So you’ve just purchased a new set of wheels. The bike’s sat on your driveway, ready for a ride into the European countryside for your Summer tour. Every night you check the steering lock’s secure before you head inside for the evening. What if that steering lock isn’t quite secure enough to prevent theft? Would you consider an Oxford chain or lock?
Please read Motorbike Protection: Theft Prevention Tips For Your Bike, for security advice. We’d like to extend that with a specific focus on Oxford. Oxford have a broad range of security items that they’ve developed over the past 40 years. Oxford feel steering locks offer “very little resistance to a determined attack.” They also aren’t able to “prevent thieves from simply lifting the motorcycle into the back of a van and transporting it to a garage where they can re-mobilise the bike at their leisure.” Offering two strong reasons to consider securing your bike beyond the pre-fitted protection and checking out an Oxford Chain.
What can you look out for?
The Thatcham Institute of Vehicle Security is an independent body that tests motorcycle security equipment. They apply rigirous tests to motorcycle locks and alarms/immobilisers in the UK. These tests are so tough insurers recognise how important they are to reducing theft rates in the UK. They also follow The British Insurance Industry’s Criteria for Vehicle Security. Oxford chains and locks are often put through these tests before entering the market. This offers you independent quality assurance, with the likelihood of reducing your insurance premium.
Whether your insurance company lower your premium with a Thatcham Approved Oxford Chain depends on your insurer. If you’re interested you can give yours a call and they should shed some light on any discounts they offer. If you’re looking for an insurer our recommended company is Bikesure. Their contact number is 0800 369 8580 and you can quote our dealer reference ‘golf682.’
An alternative body is Sold Secure. This is another independent company also testing security products for motorcycle users. This non-profit organisation has professional locksmiths to attack-test security products. They use the same methods applied by criminals. Using locks approved by them may also provide you with reductions.
Why choose an Oxford Chain or Lock?
Oxford began back in 1973 and since they began they’ve introduced many a lock to the UK market. Police research suggests 50% of riders don’t use locks. They believe many people out there could feel safer with their security selection.
Most of the Oxford chains are five minute attack tested. During this they’ve resisted a drill, sledge hammer and bolt-cropper. They’re also an anti-jack design..
The chain locks vary in length, ranging between 1 and 2m. The styles include round-link, hex and square-link patterns. Each lock has a padlock (also available without the chain). Each lock is supplied with a padlock (also available separately). Top of the range sits the Nemesis with an anti-pick DOUBLE locking mechanism. The Oxford Monster XL Chain and Padlock is Thatcham Approved. The Monster XL also secured second place in a Ride magazine lock test. Or a little down the affordability scale is the Oxford Barrier Chain Lock. Each can work in isolation or with a ground anchor / docking station. Oxford recommend pairing a chain with an anchor to even further reduce your risk of theft.
Oxford also offer disc or cable locks
Disc locks and cable locks are lower priced alternatives. Disc locks are less secure than chain locks but still offer more protection than nothing at all. These are self-explanatory and work by fitting around your wheel disc. Or some can act as an alternative to the padlocks supplied with the chain locks. Some have added benefits such as an integral alarm, i.e. the Oxford Boss Alarm or Oxford Screamer. The disc alarms are also small and compact, requiring less storage space than a chain. The Oxford Scoot XD5 Disc Lock is created for all bikes, but specifically scooters.
The Oxford Armoured Cable locks are lighter weight, flexible and smaller to carry. Some such as the Oxford Revolver Cable Lock as still attack tested against a drill, saw and bolt cropper. The Trip-Wire is suitable for bicycles too, offering a double use.
Any further tips?
Oxford also offer some specific tips for their locks and alarms.
- Alarms are effective but more so when used with a lock
- Use your garage if you have one but still lock and alarm the bike
- Try and lock your bike to a secure, immovable object
- Never leave your lock resting on the ground and lock it tight to your bike
- Maintain your lock, remove dirt and oil regularly
If you have any further questions please visit our Mansfield showroom or give us a call on 01623 627 600.
