If you’ve spent time, money, and energy picking out your perfect bike, it makes sense to put just as much care into keeping it safe. The harsh reality is that motorcycle theft is all too common. According to Motorcycle News, there were 4,434 motorcycle thefts in 2024 just in London area.
But the good news? The right lock can make a huge difference. Before you head off to buy just any lock, here are five key things to keep in mind to help you protect your bike.
- Choose the right type of lock
- Consider where you’re locking up
- Match the lock to your security needs
- Check the compatibility before you buy
- Layer up your security
1. Choose the right type of lock
Let’s start with the basics. There isn’t one “best” motorcycle lock. Each type has its own purpose, pros, and cons. What matters is choosing the one (or ones) that best fit your lifestyle and security needs.
Disc Locks
Disc locks are small and lightweight, designed to go through the holes/or around your brake disc, on the front or back wheel. Because they stop the wheel from turning, they’re a quick and convenient way to prevent someone from just riding away. They’re easy to carry, fast to use, and don’t weigh your backpack down like some of the bulkier options.
However, disc locks generally offer a lower level of protection on their own as they are generally smaller and relatively easy to bypass through loosening or cutting the brake disc. So, while they’re great for popping into the shop, if you’re leaving your bike for a longer period or in a risky area, it’s best to combine them with something stronger.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are your heavy-duty option. They are usually long, thick, and made of hardened steel. Thieves often bypass disc locks fairly easily, either by loosening or cutting the brake disc, but if you use a chain to lock the rear wheel to a solid, immovable object like a lamppost or ground anchor, that job becomes a lot harder.
The downside is that chain locks are bulky and not always the most practical to carry around, especially if you’re riding light. But for home use, or when you know you’ll be parking somewhere for a while, they’re hard to beat. If you’re not a fan of the weight, it’s worth researching some of the lighter options on the market. Just be careful not to compromise too much on security for the sake of convenience.
D Locks (Also known as U Locks)
A D lock works a bit like a disc lock in that it’s used through the wheel to prevent movement, but it tends to offer a higher level of protection and can be used to lock your bike to objects too, depending on the size. It can fit through cast spokes or the wheel itself and is tougher for thieves to break through than a smaller disc lock.
It also strikes a nice balance between strength and portability. While not as compact as a disc lock, it’s easier to carry than a heavy chain. And if you pair a D-lock with a chain, you can get even more flexibility in terms of where and how you secure your bike.
So, what’s the best setup?
Ideally, use a combination of locks for layered security. A disc lock on the one wheel, plus a D lock and chain securing the other wheel to an immovable object, covers all the bases. That way, you’re not relying on just one method and any thief will have to put in a lot more effort (and noise) to get past it all.
2. Consider Where You’re Locking Up
It’s not just how you lock your bike. It’s also where you do it that counts. Ideally, try to park somewhere that’s:
- Busy and well-lit
- Covered by CCTV
- Near other bikes or foot traffic
- Has immovable objects to lock to (e.g. lamp post)
- At home (if possible)
Thieves are far less likely to target a bike when there’s a high risk of being spotted or caught on camera. CCTV, in particular, can act as a strong deterrent. And if the worst does happen, having footage might help in tracking down your bike or proving ownership.
Next, always lock your bike to something solid wherever possible. That means a fixed railing, a lamppost, or a ground anchor if available.
And finally, avoid leaving your bike outside in high-risk areas for long periods. If you’re staying somewhere overnight, check for secure parking nearby. At home, store your bike in a garage or locked shed if possible, and always secure it to a fixed point using a heavy-duty anchor (like Hiplok AX1000!).
For more advice on home security, check out our blog post on the best locks for protecting your bike.
3. Match Your Lock to Your Security Needs
A good starting point is to look at the Sold Secure ratings. This independent testing system ranks locks by how resistant they are to real-world attacks. For motorcycles, look for locks with Sold Secure Powered Cycle Gold or Diamond ratings. Diamond-rated locks especially have to withstand over 90 seconds of angle grinder attacks.
Want to find out more about Sold Secure? Visit our Sold Secure Explained page.
One example is the Hiplok DX1000, which has been shown to last significantly longer than most standard Diamond-rated locks during angle grinder testing. (You can see the test video here.)
But beyond ratings, consider how you’ll use the lock. If you’re often commuting and need something quick to throw in a bag, a D lock or disc lock might be ideal. If your bike lives outside or you’re leaving it for long periods, a heavy chain and D lock combo will offer far more peace of mind.
4. Check Compatibility Before You Buy
It might sound obvious, but not all locks fit all bikes.
Motorcycles come in different shapes, sizes, and setups and some locks just won’t work with your particular wheels, disc size, or frame clearance. Before clicking “buy,” double-check the dimensions of:
- Disc locks: Not all are universal. Check your disc’s pinhole size and spacing.
- D locks: Measure your wheel and spoke gaps to ensure the lock fits through.
- Chain locks: Make sure the chain length and thickness work with your intended locking location and setup.
5. Layer Up Your Security
One lock is good. But for serious protection, layering is key. Here are a few additional ways to boost your bike’s security:
- Bike cover: It might not seem like much, but a simple cover hides your bike from view and removes the instant appeal. Out of sight often means out of mind.
- Multiple locks: As mentioned, the more locks you have, the harder you’ll make it for any potential bike thieves.
- GPS tracker: A hidden tracker won’t stop theft, but it will give you peace of mind and help you find your bike if the worst happens.
- Helmet locks or tie locks: Don’t forget to secure your gear too. Helmets and luggage are easy pickings unless you lock them down.
A good lock setup not only protects your bike but also gives you peace of mind every time you leave it. Whether you’re nipping into a shop or parking up overnight, taking a bit of time to think about your lock choice, your location, and your setup can save you a world of trouble down the line.
At the end of the day, your goal is to make a determined thief’s job as hard, noisy, and risky as possible. And with the right combination of locks and smart habits, you’ll be doing just that.
Hiplok Products In This Blog Post
HIPLOK Z LOK COMBO
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