I was still living in my apartment when I bought my first motorcycle. I had no garage to store it in. No garage, no porch, no awning, no tree to chain it to, nothing.
All I had was a cover, a decent eyeshot of it from my window, and a determination to go Liam Neeson if anyone ever stole it.
Luckily there are motorcycle alarms and locks that can help you ease your mind when it comes to the security of your motorcycle.
In this guide, I will go over some of the some of the options you have as well as what to look for when it comes to choosing the best option for you and your motorcycle.
What to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Lock and Alarm
When choosing a motorcycle lock and alarm system, you want to make sure that it provides adequate protection for your bike and deters potential thieves. There are several features that you should consider before buying a lock and alarm system, such as:
- Alerting abilities: A good lock and alarm system should be able to notify you and the people around you if someone tries to tamper with your bike. Some common alerting methods are motion sensors, perimeter sensors, sirens, and flashing lights.
- Special features: Some lock and alarm systems offer additional functions that can enhance your security and convenience. For example, some systems allow you to remotely arm or disarm the alarm, or even start or stop the engine, using a wireless transmitter. Some systems also have a timer function or a hands-free mode.
- Resistance and durability: Since lock and alarm systems are mostly used outdoors, they should be able to withstand different environmental conditions and impacts. You should look for a lock and alarm system that is waterproof, rust-resistant, shock-resistant, and heat-resistant. You should also check the battery life and the warranty of the system.
By considering these features, you can find a lock and alarm system that suits your needs and preferences.
Types of Motorcycle Locks and Alarms
There are various types of motorcycle locks and alarms available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types are:
Disc locks and alarms
- How they work and what to look for: These are small devices that attach to the brake disc of the motorcycle, preventing the wheel from rotating. Some disc locks have built-in alarms that sound when the lock is tampered with, usually by detecting motion or vibration. When choosing a disc lock and alarm, you should look for a model that fits your brake disc size and shape, has a strong and durable construction, has a loud and clear alarm, and has a long battery life.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being easy to use and carry, being highly visible to deter thieves, and being relatively inexpensive compared to other types of locks and alarms. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being easily overlooked by the rider, causing damage to the bike or injury to the rider if they try to ride away with the lock still on, and not preventing the bike from being lifted or towed away by thieves.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as using a reminder cable that connects the lock to the handlebar, reminding you to remove the lock before riding, locking the rear wheel instead of the front wheel, making it harder for thieves to remove the lock or move the bike, and choosing a bright color for the lock, making it more visible and noticeable.
U-locks
- How they work and what to look for: These are similar to bicycle locks, consisting of a U-shaped metal bar that locks around the frame or wheel of the motorcycle. They are sturdy and resistant to cutting or picking, and they can be combined with a chain or cable for extra security. When choosing a U-lock, you should look for a model that fits your motorcycle size and shape, has a strong and durable construction, and has a key or combination lock that is easy to use and hard to break.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being secure and reliable, being versatile and adaptable, and being relatively affordable compared to other types of locks and alarms. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being heavy and bulky to carry, being limited by the size and shape of the motorcycle and the anchor point, and not having any alerting abilities, unless they are paired with a separate alarm system.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as locking the motorcycle to a fixed object, such as a lamp post or a fence, using a chain or cable to extend the reach and security of the lock, and choosing a location that is well-lit and visible to deter thieves.
Chain locks
- How they work and what to look for: These are flexible chains that can be wrapped around the motorcycle and a fixed object, such as a lamp post or a fence. They are versatile and adaptable, and they can deter thieves from lifting or towing away the bike. Some chain locks have integrated alarms that activate when the chain is cut or moved4. When choosing a chain lock, you should look for a model that has a long and thick chain, has a strong and durable construction, and has a loud and clear alarm.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being flexible and convenient, being able to secure the motorcycle to a fixed object, and having alerting abilities, depending on the model. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being heavy and cumbersome to carry, being vulnerable to bolt cutters or hacksaws, unless they are made of hardened steel or titanium, and being noisy and annoying, depending on the alarm sensitivity.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as wrapping the chain tightly around the motorcycle and the anchor point, leaving little slack for thieves to work with, choosing a thick and strong chain that is hard to cut or break, and adjusting the alarm sensitivity to avoid false alarms.
Grip locks
- How they work and what to look for: These are devices that clamp onto the brake lever or throttle of the motorcycle, immobilizing the controls and preventing the bike from being started or moved. They are compact and lightweight, and they can be installed and removed quickly and easily. When choosing a grip lock, you should look for a model that fits your motorcycle size and shape, has a strong and durable construction, and has a key or combination lock that is easy to use and hard to break.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being simple and practical, being portable and discreet, and being relatively cheap compared to other types of locks and alarms. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as not securing the bike to a fixed object, being defeated by cutting the brake cable or removing the grip, and not having any alerting abilities, unless they are paired with a separate alarm system.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as clamping the lock firmly onto the brake lever or throttle, making sure it does not interfere with the other controls, choosing a bright color for the lock, making it more visible and noticeable, and combining it with another type of lock or alarm for extra protection.
Basic sound alarms
- How they work and what to look for: These are simple devices that emit a loud noise when triggered, usually by detecting motion or vibration. They are battery-powered and can be attached to the motorcycle or the lock. When choosing a basic sound alarm, you should look for a model that has a loud and clear sound, has a long battery life, and has an easy-to-use switch or remote control.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have some benefits, such as being cheap and easy to install, being compatible with most types of locks, and being able to scare away thieves and attract attention. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being easily ignored or disabled, being prone to false alarms, and not providing any feedback or tracking to the owner.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as placing the alarm in a visible and accessible location, testing the alarm regularly, and replacing the batteries when needed.
Two-way alarms
- How they work and what to look for: These are advanced devices that provide feedback to a remote control or key fob, confirming the alarm status. They can monitor various aspects of the motorcycle, such as the ignition, the tilt, the motion, and the vibration. They can alert the owner and the bystanders by emitting loud sirens, flashing lights, or sending notifications to the remote control or key fob. When choosing a two-way alarm, you should look for a model that has a long and reliable range, has a clear and informative display, and has a durable and waterproof design.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being smart and reliable, being able to monitor and control the motorcycle remotely, and being able to provide feedback and tracking to the owner. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being complex and expensive to install and maintain, being dependent on the battery and the signal, and being vulnerable to hacking or jamming.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as installing the alarm professionally, keeping the remote control or key fob with you at all times, and customizing the settings and features to suit your needs.
GPS-enabled alarms
- How they work and what to look for: These are sophisticated devices that use GPS technology to track the location and movement of the motorcycle. They can be wired to the motorcycle’s battery and electrical system, or they can be standalone devices that use their own power source. They can alert the owner and the authorities by sending notifications to a smartphone app or a web portal, or by calling a dedicated service center. When choosing a GPS-enabled alarm, you should look for a model that has a high and accurate GPS signal, has a long and rechargeable battery life, and has a user-friendly and secure app or web portal.
- Benefits and drawbacks: These have several benefits, such as being smart and reliable, being able to track and recover the motorcycle in case of theft, and being able to provide data and analytics to the owner. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as being complex and expensive to install and maintain, being dependent on the battery and the signal, and being subject to privacy and legal issues.
- Tips on how to use them effectively: To use these effectively, you should follow some tips, such as installing the alarm professionally, keeping the app or web portal updated and secure, and activating the alarm and the GPS when needed.
These are some of the most popular types of motorcycle locks and alarms, but there are also other options. The best type of lock and alarm for your motorcycle depends on your budget, your preferences, and your security needs. You may also want to use more than one type of alarm for extra protection.
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Lock and Alarm
Choosing the best motorcycle lock and alarm can be challenging, as there are many options available, each with its own pros and cons. To help you make the right decision, here are some steps you can follow:
- Choose a lock and alarm that fit your motorcycle and are easy to use
- Choose a lock and alarm that are visible and a deterrent to thieves
- Choose a lock and alarm that are durable and resistant to weather and tampering
- Choose a lock and alarm that come with a warranty and customer service
Common Questions
Are disc locks effective?
Yes, they are, but if one is good, two are even better. This is especially so if you fit the locks either side of your caliper, preventing the bike from rolling forward or backward. Always use a reminder cable.
Are motorcycle alarms worth it?
Yes, they are, thieves hate noise and the louder the alarm, the more likely they are to abandon their attempt. Getting a Thatcham-approved alarm can also help to reduce your insurance premium in the long run.
How do I install a motorcycle alarm?
The installation process may vary depending on the type and model of the alarm, but generally, you will need to connect the alarm to the motorcycle’s battery and electrical system, mount the alarm unit and the siren in a secure and hidden location, and attach the sensors and the switches to the appropriate parts of the bike. You may also need to program the alarm settings and the remote control. For best results, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a professional installer.
Conclusion
Motorcycle theft is a serious problem that affects many riders around the world. To protect your bike from being stolen or damaged, you need to invest in a good lock and alarm system. However, choosing the best lock and alarm system for your bike can be challenging, as there are many options available, each with its own pros and cons.
In this article, we have discussed some of the features that you should look for in a lock and alarm system, such as alerting abilities, special features, resistance, and durability. We have also reviewed some of the most common types of locks and alarms, such as disc locks, U-locks, chain locks, grip locks, basic sound alarms, two-way alarms, and GPS-enabled alarms. We have explained how they work, what benefits and drawbacks they have, and how to use them effectively.
By following the steps and tips we have provided, you can choose the best combination of lock and alarm that suits your needs and preferences. Remember, a lock and alarm system can give you peace of mind and prevent your motorcycle from being stolen or damaged. So, don’t hesitate to secure your bike with the right lock and alarm today.