OnGuard Motorcycle Lock - The "Beast"

Motorcycle theft doesn't seem to be as much of a problem in the U.S. as it does in other countries for some reason.  But it happens often enough to be a real concern. 

Anyone who has experienced a theft of almost any type can relate to the brutally hollow feeling that comes from being victimized.  This feeling seems to be directly proportional to the value of the stolen items, and can be devastating when something like your beloved motorcycle disappears forever into the hands of some destructive creep.

I'm always amazed when I pass by a house or apartment and see a motorcycle parked outside, usually uncovered and almost always lacking any theft deterring gadgets at all.  I suppose that motorcycle theft, like other crime, is something that happens to the "other guy".

Most experts on the subject agree that there are several steps that can be taken to greatly decrease the potential for motorcycle theft.  Almost everyone's #1 suggestion is to secure the bike with a quality chain or cable and lock.  Even better is if the bike can be secured to some type of permanent structure or in-ground anchor.  Unfortunately, this isn't always practical, especially when traveling or commuting.

There are many different types of locks, disk brake locks, chains, cables and other devices to help prevent theft, but many owners rely on the classic chain and padlock as a first line of defense. OnGuard Locks is a relatively new player in this market, but they seem to have done their homework and they offer a large variety of locking devices focused on the motorcycle owner.

OnGuard rates their security devices on a sliding scale from 3 (provides basic security) to 5+ stars (provides "ultimate security").  They sent us the "5+" star rated "Beast" lock and chain from their  line of Powersport Security products for this review. 

The Beast is offered in two different chain lengths, the 110cm (4ft.) length shown here and a 160cm (5ft. 5in.) version.  OnGuard's chains and locks are available separately, and the Beast can be purchased with either OnGuard's "M-Cylinder™" anti-drill and pick-proof lock or with their "dual lock down" padlock shown in these photos.

OnGuard's HexLink™chains are made from specially designed hexagonally shaped links, manufactured from some type of hardened steel.  OnGuard says that their chains are made with a link shape designed to thwart cutting by would-be thieves.  I'm not sure if weight correlates with theft resistance, but if so, this chain must be about as strong as you can get whilst still being somewhat practical. 

The 110cm Beast chain weighs a hefty 3.2kg (~8 lbs.), and is covered in a tube of some type of rough nylon fabric.  We tried cutting the chain using a standard hand-held hacksaw, but we couldn't get the hacksaw to "bite" into the steel at all.  I'm not sure how well it would resist a cutting torch or bolt cutters, but it seems like pretty tough stuff to us. 

Our version of the Beast has OnGuard's "dual lock down" deadbolt padlock, an imposing-looking device that weighs 753g (1lb., 10-1/2oz.).  While this combination might be overkill for traveling or commuting (unless your bike has side bags or some type of heavy-duty storage capability), it's a good choice for home security.

Of course, a determined thief with enough time and motivation will be able to break through just about any deterrent device, but most thieves like a quick "hit and run" job, and will bypass a motorcycle that has an obvious security device attached.  The Beast chain and lock is so serious-looking that it should quickly persuade most thieves to move on to their next victim.

All OnGuard locks have a plastic, vinyl or rubber coating on many of the parts or corners that could rub against the bike.  The locks also have various types of plastic covers to help protect against water intrusion. 

Our padlock has a sliding cover on the bottom that is designed to protect the keyhole from water, but the trick is to remember to slide it closed after the lock is secured.  The plastic button for the slide protrudes from the lock, and seems to be fairly prone to wear as the lock is bounced around.

Many of the OnGuard locks, including the Beast "dual lock down" model shown here, have been tested and approved to various European standards.  Also, all OnGuard locks come with 5 keys, including one "Torch Key™" that has a built-in LED light for use at night, which is a very nice extra.

OnGuard's website has information on the dozens of different types of security devices they manufacture.  Some of the photos show the chain and lock combinations going through a motorcycle wheel and laying on the ground. 

It's my understanding that this is not a good way to lock up your bike, because it offers some leverage to thieves, who may be then be able to pound or pry the lock using the ground as a backstop.  See Sean Lewkiw's excellent web page on preventing motorcycle theft for more tips; Sean was an unfortunate victim of motorcycle theft and has some good information on preventing your bike from being stolen.

We took a couple of photos illustrating the use of the Beast lock and chain.  The photo on the left illustrates a commonly used but improper way to lock your bike.  In addition to the problems noted above, the chain, lock and cover can get filthy and/or wet after laying on the ground, not something you'll want to deal with if dressed for work. 

The Beast's cover offers a bit of protection from scratching the bike's paint, but if I were going to use this method often, I'd probably add some 3M Scotchcal protection over any painted surfaces where the chain might chafe. 

Conclusion
If you're serious about motorcycle security, there are various levels of protection to consider.  One of the first is owning and using a hefty chain and lock to secure your bike.  Securing your motorcycle should become a habit, because there's some universal law that says that the first time you forget to do it will also be precisely the time when the bike is stolen. 

The OnGuard Beast chain and lock offers a lot of protection and features for the price, and would be a good choice for securing your bike to a permanent anchor in your garage or shed.  It also has the potential of discouraging potential thieves if used on travel or when your bike is parked for the day at, for example, the train station.  The price is very reasonable, especially considering the potential cost of not using it.