125mm disc. Keep it off the ground and out of reach of a sledge hammer and this 19mm chain excels.

• Squire Behemoth | £599
  Again let down in testing by a vulnerability to sledge-hammer attacks, this is a far-from likely method for thieves; it’s also easy to beat by not giving them room to swing and by keeping the chain off the floor. The Behemoth comes with the massive Squire SS100CS lock, which requires two keys to open (it’s also literally bullet-proof). Picking might not be a real issue in motorcycle theft, but this is one of the most intimidating-looking packages available. 

These locks are featured here based on our destruction testing, street price and ease of use. Prices are based on the closest length to 1.5m. Please do check out the dozens of other reviews of bike locks to be sure you get the security that best suits your needs and budget.

Where’s the best place to lock my bike?

If you’re out and about, look for somewhere well lit and fairly busy. Of course, things can get stolen anywhere, but thieves will prefer to avoid confrontation and CCTV where possible. In London, you can use all the QParks (except Soho) for free on a motorcycle, as well as the City of London car parks.

Ideally lock your bike to something like a ground anchor, solid fence or barrier, though be careful that you don’t park where you shouldn’t, for instance blocking access or on a pavement. Chaining through the back wheel is preferable if you can.

A cover is worth using if your bike’s out in the open, so if you don’t have a garage at home, pop one over. But keep in mind that Bennetts now includes all locked shipping containers, metal sheds and wooden sheds – as long as they’re on your property – as ‘garaged’, which should help a lot of riders. For more information on garage clauses and insurance, click here. Also keep in mind that Bennetts Rewards offers a 10% discount on Asgard metal sheds.

Fitting a ground anchor at home is well worthwhile, and there are plenty of concrete and bolt-in options to choose from. Check out our reviews of the best motorcycle ground anchors here.

Motorcycle and scooter security is about making your machine less desirable than another, so using any lock can do that. It’s also about layering, so if you’re in a higher crime location, try to use more than one lock; it’s all more work for thieves and they’ll soon move on to easier pickings.

Buy the right lock for you, use it, then stop worrying.

Fact checking security claims

Destruction testing some of the most popular YouTuber security favourites…