Motorcycle Locks

A different kind of protection

The size and value of a motorcycle means it requires a unique kind of protection against theft.

Most motorcyclists rely on alarms and ignition disablers to protect their prized possessions against theft. Alarms tend to be perimeter sensors that send a signal to a keychain, notifying the rider that someone or something is within a certain distance of the bike. Ignition disablers are computer chips that cause the ignition system to become inactive.  

While these products work well in preventing your bike from getting stolen, they don’t always offer the most theft deterrence because they’re not visible. A motorcycle lock is a blatant sign to thieves that your bike isn’t going to be an easy take.

Types of Locks

There are two common types of motorcycle locks:

• Disc locks
• Chain locks

Disc locks fasten around your disc brakes, securing the wheel and making it impossible for anyone to ride away with your bike. If someone does attempt to ride the bike they’ll be quickly stopped as the disc lock can’t fit through the shocks. They usually contain a ball bearing or deadbolt locking mechanism that’s controlled with key access.

The only problem with a disc lock is that it’s possible for you to forget about it and attempt to ride away yourself. This error will end up causing some extensive damage to your bike and brakes!

Some disc lock manufacturers have attempted to make the devices fool proof by installing an alarm in the lock. If you happen to forget about the lock and go to drive away, an alarm will sound to remind you that you need to remove the device. The alarm also works well if someone is attempting to steal the motorcycle because it draws attention to the situation – and no thief wants everyone around checking to see what they’re up to!

Chain locks are thick chains with padlocks that can be intertwined in your wheel and attached to any kind of anchor. Some people simply lock the chain around the wheel and figure that it’ll prevent people from trying to take the bike because it immobilizes the wheel. The only problem with this is it leaves the chain vulnerable to abuse as thieves can use the ground as leverage against the lock. Your best bet is to secure the chain to a light post, bike rack or other permanent fixture.

Take Care of your Wheels

The most important part of a motorcycle device is its visibility. Most thieves look for easy targets and don’t want to bother messing with locks that’ll limit mobility. Alarms can be disabled and an ignition disabler doesn’t stop someone from loading the bike up on a trailer and driving away. They might offer you more time to get to your bike once you’re notified that someone is tampering with it.