Bicycle & Motorcycle Security

About Bicycle & Motorcycle Security

Protecting your bicycle or motorcycle from theft is essential in today's environment, where valuable two-wheeled transport remains a prime target for opportunistic thieves. Our comprehensive range of bicycle and motorcycle security solutions provides robust protection for vehicles of all types and values, from everyday commuter bikes to high-performance motorcycles worth thousands of pounds. Whether you're securing your transport at home, at work, or out on the road, having the right security measures in place can mean the difference between keeping your vehicle safe and facing the costly and frustrating experience of theft.

Our bicycle and motorcycle security category encompasses a wide variety of locking systems and anchoring solutions designed to meet different security needs and budgets. From heavy-duty disc brake locks that prevent wheel movement to sophisticated floor anchors that create permanent secure fixing points in garages and sheds, we stock products from leading security specialists who understand the evolving tactics used by thieves. These security solutions are independently tested and rated according to recognised standards, giving you confidence that you're investing in genuine protection rather than a deterrent that can be easily defeated.

The key to effective vehicle security often lies in using multiple layers of protection. Professional security advisors recommend combining different types of locks and anchors to create a comprehensive security system that makes your bicycle or motorcycle a harder target than nearby alternatives. Our range includes everything from portable locks for securing your vehicle whilst out and about, to permanent ground anchors for home and workshop storage, ensuring you can protect your investment wherever it's parked.

Jargon Buster

• Sold Secure Rating: An independent testing and certification scheme operated by the Master Locksmiths Association in the UK. Products are rated as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond based on their resistance to attack, with Gold and Diamond offering the highest levels of security for valuable vehicles.
• Shackle: The curved or straight metal bar on a U-lock or padlock that passes through the wheel or frame and secures to the lock body. Hardened steel shackles with larger diameters (typically 14-18mm) offer superior resistance to bolt cutters and hacksaws.
• Disc Lock: A compact, portable lock that fits through the holes in a motorcycle or bicycle disc brake rotor, preventing the wheel from rotating. Often includes an alarm function to deter tampering.
• Ground Anchor: A heavy-duty metal fixing permanently installed into concrete floors or walls, providing a secure point to which chains or cables can be attached. Essential for home security installations.
• Chain Links Diameter: The thickness of the metal used in security chains, typically measured in millimetres. Professional-grade security chains use hardened steel links of 10mm or greater, with premium options reaching 16mm or more for maximum cut resistance.
• Pick Resistance: The ability of a lock cylinder to resist being opened using lock-picking tools. Higher-quality locks feature anti-pick pins and disc-detainer mechanisms that significantly increase the time and skill required to defeat them.

Who Uses Bicycle & Motorcycle Security?

Bicycle and motorcycle security products are essential for a diverse range of users who need to protect their valuable two-wheeled transport:

• Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts protecting bikes from theft at home and when parked in public
• Daily cycle commuters who need reliable security solutions for securing bikes at railway stations and workplaces
• Delivery drivers and couriers who rely on motorcycles and bicycles for their livelihood
• Professional cycling teams and bike shops requiring secure storage for multiple high-value bicycles
• Motorcycle dealerships and showrooms protecting valuable stock from theft
• Property managers and landlords providing secure bicycle storage for tenants
• Fleet managers responsible for company vehicles and employee transport
• Outdoor activity centres and hire businesses protecting rental equipment
• Universities and educational institutions managing cycle parking facilities
• Tradespeople who use motorcycles or cargo bikes for site visits and equipment transport

How to Choose the Right Bicycle & Motorcycle Security

Selecting appropriate security for your bicycle or motorcycle requires careful consideration of several important factors. The value of your vehicle should be your primary guide—insurance companies typically recommend spending around 10-20% of the vehicle's value on security measures. For expensive motorcycles or high-end bicycles, investing in Gold or Diamond-rated Sold Secure products is essential, as many insurance policies specifically require these ratings for cover to be valid.

Consider where you'll be securing your vehicle most frequently. If you need portable security for locking up whilst out and about, prioritise compact disc locks or medium-weight chains that balance security with portability. For home security, permanent ground anchors installed into solid concrete floors provide the most robust protection, allowing you to use heavy-duty chains that would be impractical to carry. The fixing surface matters significantly—ground anchors require at least 100mm of solid concrete for proper installation, whilst some lightweight solutions can be used on less substantial surfaces.

Think about the security rating and certification that meets your needs. Sold Secure ratings provide independent verification of a product's resistance to attack, with testing simulating real-world theft attempts using common tools. Check your insurance policy requirements, as many insurers mandate minimum security ratings for cover, particularly for motorcycles over certain values. For urban areas with higher theft rates, opt for the highest rated products you can afford, as thieves often work quickly and target the easiest opportunities.

Multiple layers of security provide superior protection compared to relying on a single lock. Professional recommendations suggest using at least two different types of security device—for example, combining a ground anchor with a heavy chain for home storage, plus a disc lock for added security. Different lock types require different tools to defeat, significantly increasing the time and effort required for theft. Also consider visible deterrents such as alarm-equipped disc locks, which draw attention to tampering attempts and often cause thieves to abandon their efforts.

Popular Accessories

• Security chain covers and sleeves to protect paintwork and reduce noise
• Reminder cables for disc locks to prevent riding away with the lock still attached
• Wall anchors and garage security points for additional fixing options
• Heavy-duty padlocks rated to match chain security levels
• Motorcycle covers to conceal vehicles and deter opportunistic theft
• Security marking kits and registration systems for vehicle identification
• Alarm systems and motion sensors for garages and storage areas
• Concrete fixing bolts and installation kits for ground anchors
• Cable locks for securing helmets and accessories to the vehicle
• GPS tracking devices for vehicle recovery in the event of theft

Safety Information

When installing ground anchors or wall-mounted security points, always ensure fixings penetrate at least 100mm into solid concrete or masonry for adequate holding strength. Use appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses and dust masks when drilling, particularly when working with concrete which produces harmful silica dust. Ensure the installation area is structurally sound and avoid drilling near existing services such as electrical cables or water pipes—use a cable detector before beginning work.

Heavy security chains and locks can cause injury if dropped or handled carelessly. When securing or removing chains, be mindful of pinch points and avoid placing fingers between chain links. Store chains properly when not in use to prevent tripping hazards, and never leave slack chain lying where it could cause accidents. Disc brake locks should be fitted correctly according to manufacturer instructions to avoid damage to brake rotors or calipers.

Always attach reminder cables or tags to disc locks to prevent attempting to ride away with the lock still engaged, which can cause serious damage to the motorcycle or bicycle and potentially result in dangerous loss of control. When using portable security devices, ensure they're positioned where they won't interfere with pedestrian traffic or create obstruction hazards on pavements and pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sold Secure rating do I need for my bicycle or motorcycle?

The appropriate rating depends on your vehicle's value and your insurance requirements. For bicycles worth under £500 or motorcycles under £2,000, Sold Secure Bronze or Silver ratings typically provide adequate protection. For more valuable vehicles, Gold-rated products are recommended, whilst Diamond ratings offer the highest security for premium motorcycles and bicycles. Always check your insurance policy, as many insurers specify minimum security ratings for cover to be valid, particularly for expensive vehicles or in high-risk areas.

Can I install a ground anchor myself or do I need a professional?

Ground anchor installation is within the capabilities of competent DIY enthusiasts, provided you have the right tools and the correct substrate. You'll need a heavy-duty rotary hammer drill with appropriate masonry bits, and the floor must be solid concrete at least 100mm thick. The anchor must be installed according to manufacturer instructions using the correct grade of chemical resin or mechanical fixings. If you're unsure about the floor construction or your drilling capabilities, professional installation ensures the anchor will withstand attempted theft and may be required for insurance purposes.

How many security devices should I use for my motorcycle?

Security experts recommend using at least two different types of security device to provide layered protection. A typical setup might include a ground anchor with a heavy-duty chain for home storage, plus a disc lock for additional security or when parked away from home. This approach means thieves must defeat multiple different security systems, each requiring different tools and techniques. For high-value motorcycles, consider adding a third layer such as a motorcycle cover to conceal the bike and an alarm system to deter tampering.

Will a heavy security chain scratch my motorcycle or bicycle?

Quality security chains often include protective sleeves or fabric covers that prevent direct metal-to-metal contact with your vehicle's paintwork. When using chains without covers, you can purchase aftermarket chain socks or sleeves that slip over the chain to provide protection. Always route chains carefully to avoid contact with painted surfaces, and consider placing a cloth or protective material between the chain and the vehicle. The slight risk of minor scratching is a reasonable trade-off for the security benefits provided by properly rated chains.

Do disc locks really prevent motorcycle theft?

Disc locks are highly effective at preventing thieves from simply wheeling your motorcycle away, which is one of the most common theft methods. However, they shouldn't be your only security measure, as determined thieves can lift smaller motorcycles into vans. Disc locks work best as part of a layered security approach, particularly models with built-in alarms that activate if the motorcycle is moved or tampered with. For maximum security, combine a disc lock with a ground anchor and chain, ensuring your motorcycle can't be moved by any method without defeating multiple security devices.