Top 10 motorbike security devices
Keeping your bike safe is not optional. Thieves work quickly; they know what they are looking for, and if your pride and joy is the easiest target on the street, it is only a matter of time. A good security setup does not need to be complicated, but it must be deliberate. Think layers, think inconvenience, and think deterrence. Your goal is simple: make your motorbike harder to steal than the next one.
According to recent UK data, certain police areas still record hundreds of two-wheeled vehicle thefts annually, a stark reminder that bikes remain prime targets.
Below is a breakdown of the top 10 motorbike security devices every rider should have in place, along with some practical insight into how and why they work. If the best motorbike accessories that combine function, comfort, and great design.
Build layers, build habits and build inconvenience. That is how bikes stay yours.
1 - Heavy duty chain and lock
Make them work for it
A proper hardened steel chain and high-quality lock are still the backbone of motorbike security. Look for chains with thick, hex-profile links that resist cropping and a lock with anti-pick and anti-drill features; the Oxford Monster, Pragmasis Protector, and ABUS CityChain 1010 are all well-regarded examples.
If you prefer something portable but still tough, the Kovix KCL and the Oxford Nemesis sit in the sweet spot for strength and practicality. Weight is usually a good indicator of security, so the heavier, Sold Secure-rated options tend to be the safest bets.
Always anchor the chain off the ground to reduce leverage and attach it to something permanent like a ground anchor or lamp post. Looping through the frame or rear wheel is essential; thieves will remove a wheel if all they need to do is roll the bike away. This is why many theft-prevention guides from UK police forces specifically advise pairing a heavy-duty chain and lock with a fixed point for maximum resistance.
It is why many theft-prevention guides from UK police forces advise specifically using a chain and lock in combination with a fixed point.
2 - Disc lock with alarm
Noise equals attention, thieves hate both
A disc lock stops the bike from physically moving, which already slows down an attack, but an integrated alarm takes things up a level. Movement sensors detect tampering and unleash an ear-piercing siren that draws attention instantly. A thief wants silence and speed, not 120 decibels of embarrassment.
If you want a solid everyday option, riders often rate the Oxford Alpha XA14 and Oxford Micro XA5 for their balance of size, price and reliability. For something more budget-friendly, the Oxford Screamer 7 and Mammoth Alarmed Disc Lock still offer a loud deterrent without costing much. If you’d prefer premium protection, the ABUS 8008 Detecto X-Plus 2.0 and Kovix KAL sit at the top end with tougher construction and smarter alarm modules. The Zovii ZD10S is another well-reviewed choice after strong independent test results.
They work brilliantly for short stops, cafés, petrol stations and commuting. Compact, portable and fast to apply, they are an easy win for day-to-day protection.
3 - Ground anchor
Home base needs fortress rules
At home, a garage alone is not enough. A thief can break into a garage quietly and wheel a bike out in minutes. A ground anchor bolted into solid concrete adds a point of defeat they cannot avoid. Popular choices that riders rate highly include the Pragmasis Torc Ground Anchor, the Oxford Beast Anchor, and the ABUS WBA 100, all designed to resist cutting, levering and drilling. Paired with a big chain, it prevents rolling and lifting, especially if the chain is tight and off the floor.
For rental spaces, a wall anchor is a strong alternative. Options such as the Oxford Docking Station or the Kovix KWX Wall Anchor give you fixed-point security without needing major structural work. Think of an anchor as your security foundation; everything else builds from it.
For rental spaces, a wall anchor is a strong alternative. Think of an anchor as your security foundation; everything else builds from it.
4 - U-Locks
Lock it down
A solid U-lock is one of the toughest and most stubborn pieces of security you can use to protect your motorcycle. Built from hardened steel and shaped to limit leverage points, a good U-lock such as the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit or the ultra-robust Abus Granit Power 58 makes casual attacks almost impossible and forces even determined thieves to work harder, longer and much louder. As a visible deterrent, it immediately signals that your motorcycle is not an easy target.
Heavy-duty, lockable covers are best, especially ones with heat-resistant lining and eyelets for a chain. Beyond security, they also keep your paint from fading, protect from rain and deter casual interference from passers-by.
5 - GPS tracker
If it moves, you will know about it
No one buys a tracker hoping to use it, but when a theft happens, it can be the difference between recovery and goodbye. Modern trackers offer mobile alerts, live mapping, history playback and even geo-fencing.
Some continue transmitting after the main battery is disconnected. A hidden tracker with solid signal strength gives you real-time information you can pass straight to police. It will not stop a theft, but it can stop a loss from becoming permanent.
Several UK providers offer trackers approved for motorbikes, like datatool, some with monitoring and theft-alert services.
6 - Alarm system
Let them know they've picked the wrong bike
A full alarm system takes security beyond physical prevention and into psychological deterrence. Movement sensors, tilt sensors and perimeter detection all raise hell when a thief interferes with your bike. Well-regarded systems include the Datatool S4 Red,and Meta Trak S5, all of which are known for sensitive detection and strong siren performance.
Some connect to your phone via SMS or Bluetooth, letting you respond even if you are nowhere near your garage. App-connected units like MoniMoto 7 and the Invoxia GPS Alarm give real-time alerts and location information if the bike is moved. Add an immobiliser into the mix, and the bike will not run even if someone tries to hot-wire it. Loud, irritating and exactly what a criminal does not want to hear.
7 - Passive RFID Immobilisers
Keep your bike yours - effortlessly
A passive RFID immobiliser may be small and invisible, but it does a huge job. With a tiny tag tucked in your pocket, it silently checks that you are the one approaching the bike. If the authorised tag isn’t present, the immobiliser keeps the ignition dead, stopping hot-wiring, key-cloning and most quick-grab theft attempts before they even start. Products like the DataTool Stealth S5 are a popular choice for riders who want discreet, automatic protection.
Because it arms itself automatically, you do not have to remember to press anything, lock anything or set anything. Walk away, and your bike becomes a dead machine. Walk back, and it is ready to ride.
There is no bulky hardware to lug around, nothing to clip on or off and no daily faff. Just a discreet, hidden layer of protection that adds serious difficulty for thieves while adding zero inconvenience for you. It is one of the simplest upgrades and one of the hardest for criminals to beat.
8 - Secure parking spot
Location matters more than you think
Security starts before the theft attempt even begins. Choosing where you park can make or break your bike’s safety. Busy, well-lit areas with CCTV are high-risk environments for thieves.
At home, a garage is ideal, but security does not stop there: anchor the bike, alarm it, chain it, and cover it. If you do not have a garage, park behind locked access points, near walls that block removal and where the bike cannot simply be wheeled away.
Official crime-prevention advice in the UK recommends combining physical security with careful parking strategy to reduce risk.
9 - Datatag or marking system
Make your bike traceable, not tradeable
SmartWater, Datatag and similar marking systems stamp your bike’s parts with unique identifiers. These markings are almost impossible to remove without damaging components, and they link directly to your ownership record.
This massively increases risk for thieves; selling a marked bike is dangerous, stripping it for parts becomes tedious, and the chance of recovery goes up sharply. Many insurers recognise this and reward it.
Save money while you secure your bike
We currently offer riders an exclusive 20% discount on Datatag kits, meaning you can upgrade your security without paying full price. Better protection, lower risk and a cheaper investment in keeping your bike yours.
10 - Multiple security layers
One lock is good. Three is better.
Professional thieves expect a single lock. They do not expect three. Layering slows them down, forces them to change tactics and increases noise and time. Chain plus disc lock plus alarm is an excellent baseline.
Add a tracker, ground anchor and cover, and suddenly your bike is not worth the hassle. Security is not about perfection; it is about being harder to steal than every bike around you.
Security is a habit, not a hope
Motorbike security is a mindset. It is not paranoia, it is preparation. A well-secured bike takes planning, but it is still far easier than dealing with a stolen one.
Build habits, stack layers and never rely on just one device to do all the work. If a thief wants a fight, make sure it is one they will regret starting.
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