When it comes to motorcycle security, manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their products. After all, professional motorbike thieves develop their skills in order to get better at stealing, even well-secured vehicles. Therefore, manufacturers need to stay one step ahead of them, whether they are developing a tracking system that cannot be jammed or a motorcycle lock that cannot be picked.

Many motorcyclists realise that they need to augment the security that their bike already comes with. Typically, regular motorcycle security comes down to a simple key, which is needed to fire up the bike's ignition. However, this won't always work when a skilled thief knows how to pick the lock. Nor will it prevent the bike from being manually moved or loaded onto a truck. This is why there is a big market for motorcycle security, one that some riders can find tricky to navigate. With so many tracking devices, alarms and motorcycle security locks on the market, how do you know which is best and, more importantly, which is best suited to your needs? Read on to find out more about the best motorcycle security products on offer today, as well as to discover some great advice for keeping your bike safe from criminals.

Motorcycle Security Tips

In the world of motorcycle security, it doesn't just come down to buying the right motorcycle lock or tracking device. Sensible precautions can also help you make your ride more secure. Firstly, take additional measures wherever you know your bike might have been scoped out by thieves. This could be where you park your bike overnight. If it is there regularly, then it could have been spotted, so consider installing an anchor point on your driveway, especially if you own an expensive motorbike.

You could also upgrade your motorcycle lock to a more heavy-duty one that you can keep at home or the office for those times when you know the bike will be unattended. Get a disc lock or a D-lock for journeys into town, where your bike is seen less often and left unattended for only short periods of time. If your motorcycle has any accessories that can be removed, then it is also a good idea to secure them overnight, since doing so will help to draw less attention to it.

Remember to inspect your locks for signs of tampering or wear. This could indicate you need to change your parking habits or invest in a further motorcycle security device because you know your bike is being targeted. Some types of locks need to be fitted so that they aren't too close to the ground. If they are, it is sometimes possible to use the ground to help provide leverage against the lock. Follow the product manufacturer's instructions for specific advice.

How Do I Prevent My Motorcycle From Being Stolen

There are several ways you can prevent a motorcycle from being stolen, even when there is a determined thief who would like to take it operating in the area. The first and perhaps most obvious things to do are all standard. However, motorcyclists frequently get caught out by not doing them routinely. To begin with, you should engage all the built-in motorcycle security systems your bike already comes with, including – but not limited to – engaging the steering lock and engaging the ignition immobiliser. When you leave your bike, remember to take your keys with you. More importantly, put them somewhere they can't be grabbed or pick-pocketed. If anyone observed you setting up your motorcycle security systems, but can get to your keys anyway, the effort might not have been worth it.

You should also consider upgrading your motorcycle lock. Chain locks, disc locks and D-locks are all good ways to prevent motorbike theft or at least make your bike less of an easy target compared to others. Remember that your bike's identification number needs to be easily seen. On top of these measures, consider fitting a tracking device that is hard to detect and remove. Smart proximity meters can also have a useful impact. They might not prevent a thief from taking your bike on their own, but they act as a deterrent if spotted. The thief will know that they'll set the system off soon after trying to make their getaway with your bike. As such, they're more likely to choose another bike to steal, one without such a motorcycle security device.

Best Places to Lock a Motorcycle

The best place to lock a bike is in a garage. This is because a garage creates a physical barrier between the motorcycle and would-be thieves. Not only does a lockable garage make it harder to access your bike, but it will also prevent prying eyes from seeing it. This is a win-win in terms of motorcycle security. If you don't have a garage at home, then a shed is the next best location. Failing that, park behind a fence or a hedge to make your motorcycle less noticeable. If you have to park on the street, then use a cover. This will prevent thieves from easily assessing the type of motorcycle lock you have, as well as the other motorcycle security systems you have in place.

If you are parking in a public place, then look for a dedicated car parking lot with CCTV cameras (or one with an on-site guard). These are more secure places for all types of vehicles, not just motorbikes. When parking in one, seek out dedicated motorcycle parking bays. These typically have hoops you can fit a motorcycle lock to. Others may have ground-fitted anchors, which are just as good. If parking in a lot is not possible, then choose a busy street, not a quiet one. Ideally, park under—or close to—a street lamp since bike thieves hate operating beneath them. Anchor your motorbike to something heavy and immovable whenever it is practical to do so. Railings, benches and bollards are all useful in this regard.

How to Lock a Motorcycle

When securing your motorcycle with a lock, always try to get as close as you can to the anchor point—the thing you will be attaching your motorcycle lock to. Ideally, pick an anchor point that is above the ground so you don't inadvertently create a leverage point thieves could use. Engage the steering lock by turning the handlebars fully. Next, attach a chain lock, fastening it through the frame or the rear wheel and around your chosen anchor point. Ensure it is tight without undue slack. If you also have a disc lock, fit it to the brake disc and, where possible, attach its reminder cable between the bike's handlebars and the lock. This will help you avoid accidental damage when you set off. If you also have a tracker, now is the time to make sure it is working before leaving your bike.

How Common Is Motorcycle Theft?

Motorcycle theft is more common than car theft. Motorbikes can be stripped, and their parts sold on, so thieves target them as potential easy prey. Organised criminals target high-end bikes, so you need to take more motorcycle security measures if you own one. That said, some studies indicate that almost half of bike theft is opportunistic. This typically occurs because someone notices a motorbike hasn't been adequately secured. This accounts for why theft rates of motorbikes are usually higher in cities than in rural areas.

Best Motorcycle Chain Locks

A motorcycle lock constructed from a steel chain provides flexibility and a high level of motorcycle security. For one thing, they are flexible, allowing riders to attach them to virtually anything that is conveniently close by, such as street furniture, for example. They're designed to resist bolt cutters. However, this type of motorcycle lock is heavier than other motorcycle security options. As such, chain locks tend to suit riders who want a long-term option for their place of work or residence. Here are some of the best ones on the market in 2025.

SXP Class 3 Chain & Lock (10.5mm loop chain)

• Price - Approximately £50, $65, €60

• Size - Chain length varies (about 120cm)

• Colour - Black

• Weight - Approximately 4 kilos

• Certification - Class 3 certified

• Material - Hardened steel chain with textile sleeve

• Upsides:

  • Strong resistance to bolt cutters

  • Versatile securing methods with loop chain

  • A durable sleeve prevents scratches

• Potential Downsides:

  • Slightly heavy, so not ideal for day-to-day commutes

Oxford GP Chain with Lock (1.2m)

• Price - Approximately £75, $97, €90

• Size - 1.2m length

• Colour - Black with Oxford branding

• Weight - Approximately 3.6 kilos

• Certification - Thatcham approved

• Material - Hardened steel with anti-corrosion

• Upsides:

  • Insurance-friendly Thatcham security rating

  • Tamper-resistant lock mechanism

  • Anti-corrosion coating offers great durability

• Potential Downsides:

  • Its limited length reduces locking versatility in certain scenarios

ABUS Extreme X Plus Chain Lock (110 cm)

• Price - Approximately £230, $297, €275

• Size - 110cm chain, 12mm links

• Colour - Black/Red

• Weight - Approximately 4.3 kilos

• Certification - Sold Secure Gold

• Material - Special hardened steel

• Upsides:

  • Premium Sold Secure Gold security

  • Advanced X Plus cylinder resistant to picking

  • A protective sleeve helps to prevent scratching your bike

• Potential Downsides:

  • Higher cost compared to other products

Best Motorcycle Disc Locks

Motorcycle disc locks differ from chain-based ones because they secure directly onto the motorbike's brake disc, effectively immobilising it. Such an approach is good for motorcycle security, as it deals with ride-away theft attempts, but the bike could still be picked up and removed with such a motorcycle lock fitted to it. One big plus point—compared to motorcycle chain locks—is that they're often much lighter. As such, they're good for motorcyclists who are out and about a great deal. They are sometimes used to enhance the motorcycle security afforded by chain locks.

Urban Brake Disc Lock UR955 + Reminder Cable

• Price - Approximately £30, $39, €36

• Compact, portable size

• Colour - High-visibility yellow

• Weight - Approximately 0.5 kilos

• Certification - Class SRA

• Material - Hardened steel body

• Upsides:

  • Highly portable and easy to use

  • Reminder cable, included to prevent accidents when setting off

  • Visible theft deterrent

• Potential Downsides:

  • May need a chain lock to beef up its security

ABUS Granit Detecto 8008 Brake Disc Lock with Alarm

• Price - Approximately £180, $233, €215

• Size - 16mm steel bolt

• Colour - Black/Silver

• Weight - Approximately 1.2 kilos

• Certification - Sold Secure Gold

• Material - Hardened steel body

• Upsides:

  • Powerful 100dB alarm activates automatically

  • Robust physical protection provided

  • It benefits from a highly secure lock cylinder

• Potential Downsides:

  • A bulkier option compared to simpler disc locks

Oxford Screamer XA7 Brake Disc Lock

• Price - Approximately £40, $52, €48

• Size - 7mm pin

• Colour - Yellow/Matte Black

• Weight - Approximately 0.6 kilos

• Certification - Oxford Secure rating

• Material - Alloy steel

• Upsides:

  • Loud 100dB integrated alarm

  • Easy portability and usage

  • An eye-catching design discourages thieves

• Potential Downsides:

  • Its smaller pin may limit how compatible it is

Best Motorcycle Trackers

Unlike a motorcycle lock, a tracker won't prevent the theft of a motorbike, but it may deter it. What these systems do is provide locational updates on a bike's whereabouts. This is possible thanks to GPS technology. This means that if a motorcycle fitted with a tracker were to be stolen, it could be more easily recovered by the owner or the authorities. These motorcycle security devices can be geofenced, meaning an alert will sound if a tracked motorbike is taken outside of a predefined area, assisting with early theft detection.

Swetrack Maxi GPS Tracker

• Price - Approximately £140, $181, €167

• Size - Compact design for discreet installation

• Colour - Black

• Weight - Approximately 0.2 kilos

• Certification - CE certified

• Material - Durable weather-proof casing

• Upsides:

  • Real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts

  • User-friendly smartphone app interface

  • A hidden installation on motorcycles makes it a discreet option

• Potential Downsides:

  • Subscription is required to benefit from ongoing tracking services

Interphone GPS Tracker Angel 2.0

• Price - Approximately £100, $129, €119

• Size - Small, easily concealable

• Colour - Black

• Weight - Approximately 0.1 kilos

• Certification - CE certified

• Material - Waterproof plastic construction

• Upsides:

  • Real-time location updates and route history logs

  • Easy-to-use installation and management via app

  • A cost-effective solution for reliable GPS tracking

• Potential Downsides:

  • This tracker requires an ongoing data subscription

Swetrack Lite Gen2

• Price - Approximately £80, $103, €95

• Size - Ultra-compact and discreet

• Colour - Black

• Weight - Approximately 0.07 kilos

• Certification - CE compliant

• Material - Weather-proof casing

• Upsides:

  • Highly discreet for covert installation

  • Movement alerts and effective GPS tracking

  • An affordable, entry-level tracker

• Potential Downsides:

  • The battery life isn't as long as some premium alternatives

Best Motorcycle Locks with Alarms

A motorcycle lock that is fitted with an alarm will sound if someone attempts to tamper with it. As such, they add to the deterrence factor of conventional locks by combining physical motorcycle security with an audio alarm. Typically, such locks are equipped with an ear-piercing siren that alerts owners and anyone else nearby of an attempted theft. As such, they're typically deployed in urban environments where there are lots of people, especially in high-risk locations where motorcycle thieves are known to operate.

Oxford Big Boss Alarmed Lock (16mm)

• Price - Approximately £90, $116, €108

• Size - 16mm steel shackle

• Colour - Bright yellow/black

• Weight - Approximately 1.2 kilos

• Certification - Thatcham approved

• Material - Hardened alloy steel construction

• Upsides:

  • Loud 100dB alarm triggered by tampering or movement

  • Strong physical deterrent with high security rating

  • Durable and resistant to the majority of common attack methods

• Potential Downsides:

  • Heavy, so not ideal for frequent transportation

SXP MDA02 Disc Brake Lock Alarm

• Price - Approximately £33, $43, €40

• Size - Compact design for brake disc attachment

• Colour - Chrome/black

• Weight - Approximately 0.5 kilos

• Certification - CE Certified

• Material - Hardened steel lock body

• Upsides:

  • Integrated loud 110dB alarm for immediate alert

  • Fast and convenient attachment

  • Highly cost-effective alarm solution

• Potential Downsides:

  • Occasional battery replacements will be necessary with this system

ABUS Granit Detecto 8008 Brake Disc Lock with Alarm

• Price - Approximately £180, $233, €215

• Size - 16mm hardened steel locking bolt

• Colour - Black/Silver

• Weight - Approximately 1.2 kilos

• Certification - Sold Secure Gold

• Material - Hardened steel construction

• Upsides:

  • Automatic activation of a powerful 100dB alarm

  • Advanced lock cylinder resists picking and manipulation

  • High security standard with Sold Secure Gold certification

• Potential Downsides:

  • It has a slightly bulky design, which can limit ease of transport

How to Choose Your Motorcycle Lock in Summary

Look for the right certification so you know the motorcycle lock, alarm, or tracking system you are considering buying will deliver once fitted. Bike thieves tend to avoid locks and other motorcycle security systems they already know meet high manufacturing standards, targeting older or less reputable ones instead. Remember, too, that some motorcycle security locks are better at home and at work, while others are easier to transport. Consider having more than one type of lock and using them in different combinations for even greater security.