Which Motorcycle Lock Should I Buy?
As a proud motorcycle owner, it's important not only to enjoy your rides but also to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Choosing the right motorcycle lock is essential, not just to deter thieves but also to ensure that your insurance covers theft.
Why a good motorcycle lock?
A motorcycle is a valuable possession and, unfortunately, an attractive target for thieves. Therefore, a sturdy and reliable lock is a must. Insurance companies often have requirements for the type of lock that must be used to qualify for compensation in case of theft. This means that not every lock will suffice; it must meet a certain security standard.
ART Classification
In the Netherlands, motorcycle locks are assessed by the ART foundation, which assigns them a quality mark. This mark indicates how well the lock withstands theft attempts. The ART classification ranges from 1 to 5, with ART1 offering the lowest level of security and ART5 the highest. For motorcycles, you need at least an ART4 lock to be eligible for insurance.
ART4 and ART5: What's the difference?
ART4:
- These locks offer a high level of security and are suitable for use in areas with a medium to high theft risk.
- They are generally approved for securing motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.
- An ART4 lock is often sufficient to meet your insurance requirements.
ART5:
- These locks provide the highest level of security and are intended for use in very high-risk areas.
- ART5 locks are more robust and offer extra protection against sawing, cutting, and pulling attempts.
- Although ART5 locks are more expensive, they provide ultimate peace of mind for motorcycle owners who often leave their vehicle unattended in high-risk areas.
Available locks
Chain locks:
- Chain locks are very popular due to their flexibility and strength. A good choice for an ART4 chain lock is the ABUS Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060, known for its durability and high level of protection.
U-locks:
- U-locks, also known as D-locks, are compact and very sturdy. An example of a high-quality ART4 U-lock is the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, a favorite among motorcyclists for its robustness.
Folding locks:
- Folding locks offer a combination of flexibility and compactness. Although they are less popular than chain and U-locks, an ART4 folding lock like the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 can be a good option.
Disc locks:
- Disc locks are small and easy to carry, but they often provide less protection than chain or U-locks. However, the ABUS Granit Detecto X-Plus 8077 is an ART4 disc lock that offers a lot of security and has a built-in alarm feature.
Tips for using your motorcycle lock
- Anchor your motorcycle: Preferably use a fixed object like a post or wall anchor to secure your motorcycle. This makes it harder for thieves to take the motorcycle.
- Placement of the lock: Attach the lock as high off the ground as possible. This makes it more difficult for thieves to use heavy tools.
- Combination of locks: Consider using multiple locks for extra security. For example, combine a chain lock with a disc lock.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle lock is crucial for the security of your motorcycle and to be insured against theft. For motorcycle insurance, you need at least an ART4 lock, but consider an ART5 lock if you want maximum protection. Invest in a high-quality lock and follow the tips to minimize the risk of theft. This way, you can enjoy every ride with peace of mind.
