We’ve said it before and we’ll probably say it again; security is best applied in layers, starting with something easy for a quick stop and building up to devices that will help protect your bike overnight or for longer periods.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to offer instant security – and a very visible deterrent to a potential thief as well – is with a lever lock. A bit like the old Krooklocks in cars, 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.
Related: Best motorcycle disc locks
It can also provide a quick and easy way of immobilising a bike 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.
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.
Here is a selection of lever locks on the market at the moment.
Caps Lock Universal
View offer
At this kind of money, you canu2019t really go wrong. Itu2019s a colourful plastic housing with stainless-steel wires running through it to provide strength and attack resistance. It folds over the throttle grip and the front-brake lever and closes with a snap-shut cylinder lock and will keep the front brakes applied until you unlock it.
Pros:
Easy to fit
Great value
Stainless steel wires for strength
Kovix KOL Lock
View offer
This lever lock from Kovix might seem expensive at first sight but it packs a 120dB punch u2013 a shock and movement alarm built into an alloy-steel lever lock. You can choose whether to have the alarm activated or just use it as a straightforward lever lock but why wouldnu2019t you want the added layer of security offered by an audible alert to tampering?
Pros:
120dB built-in alarm
Top fastening
Alloy steel chassis
Oxford Leverlock
View offer
This example from Oxford will fit easily and quickly to the throttle and front-brake lever and hold the lever on, immobilising the bike. Like others, it is a u2018cleanu2019 part of the bike and is useful for a quick trip into the shops, for example. It uses a cylinder lock and comes with three keys.
Pros:
Brightly coloured for visual deterrent
Quick and easy to use
Rubber inserts for throttle and lever
Ryde Throtlock
View offer
Weu2019ve tried several Ryde products and in the past and found them to be reasonable quality at a great price, so weu2019d expect this lever lock to be no different. Made from two pieces of aluminium, the lock hooks over the brake lever first then the throttle grip, meaning it should work with bikes fitted with handguards. It uses a cylinder lock for quick and easy use.
Pros:
Visible deterrent
Compatible with hand guards
Available in black or silver
Oxford Lever Clamp
View offer
OK, itu2019s not a locking lever clamp but it will hold the front-brake lever so the brakes are on if you want to hold your bike in one place, for example, if itu2019s parked on a hill and you want more than just leaving it in gear or you are transporting it on a trailer or in a van. Some reviews report it only fits certain levers but as most are angled, it should be OK.
Pros:
Super-cheap
Great for immobilising a bike
Useful addition to leaving in gear
EB Tools Universal Lock
View offer
This aluminium alloy lock is Amazonu2019s Choice for u2018motorcycle lever locku2019 and looks remarkably like the Ryde version, though at more than twice the price. It offers the same functionality, fitting to the brake lever first, then the throttle grip, though the photographs are either inverted or it is shown fitted to the clutch lever, which wonu2019t immobilise the bike.
Pros:
Aluminium-alloy construction
Easy to fit and store
Suit variety of bikes
Datatool Croc-Lock
View offer
Datatool are a huge name in motorcycle security so you would expect this lever lock from the manufacturer to be a decent proposition. It works the same way as other, similar locks, in that you fit it to the throttle grip first then the brake lever and close the snap-shut lock. It comes in three colours u2013 visible orange or yellow or stealth black but may not be suitable for bikes with hand guards or heated grips.
Pros:
Visible deterrent
Quick and easy to fit
Good value security layer
YXA-Lock
View offer
A variation on a theme, courtesy of a smoother, more rounded shape and a bright red finish to the aluminium that makes up the body of this lock. Another that uses a cylindrical lock and fastens to the lever first before going over the throttle grip with the lock mechanism at the rear so should be good for bikes with handguards.
Pros:
Smoother, more rounded finish
Good for bikes with hand guards
Metal construction