It may have fallen off the radar a little recently, but security remains one of the biggest concerns to any motorcyclist. The scare stories from a couple of years ago may have quietened, but the fact remains that motorbikes are still a huge draw to thieves, whether the casual thief who simply wants some fun at someone else's expense and potentially bait the police into a chase, or at the hands of an organised operation which will probably break the bike into parts and ship them far and wide.
There are plenty of steps that you can take to make life harder for thieves. Ultimately, the idea is to make your bike as unattractive as you can and force them to move on completely or, at least, to the next bike.
We've gathered what we feel are the top security products to help ensure that you keep your bike and it doesn't disappear without a trace.
The best security products for your motorbike
1. Ridehide Waterproof Outdoor Motorcycle Shelter
Best product to hide your bike
Description
They say 'out of sight, out of mind', and of course, parking your bike in a garage or shed means
2. Y Max 90 Security Ground Anchor
Best product for securing your bike to the ground
Description
A hefty chain and lock are essential components in the fight against motorcycle crime, but they
3. Almax Immobiliser Series VI ULTIMATE
Best heavy-duty security
Description
If you're serious about keeping your bike, then a solid chain is essential. This behemoth from
4. Oxford Nemesis Travel Chain
Best security for commuters
Description
Just as a chain will help secure your bike at home, a chain and padlock are essential when you're
5. Maypole MP9731 Removable Security Post
Best security for narrow passages
Description
Not a direct bike-security product, but if you keep the bike in the back garden either under a
6. Squire Garage Defender 4
Best security for garaged bikes
Description
Most up-and-over garage doors aren't renowned for their strength; there is a limit to the amount
7. Xena XZZ6 Disc Lock
Best security for locking the brake disc
Description
A disc lock is a really useful and easy-to-use option in conjunction with a chain and lock or, at
8. KOVIX Brake Lever Lock
Best on-bike security object
Description
Readers of a certain age will remember the Krooklok; this device locked the steering and the
9. Datatag
Best security against parts theft
Description
Datatag isn't a direct anti-theft system as such; it's a way of marking your motorcycle in a
10. Monimoto 7 DIY Tracker
Best budget tracker
Description
Tracking technology is widely regarded as the best way to recover a stolen motorcycle (or car,
11. BikeTrac Professional Tracker
Best premium security
Description
While a DIY tracker can be useful, a professionally-installed version offers more levels of
Look for the logo
When you're buying security products, look for the Sold Secure logo. This is a not-for-profit scheme run by the Master Locksmiths Association that tests and rates products depending on their resistance to attack. Look for products that have Motorcycle ratings and, ideally, Gold or Diamond for the highest levels of attack resistance.
Chain reaction
When you're securing your bike with a lock and chain, make sure you wrap the chain around something immovable; a bike with a chain only through the wheel can be lifted by a few burly blokes and loaded into a van, but if it's locked to a post, then they'll have to cut it, and that makes noise and takes time. Also, keep the chain off the ground so it can't be attacked with a sledgehammer.
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