Motorcycle thefts remain a growing problem both in the UK.
To help protect your bike out and about or at home, investing in a D-lock is an excellent idea. Sometimes known as a shackle or U-lock, they aren’t as popular with bikers are they are with cyclists, but that doesn’t mean they’re to be sniffed at. If you own a scooter, a D-lock is better designed to fit through the smaller holes in the wheel rather than struggling with a small scooter-specific disc lock.
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If you’re looking into a D-lock for your bike’s security, look for a lock that’s thicker than 10mm. Anything less and you’re making it easier for a thief to cut through it with bolt cutters. Additional features like built-in alarms add an extra deterrent and are worth checking out.
We’ve rounded up some of the best D-locks out there in each budget range to enable you to pick a good lock.
A great visual deterrent
For a small price of £13.78, the KryptoLok Series 2 is made of 12mm thick hardened steel which should resist any cutting from hand-tools. The deadbolt locking mechanism with a reinforced collar over the keyway increases the protection. The lock measures 4” x 8” and will fit most wheels comfortably. 2 keys are provided for your own piece of mind.
Solid lock, portable size
Made from 12mm hardened steel and a pick-resistant barrel, this lock from Abus offers good protection but its portable size means you’re able to take it anywhere. It’s 100mm wide, so won’t fit around your front tyre but it will fit through the disc, or spokes, most swingarms and through your drivechain.
Ultra-strong 18mm bar
Available in 5 sizes and prices ranging from £79.99 to £114.99, the Kovix U-Lock doesn’t have an additional alarm but it’s chunky 18mm thickness will deter and prevent thefts just as well. An anti-twist design with raised base edges will stop any other ways of removing the lock. Steel casting technology with a lock barrel without welds provides a stronger, more robust design.
Three Layers of Security
A D-Lock on its own isn’t ideal. To keep your motorcycle or scooter safe from attack, you’re best off using a chain to secure the bike to something solid, then a U-Lock of Disc lock and finally a cover to protect it from passing eyes.
Check out our guide on the ultimate security setup for your motorcycle, whether you’re parking in a motorcycle bay or you keep your bike garaged, you can learn a thing or two, to keep your bike from being a target.
D-Lock FAQs
Is a D-Lock better than a Disc Lock?
This depends on the quality of both security devices. If you have a scooter you are limited to the disc lock you can use as most scooter brake discs have small holes that the pin of a larger motorcycle disc lock won’t fit through. In this case, it’s a far better bet to use a quality D-Lock through the spokes and if possible through the forks too.
Can I just use a padlock?
Yes, any lock is better than no lock and the right padlock will be just as good as a D-Lock. The benefit of a padlock is that it can also be used with a chain (when you’re at home) or on its own (when you’re out and about). You just have to ensure the padlock will fit around your disc. in such a way that it prevents the bike being pushed with the lock in place.
These are some good padlock options:
Couple one of these with a quality chain (12mm and thicker) and you’re good to go.
Is my steering lock enough?
Nope! A steering lock can be broken in seconds and your scooter pushed away. You need at least one additional item of security, from a chain to a disc lock or cable lock and ideally cover the scooter at night to make it less visible.
Sources
Thanks to the following websites which helped us research and write thisbest-motorcycle D-locks review:
