Short answer: always use more than just the steering lock. At home, secure your motorcycle to a ground anchor with a heavy chain lock or shackle lock. On the road, a disc lock is the easiest extra protection. For your insurance, look for the ART mark: for motorcycles that means ART category 4 or 5. ART is a Dutch certification that Dutch insurers often require.
A motorcycle is light enough for a few people to lift into a van, and a steering lock will not hold up an experienced thief for long. That is why security works best in layers: the more time and effort it takes, the sooner a thief moves on to an easier target. In this guide you will read which lock to use for which situation.
The four types of motorcycle locks
| Lock type | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Disc lock | Small and always at hand | On the road, short stops |
| Chain lock | Secures the bike to a fixed point | Home, work, hotel |
| Shackle lock | Very sturdy and compact | Securing to a post or fence |
| Ground anchor | A fixed point where there is none | Garage, shed, your own driveway |
What is the ART mark?
ART is the Dutch quality mark for locks for two-wheelers. The locks are tested for strength and for how well they resist sawing and cutting, and are rated from 1 to 5 stars. For motorcycles, category 4 or 5 applies. Category 5 is intended for newer and more expensive motorcycles.
Many Dutch insurers require an ART lock of category 4 or 5 for theft cover, in addition to the standard steering lock. So look for the ART logo on the lock and keep your receipt, because your insurer may ask for it after a theft. Always check your policy terms to see exactly what your insurance requires.
At home: secure it to a fixed point
At home, your motorcycle stands for most hours of the day, including at night when nobody is watching. So secure it to something that does not move, even in the garage or shed. If you have no fixed point, a ground or wall anchor is the solution.
Secure your motorcycle to the anchor with a heavy chain lock or shackle lock. Run the chain through the frame or the swingarm, not just through the wheel: a wheel can be removed.
Shackle locks: sturdy and compact
A shackle lock is compact and very sturdy. The DX version from Hiplok was developed to withstand an angle grinder, a tool that thieves often use.
On the road: the disc lock
A quick fuel stop, a terrace or a viewpoint: those are exactly the moments you are briefly away from your motorcycle. A disc lock fits onto your brake disc in a few seconds and stops anyone from riding off or rolling the bike away. Add a reminder cable to your handlebar so you never ride off with the lock still on.
On holiday
When travelling you often park in unfamiliar places, such as a hotel car park or a campsite. Take a disc lock for the road and a chain lock for the night. Ask your hotel about a lockable storage space, many motorcycle hotels have one. Also read our packing list for a motorcycle holiday.
Extra tips that make the difference
- Out of sight: a motorcycle cover means thieves do not immediately see what is parked there. A bike that does not stand out is less likely to be chosen.
- Park smart: on the road, choose a busy, well-lit spot. At home, keep it as far out of view of the street as possible.
- Combine: two different locks require two different kinds of tools. That costs a thief time.
- Record your details: note your frame number and take photos of your motorcycle, so you have everything at hand in case of theft.
- Alarm: if you have an alarm, report it to your insurer.
Quick pick: which lock do you need?
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle is at home in a garage or shed | Ground anchor plus heavy chain lock or shackle lock |
| Motorcycle is outside on the driveway | Ground anchor, heavy lock and a cover |
| Short stops on the road | Disc lock |
| Parking at work or in the city | Shackle lock or chain lock to a fixed point |
| On holiday | Disc lock and a chain lock for the night |
Frequently asked questions
Which lock does my insurance require?
Many Dutch insurers require an ART lock of category 4 or 5 for theft cover, in addition to the steering lock. This differs per insurer and per policy, so always check your own terms.
Is a disc lock enough?
For a short stop it is a good extra layer of protection. A motorcycle with a disc lock can still be lifted, though. For overnight or longer periods, secure your motorcycle to a fixed point.
Where do I run the chain through?
Through the frame or the swingarm, and then through a fixed point such as a ground anchor. Running it through the wheel only is less safe, because a wheel can be removed.
Does a motorcycle cover help against theft?
A cover will not stop a thief, but it keeps your motorcycle from standing out. Together with a good lock, that makes your motorcycle a less attractive target.
Should I keep the receipt for my lock?
Yes. After a theft, your insurer may ask you to show which lock you used.
Help choosing?
Let us know which motorcycle you have, where it is parked and what your insurance requires, and we will help you find the right combination. You can reach us via the contact page.