Motorcycle theft is rampant in many capital cities, in particular London where four are stolen every day, and riders are always on the lookout for a clever lock that is quick and easy to use.
There are many clever locks on the market that secure the wheel, handlebars and/or the whole bike to a solid object.
However, some can be time-consuming and awkward to attach. Plus, thieves will always find a way to steal your motorcycle.
There is a new breed of throttle/brake locks that are worth considering as a quick-and-easy option.
The BigPantha Grip Lock is $38.95 (+ $7.98 shipping to Australia) and the Gri-pLock at $64.98 (+ $7.62) secure the front brake and throttle to disable the bike.
They say they will work on any bike, scooter or ATV.
Of course, a group of thieves could still pick up the bike and load it on to a truck and take it away, especially a light bike or scooter.
You can also use it on the clutch to make it unrideable, but that could make it even easier to be wheeled away.
Clever grip locks
These grip locks are clever because they are compact, light and fit in your pocket. They are also quick to fit and the variety of bright colours make them visible to thieves.
They also mean riders won’t forget and take off with one still attached as can happen with disc locks, unless they have a cable reminder to the bars!
However, for those who value form over function, you can also get them in “biker black”!
Of course, a clever lock is just one of many options for securing your bike. You may actually need to employ several methods to really secure your bike.
Here are some more options.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BIKE
- Buy a secure chain so you can chain your bike to an immovable object like a lamp post.
- Use a secure disc lock with a reminder cord attached to your handlebars so you don’t ride off with it still in place.
- Also, use the steering lock if your bike has one.
- Even when parked in a secure location such as your garage or behind a locked gate, consider the extra security of using the steering lock, a disc lock or chain as well.
- Pull out a spark plug or fuse, or have an immobiliser fitted.
- Don’t park your bike in railway or shopping centre carparks as these are notorious for theft.
- Park in a locked carpark. If you have to park in the open, leave it where you can see your bike or in view of a security camera and/or under a light.
- Otherwise, keep your bike out of sight, maybe parking it behind your car. If parking in a garage, block the bike with your car and ensure the garage is locked.
- When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
- Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
- Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
- When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
- Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
- At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
- If you park your motorcycle outside your house, consider installing a motion sensor light near the bike.
- Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
- Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and deliver your bike’s speed, location and direction