These motorcycle lever locks are a great extra layer of protection when you're out and about

Motorcycle security is best applied in layers, starting with something easy like a motorcycle lever lock for a quick stop and building up to heavy locks and chains that will help protect your bike overnight or for longer periods.

Along with motorcycle disc locks, a quick and easy way to offer instant security – and a very visible deterrent to a potential thief as well – is with a lever lock. These lock the front-brake lever to the throttle grip, so that the brakes are applied and locked on.

Not only does this prevent the bike from being pushed away quickly and easily, but it also makes it very difficult for a thief to ride it away if they manage to get around the steering lock.

Here is a selection of lever locks on the market at the moment.

Things to consider before you buy a motorcycle lever lock

No type of motorbike security is completely thief-proof and a determined, professional bike thief could probably have your bike away from the Tower of London with enough time and effort. But lever locks really are a temporary solution for security on the move.

The reason for this is that the simple act of cutting the brake line or undoing the caliper bleed nipple will cause the brakes to release, rendering the lock useless. At least with a disclock, a thief will need an angle grinder or a serious hammer to get the thing off.

That said, they are a a further layer of inconvenience that could put an opportunist thief off in the street, and anything that achieves this is worth consideration.

There are two main types around; hinged sleeves in brightly-coloured plastic so that thieves can see them and hopefully carry on to the next bike, and those machined in alloy, either left in natural colour or anodised to look good. Which you choose is up to you, but the most important thing is you use it – it’s no use to you at all if it’s still under the seat.

Both are ‘clean’ so you don’t have to mess around on the ground or with a dirty or hot brake disc, for example. It’s also worth considering that some may not be compatible with bikes using handguards while one other consideration is that while a lever-lock is fitted, the brake system is pressured and this may cause issues with seal integrity if used for extended periods of time.

Lever locks can also provide a quick and easy way of immobilising a bike for yourself, for example, if you are transporting it or parking up in a hilly area and you want an extra way of holding it steady than just leaving it in gear.

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