THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH THE LATEST TECH, INCLUDING HIPLOX D1000 AND DX1000, LITELOK X1, LITELOK X3, ABUS SUPER EXTREME 2500 AND MORE: th-cam.com/video/JVqNCv_p7Ug/w-d-xo.html
don't ever really comment on stuff, but if there's better work being done for us as bikers right now, i haven't come across it - thank you for what you are doing
Thank you for that positively brilliant review. When I heard the claim that the Kryptonite chain withstood a 4 minute angle grinder attack I laughed. Any lock or chain can be defeated with the proper tools/skills/motivation and willingness for risk exposure. After learning my neighbor’s V-Rod had been stollen a second time, I became concerned for my new Triumph T-120 (yes, I’m a Yank with a Triumph), so I decide if I am going to park my bike outside every night (don’t have a garage) I would use multi-layered security. I figured the more locks I have, the longer a thief would be exposed. I bought a Kryptonite New York 1275 12mm cinch chain with the EVS4 lock. This is the lock and chain I take with me whenever I venture into town. I also carry a small wheel disc lock for extra security. At night, I park under a lamppost, sandwiched between my car and a cinderblock wall. I thread the Kryptonite chain through my wheel and frame, and fasten it to an off-brand (BIGLUFU) 12mm 3T manganese cinch chain that is secured around the lamppost. I fasten the two chains together using both the Kryptonite EVS4 lock, and the cheap lock that came with the BIGLUFU chain. Two locks, two chains, a wheel lock, and the ignition immobilizer that comes standard on new Bonnevilles, under a cover and parked under a bright light still won’t 100% guarantee my bike won’t be stolen, but it will certainly make most thieves look for an easier target. Is it a bit much? Probably, but even adding just one extra layer - like a chain plus the wheel lock - will significantly reduce the likelihood a thief will choose your bike.
This 4 1/2 minute claim was probably based on an angle grinder attack from 5+ years ago. Back then, it took over 10 minutes to get through both sides of the 18mm Kryptonite NY Fahgedaboudit ulock. Today's grinders get through both in less than a minute - from what I understand. My two pre-ordered Hiplok D1000's are due for delivery ANY DAY NOW! Can't wait. The Altor SAF lock is good for the super high theft situations, but such a PIA to carry on the bicycle! (Even on a stout touring rack it causes all sorts of unbalancing issues.)
I totally agree... I'm new to motorbikes, just got a CBR125R & looking for security products. I've heard good things about Bennetts & then this video came up with almost everything I needed to know. Great work & thanks for the video 😁👍🏻
As a forensic expert for insurance companies for the last 20 years, your video is quite refreshing. Its nice to see someone who doesn't see life in black or white and can express shades of gray in his opinion
Just a word to the wise, wear a face shield over your safety goggles, if the grander cutting disc explodes you don’t want a chunk in the face. Cutting through a chain link and continuing through the second ‘side’ it’s very likely to jam and break. Good work and nice to see honest reviews and commentary 👍
As tempting as it is to use a grinder with your face in line with the blade it's a good habit to learn using them holding them to the side of your face/body. My colleague witnessed a fatal blade accident
I’ve had a slitting disc shatter while cutting. Pieces flew a considerable distance. The trick with any grinder is don’t position your body in line with the spinning disc. My battery grinder disc got crimped while cutting a steel tube. The disc stopped dead and the motor brushes burnt out. A better spec brushless tool might have effective overload protection.
Frankly I am glad that you include the giant bolt cutters in the test. Because over here, most motorcycle theft involves a van rolling up with 4 or 5 guys in it, who will just detach the bike from whatever it's anchored to and then carry it off into the van. Whatever chain or lock is on the bike as they carry it off doesn't matter, because once they get to their "hideout" no one will ask questions about grinder noise. I've seen and had bikes stolen by criminals in vans who would actually use the van itself to uproot signposts, lampposts or just cut the bike rack and then carry the bike off with the lock still attached. And even CCTV footage doesn't help when the van that's being used has stolen plates on it.
Yep a friend of mine saw a van pull up to a bike rack in front of a train station and cut both ends of the bike rack and then the guys just carry the whole rack with all of the bikes attached into the van and drive away. So they could deal with the locks later at their garage or something like that. And of course the train station has lots of surveillance cameras and people walking around but they dont care because the people around is not going to do anything, and the police will not even bother to look at the surveillance footage. So it does not matter how hard your lock is when it is easier to just cut the thing you attach it to.
Excellent video, genuinely. Don’t usually watch long videos on TH-cam but this was worth it. I’ve seen so many people lose their bikes to theft, especially in London. Unfortunately I don’t have a garage. The thought of mine being stolen has scared me into getting the following: -16mm chain secured to ground anchor (frame) -14.5mm chain secured to another ground anchor (rear wheel) -16mm padlock securing front wheel -Bike cover secured with cheap combination chain -cctv covering bike which turns interior lights on when tripped. When I’m away I add as many D locks as I can. I know an angle grinder will get through them all but it’ll take a truck load of time and will make loads of noise. Hopefully the grinder battery gives up 😅
That's going to need a bloody determined thief, with a lot of cutting discs and batteries, to get through that lot. Top works! The lack of a garage (or shed / shipping container) is a pain, but you really couldn't do any more than that. Now get on with enjoying your bike! Cheers, John
I'll never forget about 20 years ago a mate of mine bought a disc lock from one of our local motorcycle dealers that was advertised as good quality and was expensive, I dropped it onto concrete from about chest height and it actually broke rendering it useless
I have to agree, there were two channels that I watched regularly from a couple of UK TH-cam big hitters, here in the UK and after seeing how they reviewed the Litelok, I no longer consider them a reliable source of accurate information. As you correctly pointed out, there should be no holding back on the destruction of a security product because the reviewer wanted to use it afterwards. Just ridiculous. Great video and I have subscribed, cheers.
Thanks! There are some great TH-camrs out there, and there's so much to learn from everyone, but when it comes to influencing how people spend their money, I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable with t'interweb. Cheers, John
NOTE THAT THE 'LITELOK GOLD' HAS NOW BEEN DISCONTINUED, WITH THIS VERY SIMILAR LOOKING 'LITELOK ONE' REPLACING IT. THIS PRODUCT IS NOW ONLY RATED TO SOLD SECURE MOTOR SCOOTER SILVER, NOT THE PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE GOLD. To find the best lock for you, check out the league table I've written based on three years of testing at Bennetts BikeSocial. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
@@Jf20082 We don't reveal cut times, and we also haven't reviewed the Almax 25mm (we did contact them but they've declined to be tested). Chances are that due to its sheer size, the 25mm will take the longest to cut with an angle grinder. Cheers, John
After the hacksaw on the Litelock did the phrase "I'm not paid enough to do this" enter your head? 😂 Great video and honest reviews. Cheers from Melbourne 👍
I’ve just bought my fist motorcycle, a lexmoto 125. I know someone will eventually try to take it, with that in mind I have purchased an Oxford nemesis 16mm chain and lock along with two sold secure gold anchors. I have also an Oxford hd disc lock and a further chain and lock. Yes, it’ll take me five minutes to unlock it, but it’s better than someone just walking off with it. I’ve yet to decide on a chain for away from home, possibly a shorter. 14mm lock. I appreciate your time and effort to educate us on security. When looking at reviews on chains and locks I WANT TO see people giving them hell and smashing them with a hammer. I don’t want to see a fairytale of how awesome it is, I really want to know my bike will be safe.
Welcome to riding! You're doing everything right so enjoy yourself! A 14mm chain will still be pretty heavy when out and about, but if you can pop it in a top-box or in a bag strapped to the back you'll be sorted. Using anything makes a massive difference, so top work! Cheers, John
As Planet-Wax said: great video by straight up bloke! Having worked with rope, wire and chain over 30 years I learnt that everything breaks. You put some heart into those hacksaw tests, glad you survived. Short note that the wire rope cutters you used are not the "best in class", mine cut FSWR to 16mm (crouch-cut) and spring steel to 5.5... You made many good points and I'd have to say Bennetts became one of my main sources over the last few months as I researched my recent motorbike purchase, seems like your articles on locks and hardware are doing the same... Keep it up. Thanks from the Antipodes
Thank you for your video which convinced me to purchase Oxford beast at the time. Not 1 but 2 for my brand new BMW S1000rr £20000 worth of money and as you can imagine bike was stolen within 2minute 30 seconds by 3 men using grinders So it was waste of money in my opinion purchasing the Beast. Regards
After just 2 months of owning my first motorcycle, the scum did in fact come with an angle grinder. I had an Oxford Boss Motorcycle Gold disc lock with chain to a lamppost. They went through the disc lock no problem at all. From the time I awoke to them riding off was about a minute.
Brilliant review, John. As you know, I’m also into destructive testing. It seems like hardly anybody is doing that with locks but fewer are doing it with clothes. That’s my niche. I love the way you exposed the influencers. I have a pet peeve against that crowd but I understand them even if I won’t join them. Buying stuff yourself and destroying without bias is awesome but rarer than hen’s teeth, unfortunately. Keep up the good work. You earned a rest until the next test.
Since they can cut through any lock with an angle grinder you have to rely on a loud alarm at least 120 decibel, plus an alarm that can text you, I have the WSDCAM alarm for noise and the Boomerang Cyclotrac for texting and the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit mini lock!!
Outstanding review, watch this and use the links for full reviews. By taking the time to explain the testing and how that relates to real world scenarios this is a much more valuable review. I slogged through too many video ‘reviews’ which don’t come anywhere near. Even has the confidence and humility to admit where things didn’t go 100%.
Thanks. What's shown here is just a small part of the work that goes into testing every product, but we don't usually show it; most of our reviews are written. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
Very instructive.. When looking at how effective angle grinders can be, I focused on the fact that the angle grinder used for the attack was connected to an AC power source. My guess is that thieves would be carrying battery powered angle grinders and that battery powered angle grinders likely have less torque than AC powered ones and thus would either take longer or not be able to cut through at all. For those thinking that proper thieves would be carrying their own AC generators in order to power AC powered angle grinders, I would think it not very likely due to noise etc.
I'd like to see a test video comparing the oxford, almax and pragmasis 16mm chains. I read the article on the Bennetts site and looks like the oxford nemesis was the only one that didn't break with a sledgehammer despite being the cheapest option but reading many reviews on many forums and sites everyone says oxford security products are trash and all swear by almax or pragmasis. I'd like your opinion on the subject I was thinking of combining the pragmasis roundlock with the oxford chain
I do all the tests on the site, and rarely run them as videos as they can't be updated. This will hopefully help: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security You can as read individual reviews of most locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security
Most thieves here in the states are using a 12v Milwaukee angle grinder which can be easily carried with a 4 or 5 amp/ hr battery pack. They are noisy so a lot of the bike clubs are recomending a motion / loud noise alarm along with a good chain lock combo. The alarm is connected to your smart phone so you can monitor it. Some thieves are also using hydraulic bolt cutters which are now relatively cheap and quite portable.
Hi John love your presenting style and the useful info in this video. Being retired I am lucky enough to have the best lock for both my motorcycle & bicycles😉 I leave neither out of my eyeline. Its got that bad out there these days that I am even looking at lads on scooters who suddenly appear beside me at traffic lights. Stay save.
Motorcycle and scooter theft has dropped significantly - remember that it's social media that makes everyone so miserable and leaves us feeling suspicious and vulnerable. You've done a good job of setting up your security, now you can get on with enjoying motorcycling. Cheers, John
But do you sleep and shower with your motorcycles and bicycles? They have to be stored somewhere! This is why I've always hated the "MY bike's too nice to lock up!" comment. Baloney it is! I've got lots of $$$ in bikes and tools in my garage at the moment, so I'm DAMN sure to do the best I can to avoid theft. (And where I live, riders have been knocked off their bikes while riding them. Which is why we need legitimate jobs to pay more than crime, but that's another issue for another time...) This is where applying smarts & energy into reinforcing your security pays off. Add more locks to that garage! Beef them up - make them harder to defeat. Anchors in the walls & floors & quality chains & locks. Then motion-activated video surveillance in the storage place for added peace of mind. AirTags or other GPS in your rides too. And homeowner's/renter's insurance on top of it all!
I have actually just done that; I went for bolt-in anchors as I wasn't sure where the bike would sit until the shed was complete. If you know for certain where you want the anchor, I'd say a concrete-in one is ideal. Two to look at straight away would be the Y-Anchor, or the Pragmasis Sub-Major. Cheers, John
Just to update... I took the plunge! Literally. Made my own concrete in anchors to suit the 4" slab. Might end up bolting down others but couldn't resist trying something.
Any tips or products for getting surface rust off of a very good and new chain ? People won’t believe me but it’s impossible to avoid when you live in New Orleans and the humidity is 60-90%+ every day in the summers (April and after) and the temp is likewise 90+ every day.
So please correct with if I am wrong, but both yourself and the Lockpickinglawyer used body weight to breakopen the lite lock. If the lock was placed in a way where bodyweight is impossible- for example round the top of the rear wheel and round the frame and round say a lampost- this would pose a serious challenge unless you had a portable electric saw?
Yes - that's correct. All of our testing is done in a way to be consistently repeatable and given a worst case scenario. It's the same reason why I always stress to keep a chain tight and off the ground - that way a sledge hammer attack, while part of testing, becomes irrelevant. Also, that cutting tool isn't being seen in real-world attacks (as of Feb 2021 when I write this). Lock picking isn't seen in real-world attacks of motorcycles either, but that doesn't stop every video about bike security being filled with comments along the lines of "yeah, but LPL says..." An angle-grinder attack is the most likely, while a bolt-cropper attack is the silent method that LiteLok does defeat. You can read the full attack test review here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks Cheers, John
On eBay you can buy three 10mm chains for under £25 for a portable lock. Hilka 10mm 1.5m JDC 10mm 1.5m Blue spot 10mm 1.8m I was wondering if you'd do a bolt cropper and cutting test on the chains as they're cheap. I think everybody would like to see if they're any good.
@@whitevador8875 on the disc I've got a beast and a nemesis also on it thievery is rife around this part of the world. you can use it with a chain if you want to 👍
Wow, glad I found this. Blew the Fort Knox lock recommendation out of the park. I park my 250lb bike in front of a local pub in a tourist town. I use multiple deterrents. Cheap disk lock with motion alarm and a cable lock. Thieves could easily park a truck next to the bike and throw it in the truckbed. That’s where the cable to a wood post comes in. Both are visible deterrents but heavy locks and aren’t an option since essentially I’m riding a dirt bike with a license plate off road to get there. Great reality check video. Cheers
What I go by is how long will it take for a thief to cut through your lock. My bike is parked inside at home so that's not an issue, i park my bike out in the open where everyone can see it in daylight or night time so if it takes any more than 30 seconds the their will get caught , that's why you never use a cable lock and you never rely on your lock for a first line of defense.
I request that you do a test of each chain with a hydraulic press. What force does it take to cut each chain, using something like a tungsten carbide tool?
One issue with the Litelok is that it can apparently be opened by using a metal pipe to twist it a few times. The lock mechanism snaps fast. There’s a video on TH-cam where someone breaks it in about 17 seconds. I don’t know about motorcycle locks but a regular Sold Secure Gold U-lock is great protection for bicycles.
I did try twisting it to separate the cables from the body using a pry bar, but I couldn't. Having drilled the pin and driven it out, I've had the lock apart and can see how it would split, but I couldn't do it. The twisting has been mentioned in the comments, so I don't know if the design has been tweaked. That video was posted three years ago and is no longer available to compare. You can read our full test here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/litelok-gold-motorcycle-bicycle-lock-review. You can also see comparisons with other locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
Nice informative video, commenting to help with the algorithm, as I don't own a bike anymore. It wasn't stolen, I didn't properly take care of it, and ended up selling it for spare parts. Was a cheap 125ccm bike anyway, but had fun with it. Never used a lock in Vienna, and also never had problems with someone trying to steal it.
Is there any alarm worth the price out there? I was looking at the Scorpio Maverick (I live on the 9th floor and the garage is at the ground one). I already got a BikeTrac which saved my baby once, but I want something able to send me a notification as soon as someone touches it and is pretty reliable at the same time. Suggestions?
I’ve rented a bike to travel through northern italy. even though it’s insured the deductible is high and losing the bike would put a real damper on the trip. I will have semi secure parking at the hotels but theft is concerning me. what travel lock would you travel with to add an additional deterrent? 🙏
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you. That's exactly what I got. Plus two disc locks. I figure I'll make it just not worth them wanting to make the effort to steal the bike.
I want to use my Oxford beast to chain to a ground anchor to the frame of my KTM 690 SMC. Trouble is of course, the beast chain is massive. Can you recommend a 20mm U padlock long enough to lock to the frame please?
Did I miss the part where you test the lock mechanism itself (for jimmying, screw driver or picking susceptibility)? My 'high security ' Abus lock just got defeated by a screwdriver in mere seconds!!! Seems utterly pointless testing the steel strength etc and overlooking the weakest part - the lock!
A rule of thumb I like to go by is your lock should be worth around 20% of your bike's value. I just got a brand new expensive bike (2 grand CAD value) and I am looking at trying to get a litelok x3 for it as to keep it safe from theft. I currently have a kryptonite newyorker lock to use for now until I get the new lock. Well I will likely use both at the same time, one to lock the back when and the litelok to lock to the bike rack.
I quite like the LiteLok, seems to be an interesting take on a mix between a cable lock and a chain. Ever since I don't go into my local cities too often I'm very, very paranoid about theft despite my area having one of the lowest bike theft rates in the country. Would the LiteLok be a good option as a secondary "halting chain" on a wheel with an Oxford HD chain through the frame to chain to something? Act as a bit more of a "get through the chain then get through me" kinda thing.
Doubling up security is a great idea. You can see our top-rated locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Sadly the list is an industry one. We have the most up to date list as we're the only ones who update it, but it's still way behind at the moment as it's such a slow process. However, our agents can add an item under an 'other' category if needs be, and you should never buy locks etc for a discount: buy them to significantly reduce the chance of the misery of having your bike stolen, and to help protect your NCD and future policy prices.
Hello from TN USA! Love the GROM in your video. You have several interesting additions on it. What type of saddle bags you have on it and the lights near the handguards? Thanks
I wouldn't like to have you buy one without being able to check it myself, but I don't have one to hand I'm afraid. The datasheet seems to indicate it would, though if you speak to a manufacturer like Pragmasis they'll be able to tell you. Cheers, John www.ab-locks.com/abloy_pdf/Abloy%20Padlocks%20Fact%20Sheet%20PL362%20PL350%20PL342.pdf
They both did as well as each-other in my testing. You can check out the tests of the big locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
My god. I need to move to the UK. Here in Canada we basically get punished by our Insurance because we like to ride bikes. No discounts for any preventative measures, membership rewards, nothing. Oh and add in the fact we can only ride about 6 months/year, so we basically pay double for the 6 mths that we can ride :(
@@zedddddful Snow, ice, and cold. 6 months of the year the streets are covered with snow and temperatures are around -20C. Unusable weather for a motorbike.
What would you recommend or use personally for home security on your bike? Specific ground anchor and chain etc. Like the honest reviews and testing to failure you do on the products, it’s refreshing to see!
Thanks very much! I have a Pragmasis Torq ground anchor and a 19mm chain. It does depend on your situation though, so here's a roundup of what I've tested: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
Great video as always, I'm a big fan of your reviews on bike social, I hope more people start taking security seriously, I've seen too many nice bikes in London locked with Oxford Hd and monster chains because Amazon recommends them.
Thanks very much! Yeah - I was also watching some more TH-cam videos last night that were recommending security products not based on actually testing them (or even researching their ratings on Sold Secure), but simply on what they'd got in their hand. Cheers, John
The best chain I have are 2 smaller chains that I zap strapped together, there is a cover so nobody knows. And anyone that looks at thinks it’s high security, but you could defeat the system with a knife, file or lighter, with not much effort or noise, but it looks so substantial that nobody has tried.
Thanks very much! I can't see how anyone can claim that a lock is tough or effective without properly testing it. The same could be argued with safety equipment, but now we have testing standards it's easier to understand what something could achieve. With locks, Sold Secure's testing is a big help, but what's not always realised is that only the Diamond standard testing includes an angle-grinder attack, so it's something that I think needs to be included in a test of anything below that. It frustrates me when influencers will accept sponsorship money to promote a product when they have no idea how effective it actually is. Cheers, John
Great video John ,keep up the good work. I use a Pragmasis round lock and chain for my CRF rally. Put the last link through the rear suspension link under the bike and fit the roundlock through it with the keyhole facing down. Probably not the best, but I think its a good average price / security / weight system. I put the chain round a pole or something obviously. What bike is that in your workshop with the barkbusters ?
As a metal fabricator I can tell you nothing is secure against a gas cutting torch… My best advice would be a tracker and multiple locks.. then if they manage to get through all the locks you still have a chance of finding the bike.. disc alarm locks front and back.. Cable locks front and back.. Chain locks front and back.. Could even slap a couple of d locks on too.. But that’s a lot of locks to carry you say… How much do you want to keep your bike?
I bought that kyrptonite chain after seeing that video, I’ll still continue to use in conjunction with other chains I use but definitely not on its own
Did the claims of it being practically unbreakable convince you to buy it? Are you in Canada, or did you get it from one of the other affiliate links? John
@@bennettsbikesocial UK, and i found the chain without using affiliate, tbh yeah the statements in the video did sort of point me to get it but i wanted a decent light chain as a secondary anyway. If i knew what i know now i dont know if i would do it again
Any security really is so much better than nothing, and the best lock is the one you use. I just really get frustrated by misleading 'reviews'. Still, the 785 is light, it's cheap and it needs tools to defeat; I'd just prefer people to buy it knowing what level of performance it really offers. It's unfair to compare it to a lock weighing twice as much or more, but it's also not fair on people spending their money to make them think that a pro thief would 'have piss in their pants' when trying to cut it. Don't stop using it - you didn't waste your money - but be aware of its limitations. Cheers, John
I've got it .. the lite lock with a chain breaded inside so u need bolt cutters and cable cutters . And loop- weave the cable through the inside of the chain as well as surrounding the the Chain with cables . Imagine two lite locks with a chain in the middle woven in and around the outside.
I recently bought an Oxford beast and it’s a great deterrent, obviously it’s just for use at home and should offer me either plenty of time for the police to show up if they wanna have a go at breaking it or hopefully it just puts them right off as soon as they see it. And yes I’ve had thieves take a bike from my garden but it was my Dads and didn’t have any security in, they left mine that had a simple disc lock but after the theft I went and bought a chain and a security camera.
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks, we got the bike back with some damage that we’ll have to shell out for, it’s just opened our eyes a bit, it was definitely a “we didn’t think it would happen to us” type of thing.
Great review John. Something is better than nothing.Just looking through some comments, may be you should buy the picking tool that Bosnianbill and lpl made, to try and show the skill needed? Keep up the great vids
It increasingly feels that the litelok has been massively over hyped by social media channels, even one that I thought was really trustworthy and honest, but it just seems that they won’t let you “test” the product until you promise to give a good review. I only learnt in the last few days that sold secure gold doesn’t include angle grinder attack! With battery operated ones becoming cheaper and more reliable closely matching some mains ones now it’s shocking that it doesn’t.
Manufacturers are increasingly seeing the value of using influencers - or even creating their own content on social media - to get the message out that they want. For most product reviews, we request samples from the manufacturers, and we review them with no feedback until the content is published. Whether it's a disc lock, a heavy-duty chain (which doesn't mean one with 7mm links, whatever the store-funded channel says), or a pair of gloves, I'm genuinely obsessive about wanting our reviews to be complete and dependable. BikeSocial is produced by an editorial team working for Bennetts - basically, the insurance business chose to use its marketing budget to produce our own content, which we can then place insurance branding and advertising on. If we didn't do this, we'd be using the budget to advertise on other channels and in more magazines, but this allows us to make what I hope is trustworthy content. That puts us in a really lucky position - while we have some advertising form other companies on the website, we don't depend on that money to survive. I used to work on RiDE magazine many years ago, and at the time we were completely separate from advertising because copy sales were so high; that made for some very difficult meetings for our editor, but basically we didn't care what advertisers thought of the reviews... what mattered was that readers were able to spend their money wisely. That stuck with me, and I honestly hate the idea of somebody buying something that I recommended, then being disappointed with it. Of course we all look for different things, but I try to make sure that our product reviews are as in-depth as possible, so anybody reading them can make an informed decision. That could upset some manufacturers, but because the motorcycle industry is pretty small, most of us have known each other for a long time. I've had plenty of conversations with big importers after a review who understand why something's been criticised. Most brands are completely okay with a critical review because, as long as it's in-depth, it's hard to argue with the facts. I tested the Oxford Beast a while ago, but included it in this video as it's been so prominent in social media. I bought the Litelok as we were unable to get one for review. I didn't speak to Kryptonite as that is a bicycle lock, and the brand isn't big on motorcycle kit in the UK, so I bought that too. That's the one that worries me most as it's being pushed as a 'heavy duty' chain and lock when it's about the lightest you can buy. I did contact that channel's shop to ask for a comment but didn't hear back. Perhaps crime is so low there that a 7mm chain is considered heavy-duty, and while the theft figures are much better than here in the UK, the shop does sell much heavier - and more suitable - security. If the Keeper 785 is all someone can afford or can carry, then it's great, but I want people to understand what they're buying. Sold Secure's testing is a great guide, but it bothers me that some brands use a lack of knowledge in order to mislead potential buyers. Ultimately, having actually tested LiteLok, I was surprised how effective it is, as long as you understand its vulnerabilities: like any lock. I wouldn't normally show an angle grinder attack or give the times (for the reasons I explain in the video), but in this case it felt necessary. In the case of the Kryptonite, that shop channel made it essential. We shouldn't criticise old Secure Motorcycle Gold for not including an angle grinder attack - to add it to that rating would infer that products tested before it was added did beat the grinder. That's why Sold Secure added the Motorcycle Diamond and Ground Anchor Diamond standards. Still, the Motorcycle Diamond attack includes a 90 second grinder test and no portable security will beat that. Our reviews include angle grinder testing on all items so that you can get a comparison, and it's also so that - again - we can arm people with the knowledge to spend their money on what they feel is best for their needs. You can read about how Sold Secure tests in our league table of what we consider some of the best security, based on testing that reflects real attack methods, not the ones that would get us clicks or that would keep the brands happy: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
The even newer method than the clumsy angle grinder is the battery dremmel, fits in a pocket, and specialist battery cable cutter and battery cropper, fits in a rucksack they look like battery drill with different head, but they cost well over £1500
Let me start by saying I love you videos and now we can see how much sweat you put into them :) Can you do a video on the different ways to carry a bike lock when you go to work for small and big bikes? I really struggled with finding something that is right for myself and not many reviews online.
Thanks! Have you considered a bag on the back? There's some info here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security. What bike do you have?
@@bennettsbikesocial I have a GSX S125. I ended up buying the Oxford Lifetime M4R Tank 'N' Tailer. Can do both the magnetic tank holder + GPS with the phone or the Tail Bag strap. I was really concerned the magnetic solution might not hold my Almax Immobiliser Series III 16mm + Squire Stronghold Lock. but it does that very well. The only downside of this setup is that my white tank paint now has some pinkish marks that I need to find out how bad they are.... :(
You should find all you need here... cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Here you go: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
I just put a video up. they same in through my garage roof and took 1 hour 45 minutes to cut through the locks on my GS. I caught them when the alarm went off when they opened garage door. I heard them getting in the roof from my van dash cam
Great presentation and very informative, really good that you reassure people and advise them to secure the bike then not worry about it. Thanks for the upload 😘
Plenty of options at that price - best bet is to check this out. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Thanks for the video and also for the link to your Bennetts Blog. Its important to have the views from a respected professional and not from any other dubious source.
I just got my front rotor replaced on my 1974 CB750 and I can't use a disk lock anymore. Been hunting for a portable solution with no luck! If anyone has any leads to something that will work please let me know!!!
THere are portable solutions rated here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks Unles you have solid wheels, you've got nothing to worry about...
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks so much, I'll take a look. My bike is known for being difficult to find a solution for, hopefully I'll find something! The rotors have no holes and very tight clearance at the base.
Hi. Just subscribed to your channel I have just learn to pick bike locks and your right bike criminals are not going to pick disc detainer lock because they don’t tension from the same point as I found out some tension from the top of the lock some tension from the bottom and some tension from the middle of the lock. They are tricky little locks . Love the content. Thanks
I'm sure the tool that Bosnian Bill and LPL made would help, but on the street, picking is pretty much the last thing to worry about on all but the poorest quality locks. Cheers, John
Very interesting and good points. But what is the best way to use the locks? I know it is best to chain to something, but if that something is weaker than my lock, then it will be as strong as the weakest link. Also, should I lock through the back wheel, or is it better to loop through the frame? If there is nothing to lock to, should I try and go through the back wheel and frame? Thanks.
I have invested in Pewag chain, available from Brindley chains, Warrington, I have two VKk 12 x 45, 1.5 metres, plus sleeve. They do special combination deals, with Multi "T" pad locks and 10% discount cost around £180 for one. Pewag chain is reputedly the best you can get. Made in Austria, super hard and made with special alloyed metals. You wil find 1.5 metres the minimum length to be useful in a practical sense. MAG are having a campaign now about bike theft in the South-east. They seem to be along with yourself, one of the few organisations doing anything in a proactive way. I think the "theft of... and the securing of"...is a similar situation to that of Computer viruses and the software to protect your computer, a catch 22 situation. That is one can't exist without the other! Sad times. Costly too. Since borders have been more open, things have got immeasurably worse.
THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH THE LATEST TECH, INCLUDING HIPLOX D1000 AND DX1000, LITELOK X1, LITELOK X3, ABUS SUPER EXTREME 2500 AND MORE: th-cam.com/video/JVqNCv_p7Ug/w-d-xo.html
don't ever really comment on stuff, but if there's better work being done for us as bikers right now, i haven't come across it - thank you for what you are doing
Thanks very much - that's really good of you! Cheers, John
Thank you for that positively brilliant review. When I heard the claim that the Kryptonite chain withstood a 4 minute angle grinder attack I laughed. Any lock or chain can be defeated with the proper tools/skills/motivation and willingness for risk exposure. After learning my neighbor’s V-Rod had been stollen a second time, I became concerned for my new Triumph T-120 (yes, I’m a Yank with a Triumph), so I decide if I am going to park my bike outside every night (don’t have a garage) I would use multi-layered security. I figured the more locks I have, the longer a thief would be exposed. I bought a Kryptonite New York 1275 12mm cinch chain with the EVS4 lock. This is the lock and chain I take with me whenever I venture into town. I also carry a small wheel disc lock for extra security. At night, I park under a lamppost, sandwiched between my car and a cinderblock wall. I thread the Kryptonite chain through my wheel and frame, and fasten it to an off-brand (BIGLUFU) 12mm 3T manganese cinch chain that is secured around the lamppost. I fasten the two chains together using both the Kryptonite EVS4 lock, and the cheap lock that came with the BIGLUFU chain. Two locks, two chains, a wheel lock, and the ignition immobilizer that comes standard on new Bonnevilles, under a cover and parked under a bright light still won’t 100% guarantee my bike won’t be stolen, but it will certainly make most thieves look for an easier target. Is it a bit much? Probably, but even adding just one extra layer - like a chain plus the wheel lock - will significantly reduce the likelihood a thief will choose your bike.
This guy gets it! Cheers, John
This 4 1/2 minute claim was probably based on an angle grinder attack from 5+ years ago. Back then, it took over 10 minutes to get through both sides of the 18mm Kryptonite NY Fahgedaboudit ulock. Today's grinders get through both in less than a minute - from what I understand.
My two pre-ordered Hiplok D1000's are due for delivery ANY DAY NOW! Can't wait. The Altor SAF lock is good for the super high theft situations, but such a PIA to carry on the bicycle! (Even on a stout touring rack it causes all sorts of unbalancing issues.)
Great video by a really likeable, genuine guy. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this. Cheers, Michael.
That's really kind. Thank you! John
I totally agree... I'm new to motorbikes, just got a CBR125R & looking for security products. I've heard good things about Bennetts & then this video came up with almost everything I needed to know.
Great work & thanks for the video 😁👍🏻
As a forensic expert for insurance companies for the last 20 years, your video is quite refreshing. Its nice to see someone who doesn't see life in black or white and can express shades of gray in his opinion
Funny that your video was immediately followed by Fortnine's, where they get that 4min10 result on the Kryptonite chain!
Just a word to the wise, wear a face shield over your safety goggles, if the grander cutting disc explodes you don’t want a chunk in the face. Cutting through a chain link and continuing through the second ‘side’ it’s very likely to jam and break.
Good work and nice to see honest reviews and commentary 👍
I have seen that happen- and yes it is ugly.
As tempting as it is to use a grinder with your face in line with the blade it's a good habit to learn using them holding them to the side of your face/body. My colleague witnessed a fatal blade accident
I’ve had a slitting disc shatter while cutting. Pieces flew a considerable distance. The trick with any grinder is don’t position your body in line with the spinning disc.
My battery grinder disc got crimped while cutting a steel tube. The disc stopped dead and the motor brushes burnt out. A better spec brushless tool might have effective overload protection.
That would be karma to the thief so good
Frankly I am glad that you include the giant bolt cutters in the test. Because over here, most motorcycle theft involves a van rolling up with 4 or 5 guys in it, who will just detach the bike from whatever it's anchored to and then carry it off into the van. Whatever chain or lock is on the bike as they carry it off doesn't matter, because once they get to their "hideout" no one will ask questions about grinder noise.
I've seen and had bikes stolen by criminals in vans who would actually use the van itself to uproot signposts, lampposts or just cut the bike rack and then carry the bike off with the lock still attached. And even CCTV footage doesn't help when the van that's being used has stolen plates on it.
Yep a friend of mine saw a van pull up to a bike rack in front of a train station and cut both ends of the bike rack and then the guys just carry the whole rack with all of the bikes attached into the van and drive away. So they could deal with the locks later at their garage or something like that. And of course the train station has lots of surveillance cameras and people walking around but they dont care because the people around is not going to do anything, and the police will not even bother to look at the surveillance footage. So it does not matter how hard your lock is when it is easier to just cut the thing you attach it to.
@@titter3648 what city areas / counties is this happening?
@@titter3648 you're a bike thief trying to reassure yourself. I'm psycholinguist and can read the message between the lines. I hope I'm wrong 😂
Excellent video, genuinely. Don’t usually watch long videos on TH-cam but this was worth it. I’ve seen so many people lose their bikes to theft, especially in London. Unfortunately I don’t have a garage. The thought of mine being stolen has scared me into getting the following:
-16mm chain secured to ground anchor (frame)
-14.5mm chain secured to another ground anchor (rear wheel)
-16mm padlock securing front wheel
-Bike cover secured with cheap combination chain
-cctv covering bike which turns interior lights on when tripped.
When I’m away I add as many D locks as I can. I know an angle grinder will get through them all but it’ll take a truck load of time and will make loads of noise. Hopefully the grinder battery gives up 😅
That's going to need a bloody determined thief, with a lot of cutting discs and batteries, to get through that lot. Top works! The lack of a garage (or shed / shipping container) is a pain, but you really couldn't do any more than that. Now get on with enjoying your bike! Cheers, John
Hey man you still got your bike ?
I'll never forget about 20 years ago a mate of mine bought a disc lock from one of our local motorcycle dealers that was advertised as good quality and was expensive, I dropped it onto concrete from about chest height and it actually broke rendering it useless
yeah sadly a lot of bike dealers will lie to you about anything they sell especially the rubbish locks.
Probably the most passionate and sincere motorbike video I've ever watched! Thanks to you and the Bennetts team.
Thanks you! That's really kind! All the best, John
I have to agree, there were two channels that I watched regularly from a couple of UK TH-cam big hitters, here in the UK and after seeing how they reviewed the Litelok, I no longer consider them a reliable source of accurate information. As you correctly pointed out, there should be no holding back on the destruction of a security product because the reviewer wanted to use it afterwards. Just ridiculous. Great video and I have subscribed, cheers.
Thanks! There are some great TH-camrs out there, and there's so much to learn from everyone, but when it comes to influencing how people spend their money, I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable with t'interweb. Cheers, John
NOTE THAT THE 'LITELOK GOLD' HAS NOW BEEN DISCONTINUED, WITH THIS VERY SIMILAR LOOKING 'LITELOK ONE' REPLACING IT. THIS PRODUCT IS NOW ONLY RATED TO SOLD SECURE MOTOR SCOOTER SILVER, NOT THE PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLE GOLD.
To find the best lock for you, check out the league table I've written based on three years of testing at Bennetts BikeSocial. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Hi have have a almex 25mm but how long is the cut time on the Oxford beast 22mm
@@Jf20082 We don't reveal cut times, and we also haven't reviewed the Almax 25mm (we did contact them but they've declined to be tested). Chances are that due to its sheer size, the 25mm will take the longest to cut with an angle grinder. Cheers, John
Hi! I noticed in a few times you’ve indicated that mc crime is declining. I’d be interested in a video on the stats and reasons behind this.
Look at pewag chain i think is really good
@@danielmcnamara897 I've tested some Pewags: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
After the hacksaw on the Litelock did the phrase "I'm not paid enough to do this" enter your head? 😂 Great video and honest reviews. Cheers from Melbourne 👍
Ha! No - watching this back as I edited it, I can see I need to get some more exercise. John
I’ve just bought my fist motorcycle, a lexmoto 125. I know someone will eventually try to take it, with that in mind I have purchased an Oxford nemesis 16mm chain and lock along with two sold secure gold anchors. I have also an Oxford hd disc lock and a further chain and lock. Yes, it’ll take me five minutes to unlock it, but it’s better than someone just walking off with it. I’ve yet to decide on a chain for away from home, possibly a shorter. 14mm lock. I appreciate your time and effort to educate us on security. When looking at reviews on chains and locks I WANT TO see people giving them hell and smashing them with a hammer. I don’t want to see a fairytale of how awesome it is, I really want to know my bike will be safe.
Welcome to riding! You're doing everything right so enjoy yourself! A 14mm chain will still be pretty heavy when out and about, but if you can pop it in a top-box or in a bag strapped to the back you'll be sorted. Using anything makes a massive difference, so top work! Cheers, John
As Planet-Wax said: great video by straight up bloke! Having worked with rope, wire and chain over 30 years I learnt that everything breaks. You put some heart into those hacksaw tests, glad you survived. Short note that the wire rope cutters you used are not the "best in class", mine cut FSWR to 16mm (crouch-cut) and spring steel to 5.5... You made many good points and I'd have to say Bennetts became one of my main sources over the last few months as I researched my recent motorbike purchase, seems like your articles on locks and hardware are doing the same...
Keep it up.
Thanks from the Antipodes
Thanks very much! All the best, John
14:55 never mind the strength of the lock, your ‘equipment’ seems tougher.
Thank you for your video which convinced me to purchase Oxford beast at the time. Not 1 but 2 for my brand new BMW S1000rr £20000 worth of money and as you can imagine bike was stolen within 2minute 30 seconds by 3 men using grinders So it was waste of money in my opinion purchasing the Beast.
Regards
After just 2 months of owning my first motorcycle, the scum did in fact come with an angle grinder. I had an Oxford Boss Motorcycle Gold disc lock with chain to a lamppost. They went through the disc lock no problem at all. From the time I awoke to them riding off was about a minute.
Sorry to hear it, total scumbags. What was your model?
Brilliant review, John. As you know, I’m also into destructive testing. It seems like hardly anybody is doing that with locks but fewer are doing it with clothes. That’s my niche. I love the way you exposed the influencers. I have a pet peeve against that crowd but I understand them even if I won’t join them. Buying stuff yourself and destroying without bias is awesome but rarer than hen’s teeth, unfortunately.
Keep up the good work. You earned a rest until the next test.
Since they can cut through any lock with an angle grinder you have to rely on a loud alarm at least 120 decibel, plus an alarm that can text you, I have the WSDCAM alarm for noise and the Boomerang Cyclotrac for texting and the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit mini lock!!
You sir have an iron crotch... That looked painful with the cable cutters, and you didn't even flinch
It looked worse than it was - I had it tucked into the bottom of my amply padded gut! John
@@bennettsbikesocial Balls of steel.
It was the way he seems happy to slam it into his tackle with greater vigor than I think humanly acceptable - Bdsm? 😂
Outstanding review, watch this and use the links for full reviews. By taking the time to explain the testing and how that relates to real world scenarios this is a much more valuable review. I slogged through too many video ‘reviews’ which don’t come anywhere near. Even has the confidence and humility to admit where things didn’t go 100%.
Thank you! All the best, John
Really impressed with the effort you put into testing stuff before posting 👍🏻
Thanks. What's shown here is just a small part of the work that goes into testing every product, but we don't usually show it; most of our reviews are written. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
Very instructive.. When looking at how effective angle grinders can be, I focused on the fact that the angle grinder used for the attack was connected to an AC power source. My guess is that thieves would be carrying battery powered angle grinders and that battery powered angle grinders likely have less torque than AC powered ones and thus would either take longer or not be able to cut through at all. For those thinking that proper thieves would be carrying their own AC generators in order to power AC powered angle grinders, I would think it not very likely due to noise etc.
Cheers! Check out the new video, which has all the latest locks. th-cam.com/video/JVqNCv_p7Ug/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RjuTFm0pExnK9Ehc
I'd like to see a test video comparing the oxford, almax and pragmasis 16mm chains. I read the article on the Bennetts site and looks like the oxford nemesis was the only one that didn't break with a sledgehammer despite being the cheapest option but reading many reviews on many forums and sites everyone says oxford security products are trash and all swear by almax or pragmasis. I'd like your opinion on the subject I was thinking of combining the pragmasis roundlock with the oxford chain
I do all the tests on the site, and rarely run them as videos as they can't be updated. This will hopefully help: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security You can as read individual reviews of most locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security
Most thieves here in the states are using a 12v Milwaukee angle grinder which can be easily carried with a 4 or 5 amp/ hr battery pack. They are noisy so a lot of the bike clubs are recomending a motion / loud noise alarm along with a good chain lock combo. The alarm is connected to your smart phone so you can monitor it. Some thieves are also using hydraulic bolt cutters which are now relatively cheap and quite portable.
Hi John love your presenting style and the useful info in this video. Being retired I am lucky enough to have the best lock for both my motorcycle & bicycles😉 I leave neither out of my eyeline. Its got that bad out there these days that I am even looking at lads on scooters who suddenly appear beside me at traffic lights. Stay save.
Motorcycle and scooter theft has dropped significantly - remember that it's social media that makes everyone so miserable and leaves us feeling suspicious and vulnerable. You've done a good job of setting up your security, now you can get on with enjoying motorcycling. Cheers, John
But do you sleep and shower with your motorcycles and bicycles? They have to be stored somewhere! This is why I've always hated the "MY bike's too nice to lock up!" comment. Baloney it is! I've got lots of $$$ in bikes and tools in my garage at the moment, so I'm DAMN sure to do the best I can to avoid theft. (And where I live, riders have been knocked off their bikes while riding them. Which is why we need legitimate jobs to pay more than crime, but that's another issue for another time...)
This is where applying smarts & energy into reinforcing your security pays off. Add more locks to that garage! Beef them up - make them harder to defeat. Anchors in the walls & floors & quality chains & locks. Then motion-activated video surveillance in the storage place for added peace of mind. AirTags or other GPS in your rides too. And homeowner's/renter's insurance on top of it all!
Interesting stuff. Given the opportunity to lay a fresh concrete garage base would you sink some anchorage or wait and bolt some down?
I have actually just done that; I went for bolt-in anchors as I wasn't sure where the bike would sit until the shed was complete. If you know for certain where you want the anchor, I'd say a concrete-in one is ideal. Two to look at straight away would be the Y-Anchor, or the Pragmasis Sub-Major. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial I can't even decide where I want the consumer unit at the moment! :0)
@@unenthusiast I'd go bolt-in then!
Just to update... I took the plunge! Literally. Made my own concrete in anchors to suit the 4" slab. Might end up bolting down others but couldn't resist trying something.
12:00 Not sure why this test would require latex gloves?
Any tips or products for getting surface rust off of a very good and new chain ?
People won’t believe me but it’s impossible to avoid when you live in New Orleans and the humidity is 60-90%+ every day in the summers (April and after) and the temp is likewise 90+ every day.
So please correct with if I am wrong, but both yourself and the Lockpickinglawyer used body weight to breakopen the lite lock. If the lock was placed in a way where bodyweight is impossible- for example round the top of the rear wheel and round the frame and round say a lampost- this would pose a serious challenge unless you had a portable electric saw?
Yes - that's correct. All of our testing is done in a way to be consistently repeatable and given a worst case scenario. It's the same reason why I always stress to keep a chain tight and off the ground - that way a sledge hammer attack, while part of testing, becomes irrelevant. Also, that cutting tool isn't being seen in real-world attacks (as of Feb 2021 when I write this). Lock picking isn't seen in real-world attacks of motorcycles either, but that doesn't stop every video about bike security being filled with comments along the lines of "yeah, but LPL says..."
An angle-grinder attack is the most likely, while a bolt-cropper attack is the silent method that LiteLok does defeat. You can read the full attack test review here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks Cheers, John
Why when you go for an insurance quote on Bennetts the Oxford Beast lock or chain is not listed on security devices?
What's the safest way to transport a chain on my bike. Have an under seat exhaust so can't just strap it on the back
You can use a bag to strap it to the pillion seat - the strap goes under the seat. Cheers, John
Can you please do a review on the new 'oxford beast anchor' for 22mm chain?
On eBay you can buy three 10mm chains for under £25 for a portable lock.
Hilka 10mm 1.5m
JDC 10mm 1.5m
Blue spot 10mm 1.8m
I was wondering if you'd do a bolt cropper and cutting test on the chains as they're cheap.
I think everybody would like to see if they're any good.
Good testing and very fair indeed
Good test its up there with your test @LambChopRides
@@hp4adz533 He did a damn sight better than LCR's young fella ;)
Great video.
Any advice for a disc lock that fits a Yamaha R6 2014?
I've just got a 16mm oxford boss alarmed disc/padlock seems a serious bit of kit can get it for about £60 👍
@@zedddddful do you use it with a chain or just by itself in the wheel?
@@whitevador8875 no probs buddy 👍
@@zedddddful thanks again buddy. I edited the message :) but you were fast to reply 😃
@@whitevador8875 on the disc I've got a beast and a nemesis also on it thievery is rife around this part of the world. you can use it with a chain if you want to 👍
Wow, glad I found this. Blew the Fort Knox lock recommendation out of the park.
I park my 250lb bike in front of a local pub in a tourist town. I use multiple deterrents. Cheap disk lock with motion alarm and a cable lock. Thieves could easily park a truck next to the bike and throw it in the truckbed. That’s where the cable to a wood post comes in.
Both are visible deterrents but heavy locks and aren’t an option since essentially I’m riding a dirt bike with a license plate off road to get there.
Great reality check video.
Cheers
What I go by is how long will it take for a thief to cut through your lock.
My bike is parked inside at home so that's not an issue, i park my bike out in the open where everyone can see it in daylight or night time so if it takes any more than 30 seconds the their will get caught , that's why you never use a cable lock and you never rely on your lock for a first line of defense.
I request that you do a test of each chain with a hydraulic press. What force does it take to cut each chain, using something like a tungsten carbide tool?
One issue with the Litelok is that it can apparently be opened by using a metal pipe to twist it a few times. The lock mechanism snaps fast. There’s a video on TH-cam where someone breaks it in about 17 seconds. I don’t know about motorcycle locks but a regular Sold Secure Gold U-lock is great protection for bicycles.
I did try twisting it to separate the cables from the body using a pry bar, but I couldn't. Having drilled the pin and driven it out, I've had the lock apart and can see how it would split, but I couldn't do it. The twisting has been mentioned in the comments, so I don't know if the design has been tweaked. That video was posted three years ago and is no longer available to compare. You can read our full test here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/litelok-gold-motorcycle-bicycle-lock-review. You can also see comparisons with other locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
Could you test the Oxford lock and easy bolt lock for motorbikes
Nice informative video, commenting to help with the algorithm, as I don't own a bike anymore. It wasn't stolen, I didn't properly take care of it, and ended up selling it for spare parts. Was a cheap 125ccm bike anyway, but had fun with it. Never used a lock in Vienna, and also never had problems with someone trying to steal it.
Thank you! Cheers, John
Is there any alarm worth the price out there? I was looking at the Scorpio Maverick (I live on the 9th floor and the garage is at the ground one).
I already got a BikeTrac which saved my baby once, but I want something able to send me a notification as soon as someone touches it and is pretty reliable at the same time. Suggestions?
Love this . Appreciate your time and honesty ... Thank we need more people like you ... Full time subscriber .
Thanks Mat! Cheers, John
I’ve rented a bike to travel through northern italy. even though it’s insured the deductible is high and losing the bike would put a real damper on the trip. I will have semi secure parking at the hotels but theft is concerning me. what travel lock would you travel with to add an additional deterrent?
🙏
A Hiplok D1000 or a Litelok X3, plus a Pragmasis noose-end chain would be my choice
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you. That's exactly what I got. Plus two disc locks. I figure I'll make it just not worth them wanting to make the effort to steal the bike.
Why did you leave out the Oxford Beast test?
I want to use my Oxford beast to chain to a ground anchor to the frame of my KTM 690 SMC. Trouble is of course, the beast chain is massive. Can you recommend a 20mm U padlock long enough to lock to the frame please?
Great workout video. How many reps should you do?? Joke aside vital information, particular for a new rider with a need for security investments
Did I miss the part where you test the lock mechanism itself (for jimmying, screw driver or picking susceptibility)? My 'high security ' Abus lock just got defeated by a screwdriver in mere seconds!!! Seems utterly pointless testing the steel strength etc and overlooking the weakest part - the lock!
Just bought one Kryptonite - 4.2 kg weight. Looks like a heavy artillery piece. Where to put it during a ride - I have no idea.
Can you strap it to the pillion seat?
A rule of thumb I like to go by is your lock should be worth around 20% of your bike's value. I just got a brand new expensive bike (2 grand CAD value) and I am looking at trying to get a litelok x3 for it as to keep it safe from theft. I currently have a kryptonite newyorker lock to use for now until I get the new lock. Well I will likely use both at the same time, one to lock the back when and the litelok to lock to the bike rack.
I quite like the LiteLok, seems to be an interesting take on a mix between a cable lock and a chain. Ever since I don't go into my local cities too often I'm very, very paranoid about theft despite my area having one of the lowest bike theft rates in the country. Would the LiteLok be a good option as a secondary "halting chain" on a wheel with an Oxford HD chain through the frame to chain to something? Act as a bit more of a "get through the chain then get through me" kinda thing.
Doubling up security is a great idea. You can see our top-rated locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Is Bennetts Insurance planning to add the Oxford Beast product line to their listed security items any time soon?
Sadly the list is an industry one. We have the most up to date list as we're the only ones who update it, but it's still way behind at the moment as it's such a slow process. However, our agents can add an item under an 'other' category if needs be, and you should never buy locks etc for a discount: buy them to significantly reduce the chance of the misery of having your bike stolen, and to help protect your NCD and future policy prices.
How long to actually cut the disk it self and could you ride or wheel it away ?
Hello from TN USA! Love the GROM in your video. You have several interesting additions on it. What type of saddle bags you have on it and the lights near the handguards? Thanks
Thanks! They're Kriega packs on racks I welded up to suit the bike. The lights are Denalis. th-cam.com/video/rDdvgRztk60/w-d-xo.html Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks!
Can you tell me if the abloy 362 will accomadate a 22mm chain ? Thank you.
I wouldn't like to have you buy one without being able to check it myself, but I don't have one to hand I'm afraid. The datasheet seems to indicate it would, though if you speak to a manufacturer like Pragmasis they'll be able to tell you. Cheers, John www.ab-locks.com/abloy_pdf/Abloy%20Padlocks%20Fact%20Sheet%20PL362%20PL350%20PL342.pdf
Does Bennetts still over a discount on members for Squire locks?
The discounts available to members when buying kit are constantly changing, so do have a look at www.bikesocial.co.uk/join
@bennettsbikesocial I have just signed up with a monthly subscription at £6. How do I know find the discount?
Many thanks
@@Inked_CR All the current offers are on the link above
Since I just bought my second Motorcycle the Honda Monkey I'm deciding between the Almax IV and Oxford Beast chains which one would you recommend?
They both did as well as each-other in my testing. You can check out the tests of the big locks here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
My god. I need to move to the UK. Here in Canada we basically get punished by our Insurance because we like to ride bikes. No discounts for any preventative measures, membership rewards, nothing. Oh and add in the fact we can only ride about 6 months/year, so we basically pay double for the 6 mths that we can ride :(
6 months why?
@@zedddddful Snow, ice, and cold. 6 months of the year the streets are covered with snow and temperatures are around -20C. Unusable weather for a motorbike.
What would you recommend or use personally for home security on your bike? Specific ground anchor and chain etc.
Like the honest reviews and testing to failure you do on the products, it’s refreshing to see!
Thanks very much! I have a Pragmasis Torq ground anchor and a 19mm chain. It does depend on your situation though, so here's a roundup of what I've tested: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
Great video as always, I'm a big fan of your reviews on bike social, I hope more people start taking security seriously, I've seen too many nice bikes in London locked with Oxford Hd and monster chains because Amazon recommends them.
Thanks very much! Yeah - I was also watching some more TH-cam videos last night that were recommending security products not based on actually testing them (or even researching their ratings on Sold Secure), but simply on what they'd got in their hand. Cheers, John
I bought a new hd lowrider in 2018, love it. I just lock the fork everytime I get off the bike, no problems yet.
What should i use for an escooter?
The best chain I have are 2 smaller chains that I zap strapped together, there is a cover so nobody knows. And anyone that looks at thinks it’s high security, but you could defeat the system with a knife, file or lighter, with not much effort or noise, but it looks so substantial that nobody has tried.
Have you tested a abloy pl350 14mm padlock?
What is the best portable chain with a loop. There are no diamond cutting or freeze statistics out there!
I absolutely enjoyed every minute of your very informative video. Great job and thank you.
Thanks! John
you are an asset to review processes, thank you for taking th etime to destroys tuff so we know what works
Thanks very much! I can't see how anyone can claim that a lock is tough or effective without properly testing it. The same could be argued with safety equipment, but now we have testing standards it's easier to understand what something could achieve. With locks, Sold Secure's testing is a big help, but what's not always realised is that only the Diamond standard testing includes an angle-grinder attack, so it's something that I think needs to be included in a test of anything below that. It frustrates me when influencers will accept sponsorship money to promote a product when they have no idea how effective it actually is. Cheers, John
Great video John ,keep up the good work.
I use a Pragmasis round lock and chain for my CRF rally. Put the last link through the rear suspension link under the bike and fit the roundlock through it with the keyhole facing down.
Probably not the best, but I think its a good average price / security / weight system.
I put the chain round a pole or something obviously.
What bike is that in your workshop with the barkbusters ?
Some good kit you've got! That's my Grom, which I did up to look like an Africa Twin. Cheers, John
Best security review I 've ever seen very informative a real eye opener with a dusting of reality.
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
As a metal fabricator I can tell you nothing is secure against a gas cutting torch…
My best advice would be a tracker and multiple locks..
then if they manage to get through all the locks you still have a chance of finding the bike..
disc alarm locks front and back..
Cable locks front and back..
Chain locks front and back..
Could even slap a couple of d locks on too..
But that’s a lot of locks to carry you say…
How much do you want to keep your bike?
Good vid and straight to the point but you really do need to use a full face protection when using Cutting disks on grinders .
I bought that kyrptonite chain after seeing that video, I’ll still continue to use in conjunction with other chains I use but definitely not on its own
Did the claims of it being practically unbreakable convince you to buy it? Are you in Canada, or did you get it from one of the other affiliate links? John
@@bennettsbikesocial UK, and i found the chain without using affiliate, tbh yeah the statements in the video did sort of point me to get it but i wanted a decent light chain as a secondary anyway. If i knew what i know now i dont know if i would do it again
Any security really is so much better than nothing, and the best lock is the one you use. I just really get frustrated by misleading 'reviews'. Still, the 785 is light, it's cheap and it needs tools to defeat; I'd just prefer people to buy it knowing what level of performance it really offers. It's unfair to compare it to a lock weighing twice as much or more, but it's also not fair on people spending their money to make them think that a pro thief would 'have piss in their pants' when trying to cut it. Don't stop using it - you didn't waste your money - but be aware of its limitations. Cheers, John
I've got it .. the lite lock with a chain breaded inside so u need bolt cutters and cable cutters . And loop- weave the cable through the inside of the chain as well as surrounding the the Chain with cables . Imagine two lite locks with a chain in the middle woven in and around the outside.
I recently bought an Oxford beast and it’s a great deterrent, obviously it’s just for use at home and should offer me either plenty of time for the police to show up if they wanna have a go at breaking it or hopefully it just puts them right off as soon as they see it.
And yes I’ve had thieves take a bike from my garden but it was my Dads and didn’t have any security in, they left mine that had a simple disc lock but after the theft I went and bought a chain and a security camera.
Sorry to hear about your Dad's bike, but glad you've got some good security lined up. Cheers,
John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks, we got the bike back with some damage that we’ll have to shell out for, it’s just opened our eyes a bit, it was definitely a “we didn’t think it would happen to us” type of thing.
Great review John. Something is better than nothing.Just looking through some comments, may be you should buy the picking tool that Bosnianbill and lpl made, to try and show the skill needed? Keep up the great vids
Honestly - I still don't think I could do it. I've been practicing picking and I can only just manage a clear practice lock. John
Thanks for the honest and realistic perspective about the litelok. I really enjoyed your feedback. Best...
It increasingly feels that the litelok has been massively over hyped by social media channels, even one that I thought was really trustworthy and honest, but it just seems that they won’t let you “test” the product until you promise to give a good review. I only learnt in the last few days that sold secure gold doesn’t include angle grinder attack! With battery operated ones becoming cheaper and more reliable closely matching some mains ones now it’s shocking that it doesn’t.
Manufacturers are increasingly seeing the value of using influencers - or even creating their own content on social media - to get the message out that they want. For most product reviews, we request samples from the manufacturers, and we review them with no feedback until the content is published. Whether it's a disc lock, a heavy-duty chain (which doesn't mean one with 7mm links, whatever the store-funded channel says), or a pair of gloves, I'm genuinely obsessive about wanting our reviews to be complete and dependable.
BikeSocial is produced by an editorial team working for Bennetts - basically, the insurance business chose to use its marketing budget to produce our own content, which we can then place insurance branding and advertising on. If we didn't do this, we'd be using the budget to advertise on other channels and in more magazines, but this allows us to make what I hope is trustworthy content.
That puts us in a really lucky position - while we have some advertising form other companies on the website, we don't depend on that money to survive. I used to work on RiDE magazine many years ago, and at the time we were completely separate from advertising because copy sales were so high; that made for some very difficult meetings for our editor, but basically we didn't care what advertisers thought of the reviews... what mattered was that readers were able to spend their money wisely.
That stuck with me, and I honestly hate the idea of somebody buying something that I recommended, then being disappointed with it. Of course we all look for different things, but I try to make sure that our product reviews are as in-depth as possible, so anybody reading them can make an informed decision.
That could upset some manufacturers, but because the motorcycle industry is pretty small, most of us have known each other for a long time. I've had plenty of conversations with big importers after a review who understand why something's been criticised.
Most brands are completely okay with a critical review because, as long as it's in-depth, it's hard to argue with the facts.
I tested the Oxford Beast a while ago, but included it in this video as it's been so prominent in social media. I bought the Litelok as we were unable to get one for review. I didn't speak to Kryptonite as that is a bicycle lock, and the brand isn't big on motorcycle kit in the UK, so I bought that too. That's the one that worries me most as it's being pushed as a 'heavy duty' chain and lock when it's about the lightest you can buy. I did contact that channel's shop to ask for a comment but didn't hear back. Perhaps crime is so low there that a 7mm chain is considered heavy-duty, and while the theft figures are much better than here in the UK, the shop does sell much heavier - and more suitable - security.
If the Keeper 785 is all someone can afford or can carry, then it's great, but I want people to understand what they're buying.
Sold Secure's testing is a great guide, but it bothers me that some brands use a lack of knowledge in order to mislead potential buyers. Ultimately, having actually tested LiteLok, I was surprised how effective it is, as long as you understand its vulnerabilities: like any lock. I wouldn't normally show an angle grinder attack or give the times (for the reasons I explain in the video), but in this case it felt necessary. In the case of the Kryptonite, that shop channel made it essential.
We shouldn't criticise old Secure Motorcycle Gold for not including an angle grinder attack - to add it to that rating would infer that products tested before it was added did beat the grinder. That's why Sold Secure added the Motorcycle Diamond and Ground Anchor Diamond standards. Still, the Motorcycle Diamond attack includes a 90 second grinder test and no portable security will beat that. Our reviews include angle grinder testing on all items so that you can get a comparison, and it's also so that - again - we can arm people with the knowledge to spend their money on what they feel is best for their needs.
You can read about how Sold Secure tests in our league table of what we consider some of the best security, based on testing that reflects real attack methods, not the ones that would get us clicks or that would keep the brands happy: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Cheers, John
The even newer method than the clumsy angle grinder is the battery dremmel, fits in a pocket, and specialist battery cable cutter and battery cropper, fits in a rucksack they look like battery drill with different head, but they cost well over £1500
Did I miss the part when the Oxford beast was tested?
Let me start by saying I love you videos and now we can see how much sweat you put into them :)
Can you do a video on the different ways to carry a bike lock when you go to work for small and big bikes? I really struggled with finding something that is right for myself and not many reviews online.
Thanks! Have you considered a bag on the back? There's some info here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security. What bike do you have?
@@bennettsbikesocial I have a GSX S125. I ended up buying the Oxford Lifetime M4R Tank 'N' Tailer. Can do both the magnetic tank holder + GPS with the phone or the Tail Bag strap. I was really concerned the magnetic solution might not hold my Almax Immobiliser Series III 16mm + Squire Stronghold Lock. but it does that very well. The only downside of this setup is that my white tank paint now has some pinkish marks that I need to find out how bad they are.... :(
That is a big lock to carry on the bike! It might be possible to polish out the marks, though be careful you don't bur through the paint. Cheers, John
So what is the best motorcycle lock chain for protection?
You should find all you need here... cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
Great video👍🏽 I wish if you can deliver to the U.S.A, I really like the round lock and I can’t find it anywhere but your website.
Thanks! Have a check with Pragmasis: securityforbikes.com/
Hi could you please review the Swedish Bema chains please?
I'm afraid they don't seem to be available here in the UK, sorry!
In your opinion which is the best chain to get for security for the price?
Here you go: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security Cheers, John
so, what lock do you suggest as the best ever?
Greetings from Greece m8!:)
I just put a video up. they same in through my garage roof and took 1 hour 45 minutes to cut through the locks on my GS. I caught them when the alarm went off when they opened garage door. I heard them getting in the roof from my van dash cam
Who said the 4 minutes 10 seconds thing?
th-cam.com/video/aXHEbPzzDzE/w-d-xo.html
Great presentation and very informative, really good that you reassure people and advise them to secure the bike then not worry about it. Thanks for the upload 😘
A man who loves his work! Great stuff, thanks.
Thanks for watching! Cheers, John
Honesty and integrity. Rare qualities these days. There is hope for mankind yet.
Allan millyards hack saw would go through those security devices in seconds🤪
What locks would you recommend with a budget of £150. I will be storing outside my gym for 2 hours.
My bike *
Plenty of options at that price - best bet is to check this out. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/how-to-choose-the-best-motorcycle-security
I like what you doing. I had my motorbike stolen 2 months ago. Going to buy another one soon.
Thanks for the video and also for the link to your Bennetts Blog. Its important to have the views from a respected professional and not from any other dubious source.
Thanks Andy! Have a great weekend, John
I just got my front rotor replaced on my 1974 CB750 and I can't use a disk lock anymore. Been hunting for a portable solution with no luck! If anyone has any leads to something that will work please let me know!!!
THere are portable solutions rated here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks Unles you have solid wheels, you've got nothing to worry about...
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks so much, I'll take a look. My bike is known for being difficult to find a solution for, hopefully I'll find something! The rotors have no holes and very tight clearance at the base.
Hi. Just subscribed to your channel I have just learn to pick bike locks and your right bike criminals are not going to pick disc detainer lock because they don’t tension from the same point as I found out some tension from the top of the lock some tension from the bottom and some tension from the middle of the lock. They are tricky little locks . Love the content. Thanks
I'm sure the tool that Bosnian Bill and LPL made would help, but on the street, picking is pretty much the last thing to worry about on all but the poorest quality locks. Cheers, John
Very interesting and good points. But what is the best way to use the locks? I know it is best to chain to something, but if that something is weaker than my lock, then it will be as strong as the weakest link.
Also, should I lock through the back wheel, or is it better to loop through the frame? If there is nothing to lock to, should I try and go through the back wheel and frame?
Thanks.
I have invested in Pewag chain, available from Brindley chains, Warrington, I have two VKk 12 x 45, 1.5 metres, plus sleeve. They do special combination deals, with Multi "T" pad locks and 10% discount cost around £180 for one. Pewag chain is reputedly the best you can get. Made in Austria, super hard and made with special alloyed metals. You wil find 1.5 metres the minimum length to be useful in a practical sense. MAG are having a campaign now about bike theft in the South-east. They seem to be along with yourself, one of the few organisations doing anything in a proactive way.
I think the "theft of... and the securing of"...is a similar situation to that of Computer viruses and the software to protect your computer, a catch 22 situation. That is one can't exist without the other! Sad times. Costly too. Since borders have been more open, things have got immeasurably worse.