How to choose the best motorcycle anti -theft - buying guide and advice

By fashionlifeshopping 26/01/2023 707 Views

How to prevent the theft of your motorcycle and protect it effectively

What is the best motorcycle lock?

You bought your motorcycle and now you have to protect it well, especially theft. And what to do to avoid being robbed? At first glance, the answer is simple: do not have a motorcycle to be stolen... Or eradicate the choice of thieves or envy, greed and disrespect for the property of others. It's not win. Because in terms of effectively protecting it against theft, between anti-theft, U, chain, disc lock, alarm and GPS trackers, the perfect solution does not exist. Quite simply. If a thief wants your motorcycle, he will always find the loophole allowing him to take it from you… But then what to do?

The weak link, you know? Well when we talk about motorcycle or scooter theft, it is not always the same, but it still exists. When you ride, for example, it's you... But before getting to the paranoia of bike jacking, there is room and above all there are effective solutions to delay the thief and above all reduce the risk of theft. Starting with the right behavior and choosing the right solution to protect you. In fact, each type of flight can have its parry. It is up to everyone to find it according to their needs and their type of motorcycle or scooter.

The best lock is you! attention, father of safety

If prudence is the mother of safety, attention could well be the father. Above all, remember that the first step in the fight against motorcycle theft is to avoid negligence and thoughtlessness. The basic principle? Being rigorous, above all never thinking that the danger does not exist, wherever you are, wherever you park your two wheels, is already avoiding a good part of opportunistic thefts. Remember that steering locks are not inviolable, that motorcycles and scooters are quickly loaded into a trunk or a van and that one factor must be considered: the general indifference to a motorcycle or scooter kidnapping, even though an alarm is ringing. Once we have this in mind, we already limit the risks, while the paranoia increases. It should, however, be greater when you park your brand new BMW R1250 GS or MT-07 at home than when you stop your Honda NTV in a red-light district. See our file on the rankings of the most stolen motorcycles and the Top 10 motorcycle and scooter thefts in France.

In order to rob you, we can follow you to your destination, track your comings and goings, your schedules and your habits, or quite simply watch for the slightest laziness on your part on a day when you do not take the time to padlock your vehicle. Forgot the key on the ignition? A thief passes by, rather than an honest person (who leaves you a note and that's it) and that's the end of your love affair with your beauty. Common sense should dictate how and where to park your two-wheeler. Do not imagine that a particular box or an individual garage in a pavilion is the best way to protect your property: it can be quite the opposite. The thieves are quiet and have all the latitude to act. Want to thwart them? Ruin their lives before they rot yours and multiply the anti-theft solutions. Better a place with heavy traffic, well lit, than a dark corner at the end of an alley, for example. Logical, right? And after The lock appears as the first solution but there are plenty of locks, brands, solutions, materials. And in any case outside, it is better to attach your lock to street furniture (even if it is prohibited) and that does not guarantee that you will find your two-wheeler either.

Selection criteria for motorcycle locks

Similarly, better quality equipment than a piece of clothesline to immobilize your two wheels. The approval of protective equipment is a first step towards safety. If the insurance companies claim an approved anti-theft device, it is not simply to avoid reimbursement in the event of theft. It is above all to offer a guarantee of prolonged resistance to aggression and to ensure maximum deterrence among a dishonest segment of the population.

The best known and most requested certification in France since the NF standard is the SRA. It is based on systematic structured tests, carried out by an independent body, which put locks, padlocks and other protective devices to the test, without forgetting an economic criterion. We can be the best, if no one can afford it, we will not have the maximum score with this organization. However, the SRA is only an objective indicator following a given protocol and just as is the case for motorcycle helmets, for example, a manufacturer can reinforce such and such an area to pass the tests, to the detriment of other points that may remain weak. As a result, the best anti-theft protection for your motorcycle or scooter is nothing more than a set of gestures and materials.

The SRA classification of mechanical locks

The SRA publishes the list of approved locks, to be consulted on their website (see link at the end of the article). There are even two listings, with mechanical locks and electronic locks.

What are the different types of locks?

There are in fact mainly two families of motorcycle locks: mechanical locks and electronic locks. Some try to play the card of the two protections, by integrating an alarm, for example, with a U-lock or a disk block. All right. Others have also bet on a “connected” lock that can be set directly on a smartphone via an application (Xena and its X Bluetooth family).

The engraving of the main parts of a motorcycle

And then, even if it's not really an anti-theft system, there is the engraving. Passed out of fashion, so to speak, easy to work around, difficult to verify, the engraving of the essential parts of a motorcycle or scooter is above all intended to trace and find the origin of parts once the theft has been committed and the machine has been dismembered. In general, engraving has never really had a deterrent function. Especially since it is generally done for a first hand, but we often forget to follow the file and reassign the number to the new owner. A practice that is being lost, but which can still be requested by insurance.

Highlights

How to choose the best motorcycle lock - Guide guide and advice

Weaknesses

Mechanical anti-theft devices: the chain

The anti-theft chain

It's long, it's hard, it's safe, it's sheathed so it doesn't get stuck everywhere or damage a rim (for example): the motorcycle chain is a must in terms of protection. Malleable, you can choose the size to connect a point A to a point B. There are several types, but the principle remains the same: the chain depends on another lock that closes it or attaches it to a support. Often, it is a mini U or a U, more rarely an anti-theft stud.

The lasso chain

It is a kind of leash for a motorcycle or scooter to be attached to a fixed point. Like a lasso, we pass around an element of the motorcycle (wheel, frame, swing arm, etc.), one end which we then slide into the other, adorned with a wider loop. The last link is then attached to a fixed point using a U-lock.

The classic chain

More "sporty" to use, the classic chain requires you to pass the link at one end through the link at the other end and then pass the handle of a U-lock in said "male" link. One of two things, either the U is small and it does not leave a hair of play, or it is of good size and it can itself be attached to a fixed point. How to close the loop is up to you. In both cases, we struggle all the more to close the chain when we are in a restricted space or when we have little light.

Warning, if a chain is approved, it is so when the "padlock" closing it is. On the other hand, it can also be certified as a protective element and therefore be very resistant (and incidentally very expensive too). Favoring an approved model means delaying well-equipped thieves. On the other hand, the bigger it is, the longer it lasts, if it is of good quality. On the other hand, a motorcycle chain is particularly bulky to transport (impossible or almost impossible on a motorcycle in the absence of luggage) and devilishly heavy.

Choosing a good anti-theft chain

If there are areas where size does not matter, when it comes to motorcycle chains, we prefer lengths exceeding 100 to 120 cm, the smallest size bordering on 60 cm and showing itself to be insufficient. The smaller they are, the less you can go around an element of the motorcycle and an external element. Favor models of 120 cm and more, but know that the more links you have, the heavier it is. And many anti-theft chains weigh 7 kilos.

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Mechanical locks: the U-lock

The U-lock is the great classic of motorcycle protection. Its name comes of course from its shape: the U-lock is shaped like a... U. It comes in many sizes and various proportions, whether we are talking about the width between the handles or the length of the handles. These “rods” are embedded in the protection “bar” (the lock block) strictly speaking, the one containing the lock (and if necessary the alarm). It is practical for directly attaching a spoke or wheel spoke (see the wheel) of your motorcycle or scooter to street furniture (be careful, this is not always accepted or permitted), or even to a fixed ring provided for this purpose and fixed to the floor or to a wall. A valid solution at home, but non-existent in the street or on the move.

A U-lock can also find an anchor point on a specific point of the motorcycle rather than on a wheel (fork, frame etc.). It can also pass through a loop provided for this purpose and implemented on your two wheels. It is generally referred to as a “cemented ring”. Here again, a practical aspect (but heavy and aesthetically delicate), which has now disappeared on motorcycles, but can still be found on certain scooters.

Finally, we can have the "U" between two chairs and couple it with a chain. This in order to have a good latitude of possibilities and a little more slack to cling to a fixed point. Don't forget that a U not stowed somewhere is no more efficient, in theory, than a disc unit: you can put the wheel (front or rear) on a roller device or, even more simply, remove any motorcycle or scooter that does not have a fixed and solid anchor...

If it is an excellent solution to fight against theft, a "U" is not always easy to transport (we are not talking about a U plus a chain...), especially with the disappearance of trunks on motorcycles. The space in a scooter trunk is not negligible either and you can easily lose the place of a helmet.

That said, there are anti-theft brackets to attach to a frame, a rear buckle, a footrest, etc. But once again, it is more and more complicated, in addition to being often ugly. We can not have everything. As a result, the disc block type lock tends to be favored by bikers and scooter riders. More compact, easier to install, also faster, less restrictive, it has gained ground in recent years and above all, it has become more robust (it was not difficult that said...)! Especially since once coupled with an alarm, one can have the impression that one is well protected. This is insufficient, however, if you act quickly, you can still quickly transfer the motorcycle or scooter to a soundproof compartment.

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Weaknesses

Mechanical locks: the disk block

The disk block is a special case. It is a first bulwark, mainly against “stroller” theft, i.e. when you roll your motorcycle or scooter after breaking its steering lock or Neiman. As its name also suggests, its purpose is to prevent the rotation of the front wheel by stopping the brake disc against its caliper.

Hence the interest of not forgetting to remove it before leaving, otherwise the fall is possible, without forgetting some damage to the disc and/or its clamp... For this reason, we recommend a disc unit with a metal cord (supplied as standard or optional) to be positioned on your handlebars as a reminder guide, or a disc unit model fitted with an alarm. At least, this one will prove to you its efficiency and the good level of its battery, while waking up the most distracted among us. And maybe the neighbours, if you have opted for a "screaming" model at more than 100 dB.

Of course, a single disk block cannot be attached to a fixed point. If you park for a long and long time in a given place, you might as well consider a more robust and permanent solution, while reserving the use of the disk block for occasional trips. Again, don't forget that even with an alarm, you can still board your two wheels. On the other hand, SRA disk block models are to be considered more than any other solution. Prefer anti-burglary devices and solid locks, therefore, top of the range. As such, Abus once again offers the best representatives of the category, through a Granit Sledge or Detecto range. These models are much more secure than conventional disc blocks, both through their locking and their design, which anticipates and protects against a large number of scenarios (sawing, cutting, freezing, etc.).

Warning, not all disk blocks go on all disks. The 3 wheels, in particular, greatly complicate access to their front braking and only certain models are compatible. On the other hand, it is easier to enclose the disc over its entire width than to insert a simple small diameter rod through the ventilation holes drilled in the tracks of the disc. Might as well think about it.

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Weaknesses

The crimp ring

It is the ideal complement to your anti-theft solutions. To be fixed to the ground, or in a very solid wall, the ring and the securing loop(s) are the ideal solution for those who do not have a point of attachment directly on their usual parking space (place of dwelling). Of course, you have to dig, of course you have to ask for authorizations in condominium residences, but the investment/tranquility benefit is largely in its favour.

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Original mechanical solutions

Brake lever blocker

You may be tempted to immobilize your beauty by blocking the front brake. Equipment locking by means of a lock makes it possible to maintain the right lever in the tight position and therefore to block the disc mechanically. Why not ? None of these systems are & SRA, the protocol does not lend itself to it. On the other hand, it is very easy to counter this type of protection... A solution to be reserved for troubleshooting. And even.

Steering locks

In Spain, you saw them on every street corner on scooters. Now, it has somewhat disappeared, but we still come across them. In France ? Never seen so to speak. However, the principle is interesting: complete the Neiman and prevent the handlebars from turning by attaching a Cobra-type chain between a handlebar end and a cemented ring fixed under the saddle. A device reserved for scooters, you will understand.

The caliper-mounted disc lock

We have found a rather interesting curiosity in principle. Roadlock offers an original and above all easy-to-carry disc unit solution: the “housing” and the rod are fixed directly to the brake caliper. Clever to have nothing to carry other than the pin and the lock to immobilize the disc. The only restriction: having an original disc and above all a compatible motorcycle, equipped with radial mounting calipers. It's expensive (around 250 €), but why not? The system weighs less than 300 grams and does not affect the weight distribution at the fork. Better still, it leaves no possibility of moving forward without having been removed, which avoids ending up on the ground.

The crown and transmission chain blocker

A few years ago, we tested a secondary transmission crown block. The principle was interesting, with a robust clamp to open and clip on the part in question and fix a block containing the lock and preventing the clamp from being reopened. Good idea, then, which literally locked the chain, but… a chain is dirty, the block was heavy and not so easy to use. On the other hand, the gripper system itself was not versatile enough to adapt properly to any sprocket model and any secondary chain size. We haven't seen it since...

Electronic anti-theft solutions

Impossible to ignore alarms and other trackers. One preventive, the other curative. They have many advantages, especially the second solution when it comes to finding your vehicle. In fact, they have been able to prove themselves over time and above all to evolve electronically, both in terms of detection and reliability.

Alarms for 2 and 3 wheels

The (top-of-the-range) alarm is not only intended to scream theft at any attempt to lift, move, remove a motorcycle or scooter : it subsequently deprives the possibility of starting. Well, that's in the books. Numbers of thefts are not made to roll, but to have room, in which case it is not used for much more than to try to alert. You still have to be there and vigilant when an alarm goes off. It can, however, deter a good number of thieves. That's always taken.

That said, alarms are often cumbersome to use and some are even hotter to use than others. The best ones are better protected against interference that neutralizes them (in the Eiffel Tower district for example), or even against bad weather. Because who says alarm to annoy thieves also says alarms ready to annoy you if they malfunction. As proof, driving in torrential rain that made it impossible to use a motorcycle for a few days before everything was back to normal... the weak point? Never found, between the submersible beep and the aquatic box, the culprit is not yet designated. The immobilization function is effective, certainly...

The main alarm unit (the one containing the siren and electronics) plugs into the wiring harness of a motorcycle. It therefore requires assembly by a professional, especially if you opt for equipment from Tecnoglobe, leader in the field in France (among others with the Tecnoglobe TG 2020, approx. 299 €). Additional security allowing for backtracking. Because if one day you lose a beep and if you do not have the small card allowing you to find the coding of the remote control (which happens in the case of the purchase of a second-hand motorcycle or lack of rigor as to storage of sesame), we are copiously in trouble, unless we call on a professional. Friendly advice, “if you don’t know, don’t touch! ". Because putting your hands in the wiring harness of a motorcycle is taking big risks...

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Weaknesses

Trackers

Whether they are called tracers, trackers or even trackers, they are one of the “anti-theft” solutions that have made the most progress in recent years. They allow the monitoring (tracking) of his motorcycle or scooter in the event of “involuntary disappearance”. A solution that we use to try to recover our vehicle, having pushed the smartest and most professional thieves to first leave a stolen vehicle for observation in a place they are monitoring and to see if within a few days according to their larceny, no one comes to look for her.

The most skilled thieves also know how to neutralize devices, given the technology used. Again, the responsiveness of the owner takes precedence when he noticed the theft. Hence the interest of choosing a connected model, offering maximum guarantees and detection modes, precise and able to operate even in the depths of a cellar or under a survival blanket. It will allow you to be warned in case of displacement or movement of your motorcycle or scooter and especially to follow what happens next.

It is therefore important to choose high-performance, top-of-the-range models that do not require too regular recharging. Often, these tracers are subject to the coverage of a GPS and/or GSM (mobile) network, which can be a weak point. Unless you type in the high end, which uses several technologies at the same time to optimize coverage. The prices are, however, quite contained in terms of what you lose in the event of theft. Serenity and deep sleep are really priceless.

In addition, it is important to choose the service that goes with the devices. Indeed, it is not wise to go in search of his stolen vehicle with his application and his only courage. Thieves are not close to that: once they have taken your property, you disturb them… As for the Police (or equivalent), they know where you can go or not and what you can do. and must or must not do. It is therefore necessary to act knowingly. Whether law enforcement will agree to lend you a hand remains to be seen. Some trackers like Coyote work in concert with law enforcement and therefore guarantee a better reaction from law enforcement.

Trackers generally work with a subscription from their provider, but solutions allowing the use of a third-party telephone subscription exist, which are both interesting from a technical and above all financial point of view, but not necessarily with the same efficiency.

Among the best known independents, we find Easy Track, Pegase or MoniMoto: 3 solutions, with or without subscription, wired or wireless, flexible in their use and efficient in their functions. Coyote requires a subscription with its high-frequency Secure Rider tracker, but claims a very high rate for finding stolen two-wheelers, knowing that it is their teams who are in charge of picking it up and alerting the police. This service is paid for.

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Immobilizers

We must not forget the solutions directly implemented by manufacturers, in particular Honda, with its coded HISS immobilizer. One of the oldest, most interesting and above all SRA-approved deterrent locks! Good to know, right ? That being said, many manufacturers and especially models now offer this type of coded immobilizer. A first defense against theft and above all an argument with your insurance, which often requires an SRA device or two on your motorcycle to fully insure it against theft.

Conclusion

The best motorcycle lock 2021 is none other than the combination of several quality locks and above all a secure behavior.

Remember to attach your motorbikes and scooters to a fixed point that you know cannot be easily cut, broken and that is long enough so that it cannot be thrown off if you raise the vehicle high enough. Combine the mechanical solution with a tracker, some models of which are both efficient and accessible, but above all adapt its technology to the configuration of its main parking location. If your two wheels park in the 3rd basement of a real concrete bunker, you will need very good equipment. The budget ? Do not skimp, you will make your equipment profitable over time. For example, Abus guarantees its locks for 30 years and is able to redo keys if you have the latter's coding card and above all, is extremely dissuasive. Count from 100 € for a good disk unit, 120 for an excellent U and 180 for a chain and a U. That is about 500 € for peace of mind. By the way, how much is the theft deductible of your all-risk insurance?