No lock protects your motorcycle forever; a professional thief opens almost any lock given enough time and tools. A lock's real job is to make the thief's work harder, lengthen the time and draw attention; in other words, to steer the thief towards another motorcycle. In this guide we compare lock types and explain the technical details to look at when buying and ways to use a lock correctly. For parking habits, alarms and steps after a theft, also see the guide to protection against theft; here we focus on choosing a lock.
\n\nA small, easily carried lock that fits into one of the holes in the brake disc. It stops the motorcycle being ridden away, but does not prevent it being lifted into a van.
\nA thick chain of hardened steel links and a separate or integrated padlock. Because it lets you secure the motorcycle to a fixed object (a post, a wall ring, a ground anchor), it provides the most comprehensive protection.
\nA rigid hardened-steel U-shaped body. It is used to secure the rear wheel or swingarm to a fixed object.
\nA flexible steel rope. Useful for low-risk jobs such as attaching a helmet to the motorcycle, but it provides no security for the motorcycle; it can be cut with simple cutters.
\nA steel ring fixed to the floor or wall of a garage or car park. Used with a chain lock, it provides the strongest protection at home. In a shared car park, get permission from the management before installing one.
\n\nInstead of marketing phrases such as \"strong\" or \"uncuttable\" on a lock, looking for an independent test certificate is more reliable.
\nA certificate shows that the lock offers tested resistance compared with uncertified equivalents at the same price. Even so, no certificate means \"unstealable\".
\n\n| Situation | Recommended combination |
|---|---|
| Short shopping stop, outside a workplace | Disc lock with alarm |
| Parked on the street all day | Disc lock plus a U-lock or chain to a fixed object |
| On the street overnight | Thick chain to a fixed object, disc lock, cover, GPS tracking |
| Home garage or car park | Ground anchor and thick chain, cover |
| Long trip, hotel car park | Disc lock and a medium-thickness travel chain |
A GPS tracker does not prevent the motorcycle being stolen, but it increases the chance of it being found after it is stolen. Look at the following when buying:
\nRecommendations and prices are on the GPS trackers page. For lock recommendations and prices, see the lock page.
\n\nAccording to our site's gear data, motorcycle locks in Turkey cost roughly 300 – 4,502 ₺ at the economy level, 1,577 – 9,000 ₺ at the mid level and 5,030 – 16,872 ₺ at the top level. GPS trackers are 244 – 849 ₺ at the economy level, 1,069 – 2,499 ₺ at the mid level and 4,345 – 6,349 ₺ at the top level. As a general rule, setting aside a small percentage of your motorcycle's value for security is cheap compared with the risk of theft and the kasko excess. For kasko cover, see the insurance and kasko guide.
\n\nThe best lock is the one you have with you. If you cannot carry a heavy chain every day, a good balance is a thick chain and ground anchor at home and a lighter travel chain or U-lock on the road. Disc locks generally fit under the seat or in a jacket pocket. To carry a chain, use a chain bag, a pannier or a top bag; do not ride with the chain wrapped around your neck or waist, as it can cause serious injury in a crash. If you use a hard case, leave room for the chain inside it. Hard case options and bag models can help with this.
\nKeep the lock mechanisms maintained too: after rain and dust, spray a suitable lubricant into the lock cylinder, and do not force the key. Keep the spare key in a safe place at home and note down the lock's serial number; if you lose a key, many manufacturers can supply a spare key using this number.
\n\nBuild layered protection instead of a single lock: an alarmed disc lock for short stops, a thick chain or U-lock securing the motorcycle to a fixed object for long stops, a ground anchor at home, and a GPS tracker on top of it all. When buying, look at the certificate, chain thickness and the quality of the lock body; when using it, keep the chain taut and off the ground.
\n\nOn its own, the most comprehensive protection is a thick hardened chain lock that secures the motorcycle to a fixed object. In daily use, combining it with a disc lock with alarm is the most balanced solution.
\nIt is a deterrent for short stops, but it does not prevent the motorcycle being lifted and carried away. For long or overnight parking, back it up with a chain or U-lock.
\nIt shows that the lock has been put through an attack test by an independent body with specific tools and times. In the motorcycle category, the Gold and Diamond levels mean high protection.
\nNo, but if you receive a notification at the moment of theft and pass the position to the police, it increases the chance of the motorcycle being found. It should be used together with a lock.
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