The disc lock is probably one of the most disputed types of lock out there for motorcycles. In this article I will tell you why I like disc locks so much, and what the disadvantages are.
In a hurry? This is my conclusion
Disc locks are great if you want to be mobile. Disc locks aren’t your best pick for long-term parking since they are more vulnerable. Thieves can still lift your wheel and steal your bike. However, I really like them because you can take them anywhere you want. The best disc lock out there is the alarmed version of the Oxford Boss Alarm (Amazon).
The best disc lock is the Oxford Boss Alarm
As said before, the best disc lock is the Oxford Boss Alarm. It’s an alarmed disc lock which will trigger when anyone moves your lock or your motorcycle in general.
I’ve written a complete review of this alarm which you can find on this page (review). Would you rather watch the review in video format? I added my video review below. You’re more than welcome to check the video out or read more about the advantages and disadvantages of disc locks below.
Update after two years or usage
I had to update this article to tell you how I like this alarmed disc lock after two years of usage.
As I said before; the most effective lock is the lock you use.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to use this lock properly the past months. The alarm keeps sounding out of nowhere, making it impossible to use the disc lock with the alarm turned on.
Don’t get me wrong, I still use the lock very often. However, I think this lock isn’t as effective without an alarm, as it is when the alarm is on.
I don’t know what the problem is but it feels like the motion sensor is very sensitive or even broken. It has always been pretty sensitive, but now the alarm sounds out of nowhere within seconds of arming it.
Just thought it would be good to share this with you, in case you are thinking of buying the alarm. I’m not sure if I’m just unlucky, because I have used it for two years without any issues.
Why I think that disc locks are effective
Let me start by explaining why I like disc locks. I mainly like them because of the mobility. The fact that they offer so much security for such a little product is great. I’m riding a naked bike and I don’t have much space to store items on the way.
I don’t have panniers and I don’t like to use tank bags, so small locks that fit under my seat would be the best. My disc lock fits right under my seat and I can take it anywhere I want.
As a matter of fact, I always bring the lock with me. You never know when you’d like to stop on the way. You can just pop the lock on and sit down for a drink at a bar whenever you want.
I also think that they are effective, but only till certain extend. It is not a replacement for your heavy duty chain. But the best lock, is the lock you use! I’m just always carrying this disc lock with me, so I use it anywhere.
The disadvantages of disc locks
However, disc locks have some huge disadvantages. These disadvantages cause some people to believe that disc locks are worthless. I do agree that disc locks have huge disadvantages, but I don’t agree with the statement that they are useless.
Let me explain more about the disadvantages below.
You can’t connect your motorcycle to a fixed object
The biggest disadvantage of a disc lock is the fact that you can’t connect your motorcycle to a fixed object. A disc lock prevents the wheel from turning, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent the motorcycle from moving.
It’s not uncommon for thieves to just lift your wheel up and put it on a little trolley. That way, the wheel doesn’t turn but the motorcycle can still be moved.
This is the reason that I only use my disc lock whenever I’m closeby. I use it on my stops during my rides. I also used it whenever I visit friends. I simply park my motorcycle in front of a window so that I can always see what’s going on.
Besides that, my disc lock has an alarm. The alarm will go off whenever the lock is moved. This also means that the alarm will go off when they lift my bike to put a trolley under the wheel.
The alarm is only effective when it is being heard, which is why I stay close to my motorcycle when I use the lock.
The lock could damage your braking disc
This is just a minor disadvantage, but it’s something to keep in mind. Your lock will be attached to your braking lock.
Always remind yourself that the lock is present by using the reminder cable. This is a little yellow cable that you can hook on your handlebars.
What you want to prevent is the scenario where you forget about the lock and start driving off. The lock will block you after a couple of inches of driving, causing the braking disc to deform and potentially sending you to the ground.
The video below shows you how much damage can be done by such a tiny device.
Disc Locks are only effective for temporary use
In my opinion, disc locks can be a great addition to your motorcycle experience as long as you use them for temporary securing your motorcycle.
After all, a lock is only effective when you use it. I use my disc lock all the time on any occasion. I wouldn’t use a chain if I would be able to take it with me.
They are not a replacement for your chain lock, they are a mobile (less secure) version of your chain lock. Use them when they come in helpful, but don’t act as if they will protect your motorcycle like a chain lock.