Put the brakes on bike theft: Best motorcycle disc locks tested by the experts at MCN

Anybody who rides motorcycles understands the Old West adage, “There’s nothing worse than a horse thief”. The nicer your bike, the more chance someone with looser morals agrees. Motorcycle disc locks and even traditional U-locks are a simple way of adding a layer of security to your trusty steed.

Security you can carry is convenient and easy to use. The premise is simple. Just lock it through the front brake disc to prevent the wheel from turning. No security feature is 100% effective. But if they add enough time and hassle to remove, that’s success enough. They won’t prevent the bike from being physically lifted up and put in the back of a van, but they’ll prevent all but the most determined (and burly) bike thief.

Watch our top five ways to keep your bike safe in this video

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Disc locks in more detail

Built-in steering locks aren’t particularly effective. They can often be defeated with a screwdriver, allowing a thief to push it elsewhere, buying them time to bypass the key and start the bike. With a disc lock in place, they can’t roll the bike anywhere.

While a motorcycle disc lock isn’t perfect on its own for long term storage, it’s a great addition if you commute to work or are running errands. Many disc locks feature high decibel alarms when someone tampers with your bike. It’s yet another layer that when added up, can make a difference.

What features should a motorcycle disc lock have?

In addition to the lock itself, some disc locks also feature Bluetooth location services and high-intensity alarms, to draw attention to larcenist tampering. Many also come with a safety lanyard or brightly-colored cable to remind you the lock is there. You’d be surprised by how many people forget and are greeted with a bang indicating a damaged brake disc or caliper.

You may want to take into account the British non-profit organization Sold Secure, which offers approval of tested products by the Master Locksmiths Association and rates products by their attack resistance. Look for Motorcycle-rated products with Gold or Diamond being the second-highest and highest standards, respectively. If it’s good enough for the English, it’s likely good enough for New York.

Here is a selection of motorcycle disc locks to keep your bike safe and sound.

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Frequently asked questions

Are disc locks better than padlocks?

Yes. Disc locks are usually more secure than a padlock since the locking mechanism is harder to access with basic tools like bolt cutters.

Where should the disc lock be placed?

A disc lock should be placed with the locking bolt through holes in the brake disc, stopping the wheels being able to turn. The reminder lanyard or cable on the handlebar grip will remind you that it’s active.

Are disc locks theft proof?

No motorcycle security is 100% effective. But the right disc lock makes your motorcycle more work than it’s worth to steal. All locks (hopefully) buy enough time for a thief to look elsewhere.

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How MCN tests security products

The MCN team of expert journalists have decades of experience over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t torture test anything. We use it just like you do in the real world and in all conditions to deliver impartial security product buying advice.

MCN covers countless miles each week and tries lots of options in a short space of time. We quickly discover which security products work great, which ones don’t and why.

We only feature security products we’ve extensively tested. Comparison security products will be included if deemed important and relevant. Testing is ongoing and we will continually add gear and products to our site.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

Scoring explained:

Products are given a score from 1 to 5 stars. Beyond the ratings tab, you’ll find in-depth info on product and gear performance and attributes.

• 1 star – Avoid at all costs.
• 2 stars – Barely acceptable.
• 3 stars – Average or adequate.
• 4 stars – Above average.
• 5 stars – Excellent performance.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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