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Thieves steal more than 44,000 motorcycles a year in the United States. The best motorcycle anti-theft system will give you peace of mind when you park your bike outside. Our motorcycle locks review narrows down the best locks on the market. We recommended you combine two to three motorcycle locking systems for maximum security protection.
More than 53,000 motorcycles were stolen in the United States in 2020, and data shows that securing your bike with a motorcycle lock drastically decreases the chances of it being snatched. If you’re not already using a lock, what are you waiting for?
Protecting your bike doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Even simple locks can be enough to discourage thieves. But if you’re hiding something special under your motorcycle cover, it’s worth going the extra mile to protect it with a heavy-duty chain and padlock. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about motorcycle locks and the best models on the market.
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock
- Chain and padlock
- Six-sided case-hardened links
- Five-foot-long chain
- 15-mm steel shackle on padlock
- Double deadbolt locking system
- Chain weighs 15.25 pounds
- Expensive
Kryptonite Keeper Disc Lock
- Great value
- 5.5-mm locking pin
- Dual reinforced disc-style cylinder
- Weighs 1.4 pounds
- Reminder cable and two ergonomic keys included
- Not as protective as other high-end disc locks
Oxford HD Chain and Padlock
- 10-mm square links
- Chain is up to 6.5 feet long
- Padlock uses hardened steel shackle
- Padlock doubles as disc lock
- No reminder cable

Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle locks on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of locks before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.
I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the products on the market and RevZilla to hear what the hand-on testers had to say.
Some brands are already well established in this niche, and priority was given to their products. However, other lesser-known brands were also evaluated. The main features taken into consideration were weather protection, anti-theft features, materials used, durability, reliability, price, and size. Locks that had an unreliable locking mechanism were immediately disqualified from consideration.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn moreBest Motorcycle Locks Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Make: Kryptonite
- Model: New York Faghettaboudit Chain 1415 and New York Disc Lock
- Type: Chain and padlock/disc lock
Pros
- Chain and padlock
- Six-sided case-hardened links
- Five-foot-long chain
- 15-mm steel shackle
- Double deadbolt locking system
Cons
- Weighs 15.25 pounds
- Expensive
Specs
- Make: Kryptonite
- Model: Keeper Disc Lock
- Type: Disc lock
Pros
- Great value
- 5.5-mm locking pin
- Disc-style cylinder
- Weighs 1.4 pounds
- Reminder cable and two ergonomic keys included
Cons
- Not as protective as other high-end disc locks
Specs
- Make: Oxford
- Model: HD Chain and Padlock
- Type: Chain and padlock/disc lock
Pros
- 10-mm square links
- Chain is 6.5 feet long
- Padlock uses hardened steel shackle
- Padlock doubles as disc lock
Cons
- No reminder cable
Specs
- Make: Oxford
- Model: Boss Alarm Disc Lock
- Type: Disc lock
Pros
- 100-decibel motion-sensitive alarm
- 14-mm shackle
- Weighs 2.45 pounds
- Double locking mechanism
Cons
- High price for a disc lock
Specs
- Make: Kryptonite
- Model: KryptoFlex Loop Cable
- Type: Loop cable
Pros
- Good for locking multiple bikes
- Inexpensive
- Can be cut with ease
Cons
- Can be cut with ease
- Padlock not included
Specs
- Make: Bully Locks
- Model: Grip Lock
- Type: Grip lock
Pros
- Weighs 0.7 pounds
- Case-hardened steel
- Fits most motorcycles
- Compact
- Good visual deterrent
Cons
- High price
Our Verdict
I’ve chosen the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock as the best overall motorcycle lock. This chain and padlock provide so much protection that it takes industrial-strength tools and plenty of time cut through them. If you’re on a tight budget and want to deter potential thieves, check out my value pick, the Kryptonite Keeper Disc Lock.
Consider Secondhand
When shopping for tools and products, I never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Insert the key and unlock the locking mechanism several times, making sure that the key inserts and unlocks with ease.
- Each time you lock the lock during the process mentioned above, check that it stays securely locked each time.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Locks
There are three main types of motorcycle locks on the market, and choosing just one will generally mean compromising. If you want the ultimate form of protection, be prepared to carry around a heavy chain when you ride. Likewise, if you pack light when you ride and choose a lightweight lock, you’ll sacrifice some security. I own more than one lock and choose which one to use, depending on how at risk I think my motorcycle will be when I park it. If owning more than one type of lock is financially feasible, I'd highly advise it.
Types of Motorcycle Locks
Chain and Padlock Locks
A good chain and padlock secured to your bike and a solid anchor point will be the best line of defense against thieves. If you don’t have an anchor point at home, you can buy ones specifically designed for motorcycles. At the highest end of the spectrum, it’ll take an axle grinder, hydraulic bolt cutters, or acetylene torch to cut through the chain. The downside to this type of lock is that they are heavy. They’re also generally the most expensive form of protection. But if you’ve got a motorcycle that draws attention and you regularly park it in the same areas, this is the lock to get.
Disc Locks
Disc locks are arguably the most common types of locks you find on bikes because they’re compact, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive. These locks are secured to your motorcycle’s disc rotor via a pin that goes through one of the cross-drilled holes, and stops the wheels from moving more than a few inches. A disc lock is a good visual deterrent and will slow a thief down, but a person with the right tools could remove one in a few minutes. A downside to disc locks is that they don’t anchor your bike, so two people could lift it onto a truck. Many of these locks have motion-sensitive alarms, which can be enough to scare away opportunists. This added feature is well worth the money.
Grip Locks
Grip locks are the cheapest, most compact, and quickest to fit when compared to the other locks on this list. This type of lock works by engaging either the brake or clutch lever and anchoring it to the handlebar grip. These are the easiest locks to bypass, as thieves can usually cut through them with relative ease using a hacksaw. I wouldn’t recommend using only this type of lock on an expensive bike in a high-risk area.
Key Features
Material
The lock you choose is only as good as the material it’s made from. Aluminum and steel are both good choices, but ideally you’d get a chain that’s made from case-hardened steel. Case-hardened steel is tougher than some thicker pieces of metal, as the process hardens the exterior of the steel. If you’re using a metal chain, make sure it has a protective cover, or it could damage your wheel.
Anti-Theft Features
Some features might seem insignificant but play a remarkable role in stopping thieves. For example, chains that use square or six-sided links make it much harder to cut with bolt cutters because the tool can't get a grip. Some locks can be tightened so that tools can’t get enough leverage to pull the mechanism apart.
Many disc locks feature motion-sensitive alarms that ring sharply in bursts up to 110 decibels. Disc locks with this feature are definitely worth investing in, as it can draw enough attention to send thieves running. Even something as simple as the color of your lock can be a security feature. Brightly colored locks draw attention and can be enough to make thieves look elsewhere.
Pricing
For less than $30, you can pick up a disc lock that will act as a good deterrent but ultimately won’t slow down a determined thief for long. If you spend $30 to $110, you can get a chain and padlock combo that’ll stop your bike from being lifted onto a truck. Anyone who spends more than $110 can expect a heavy-duty chain and lock that feature case-hardened steel and links that are specifically designed to prevent bolt cutters from getting a grip.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Are motorcycle locks theftproof?
A: Unfortunately, the answer is no. Given the right tools, such as an angle grinder or acetylene torch, and enough time, any lock can be broken.
Q: How do I care for my motorcycle lock?
A: Lubricate all the moving parts of your lock regularly and wipe away mud or dried dirt with a degreaser and a towel. After you apply lubricant, you should lock and unlock the mechanism at least five times to coat all areas inside.
Q: Which wheel should I lock?
A: If you’re using a chain, you should lock it around the back wheel, as it’s harder for thieves to remove the rear wheel. You should place disc locks on the front wheel, as there’s a better chance of you spotting and removing it before driving away. If you put a disc lock on the front wheel, there’s also a better chance of a potential thief seeing it and looking elsewhere.
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