Author: Neil Bates

We at BDLA Motorbikes know that the threat of theft is a significant concern for motorcyclists in the UK. In London alone, 9,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2024, according to Metropolitan Police data, highlighting the importance of investing in motorcycle security products. One way to determine the quality and robustness of a motorcycle security device is the Sold Secure Rating System, which is used not just for motorcycling products but also cycling, safes, other vehicle security and general locks. But what do the prized ‘Sold Secure Approved’ ratings actually mean for you and your prized ride?

In this article, we’re going to explain what Sold Secure ratings mean with a specific focus on motorcycling, helping you make an informed buying decision on Sold Secure Approved products going forward. If you need any more advice, please do contact our team of in-house motorcycling experts.

What is Sold Secure and Why Does it Matter for Motorcycles?

Sold Secure is a fully independent body which tests and certifies security products in the UK. They are known as the premier testing body for all kinds of different locks, focused on theft resistance and determining just how much protection a certain lock actually provides. Each security device is tested effectively and then satisfactorily assessed against real-world scenarios simulated through various attack tools.

The main benefit of the Sold Secure approval system is that their ratings are entirely unbiased, not provided by the manufacturers of the product on show. This independent assessment gives motorcyclists everywhere peace of mind, knowing the lock they purchase can withstand a determined attack by organised gangs or an opportunist thief.

Understanding Motorcycle Sold Secure Ratings – Bronze to Diamond

Sold Secure uses a rating system from bronze to diamond – with Sold Secure Bronze the lowest rating, followed by Sold Secure Silver, Sold Secure Gold and then Sold Secure Diamond as the highest level of Sold Secure Certification. This allows motorcyclists to quickly assess the relative security of all the products available to them without needing to seek professional advice. The independent tests carried out by the body take place in a normal risk environment which motorcyclists can expect as they travel around the UK.

Let’s go through those four security ratings and delve a little further into what they mean for the safety of your bike.

Sold Secure Bronze (Powered Cycle Bronze)

Bronze is the entry-level rating, and not often seen in motorcycle security products. These products will likely only deter an opportunist thief with basic tools. As motorcycles are generally high-value targets for criminals, they will usually bring more sophisticated tools than those which Bronze-rated locks deter. We’d only really recommend these products for limited uses, such as within a secure garage or as a secondary deterrent alongside a higher rated device.

Sold Secure Silver (Powered Cycle Silver)

A security product assigned a Sold Secure Silver rating can withstand attacks from a more determined attack using enhanced tools for at least three minutes. This rating indicates a moderate level of resistance for motorbikes and is much better than bronze. We would generally recommend using a silver-rated lock in limited circumstances, mainly as a secondary lock alongside a gold or diamond main lock. If you’re parking in a busy area, a silver-rated lock may well be enough to deter a thief.

It should be noted that a few insurance companies may accept a silver lock, but most see gold as the mandatory minimum.

Sold Secure Gold (Powered Cycle Gold)

A Sold Secure Gold rating is awarded to security products that provide a high level of resistance against a determined thief using common tools and techniques. Sold Secure Gold bike locks can withstand sustained attacks and serve as a significant deterrent to would-be criminals. Any Gold-rated lock has undergone significant independent testing by Sold Secure, including against tools like bolt cutters, hammers and saws, showing a good ability to prevent theft. In the insurance industry, Gold is generally the minimum requirement for insuring most motorcycles, especially those in the mid to high price range.

Sold Secure Diamond (Powered Cycle Diamond)

Sold Secure Diamond is the highest level of security a motorcycle lock or other security product can be given. Put simply, if a security device has achieved Sold Secure Diamond approval, it is about as secure as possible. Diamond-rated products are known to offer exceptional resistance to prolonged ‘professional’ attacks by criminals, even those using specialised tools like angle grinders. If you want your motorcycle to have the ultimate level of portable security, choose a Sold Secure Diamond lock.

The Significance of Motorcycle Sold Secure Ratings

To bikers, the significance of Sold Secure rated locks is both mental and financial. For one, the insurance industry generally required Sold Secure locks of at least Gold to insure your ride. If you use a chain or lock with an insufficient rating, your insurance may be void in the event of a claim, so please be sure to read your policy details.

Aside from insurance, it’s peace of mind where high-rated locks really make a difference. When you leave your pride and joy unattended, you don’t want to be constantly worrying about whether it’s safe. Using a Gold and Diamond-rated lock can mitigate the risk of your bike being stolen and save you the emotional distress of dealing with a theft.

And then there’s deterrence. Even the most determined thieves are deterred by visible, highly-rated locks and are more likely to target vehicles secured by devices that are easier – and quicker – to break into.

In Summary: Sold Secure Motorcycle Ratings

Understanding Sold Secure ratings, particularly Gold and Diamond for motorcycles, is essential for any responsible bike owner. By investing in appropriately rated security devices, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and enjoy your motorcycle with greater peace of mind. We at BDLA Motorbikes recommend that you always prioritise quality when it comes to motorcycle security products and the Sold Secure logo is a great way of quickly determining that quality.

We have a category set up for Sold Secure Rated Locks and other security devices, and you can find everything from motorcycle chains and locks to ground anchors, cable locks, disc locks and locks with in-built alarms in our huge online store.

If you’re new to motorcycle riding, it might be difficult to know exactly which accessories, gadgets and gizmos you really need to ride comfortably and safely. Some things are absolutely necessary, while others are ‘nice-to-haves’ which make the riding experience that bit more enjoyable. There are so many new and exciting motorcycle accessories which are brought out each year by the best brands in the game but which you actually need really does often come down to personal preference. That said, many riders find that accessorising their motorcycle gear to the max really makes a difference when clocking up the miles.

In this article, we’re aiming to answer the question of ‘which motorcycle accessories do I need?’ once and for all, helping both beginners and experienced riders achieve the best experience possible every time they take their bike out for a ride.

Must Have Accessories For Motorcycle Riders

Let’s first take you through the absolute basics which every rider in the UK simply has to have in order to ride safely.

Motorcycle Helmet

You simply must wear a motorcycle helmet when riding a motorcycle in the UK – it is the law. There is the ECE Certification process in the UK for helmets which is now 22.06, meaning all new helmets must meet a high safety threshold to be road legal. ECE 22.05 helmets are still road legal, but we advise to upgrade if you haven’t already to 22.06 as it’s a stricter test and you shouldn’t compromise on the safety of your head. After all, your head is the most important part of your body to protect and a helmet is the best protection you can give it. Never ride without a helmet, even for a second.

Motorcycle Gloves

A good pair of motorcycle gloves are a simple must-have. Though not a legal requirement, riding without gloves can go against some insurance policies and we recommend choosing a pair with CE certification. Motorcycle gloves provide grip and greater control, while protecting your hands in the event of a collision. We would recommend waterproof motorcycle gloves for UK riders due to the changing weather, while heated gloves are a great option as winter gloves to fight the cold. In the summer use specific summer gloves for better ventilation.

Motorcycle Boots

Footwear is also important when it comes to motorcycle riding. Your feet and lower legs are vulnerable in the event of a crash, so proper shin protection, ankle support and reinforced toe boxes are essential. Proper motorcycle boots will also give you better control of the foot controls and have super grippy soles to keep you in place. Good boots also offer waterproofing, wind protection and breathability, aiding comfort as well as safety and control.

Motorcycle Protective Clothing

When riding a motorcycle, your body is exposed, unlike in a car or other large vehicle. This poses a significant risk should you crash, so proper motorcycle clothing with in-built protection is a life-saver. Most good motorcycle jackets and trousers these days come with a good level of protection in all the right places. Modern riding gear is becoming more and more casual in style, with items like motorcycle jeans coming equipped with armour, helping riders blend in with the crowd when not on their bike.
For further protection, you may consider added motorcycle protective gear, which is generally worn by off-roaders and green laners.

Motorcycle Security

Your motorcycle is a big investment and carries a lot of resale value. Unfortunately, that can attract thieves and that’s why motorcycle security devices are a true must-have motorcycle accessory. UK police recommend the ‘lock, chain, cover’ approach to motorcycle security, meaning locks and chains are vital purchases ahead of riding. Choosing a security product with a high Sold Secure rating (Gold or Diamond) is your best bet to ward off unwanted attacks on your bike.

Motorcycle Covers

Security leads us nicely into motorcycle covers, which are essential for a number of reasons. Many thieves often look for certain motorcycle models to steal, so properly covering your bike with a secure cover is a great way to avert prying eyes. A good cover will also protect your bike from the wind, rain and cold, ensuring it’s always in top condition.

Motorcycle Luggage

Unfortunately, motorbikes don’t come with a boot like cars do. That’s why purchasing some form of motorcycle luggage to carry all your belongings is vital. There are many options to choose from, including ones which attach to your bike such as tail bags, tank bags and panniers, plus backpacks, waist bags and leg bags which attach to your body. Whichever is best comes down to personal preference, but you want to be able to comfortably carry everything over a long distance, which is where the bags which attach to your bike really come into their own.

Motorcycle Battery Chargers

A motorcycle battery charger keeps your bike’s battery healthy, especially if you don’t ride daily. Cold UK weather, short trips or storing your bike over winter can drain the battery. A charger maintains the charge, prevents battery failure and extends battery life. Smart chargers (trickle or float types) safely top up without overcharging, making them ideal for long-term maintenance and we recommend these for all new riders to avoid failure. Battery chargers are a must-have for avoiding dead batteries and ensuring your bike is always ready to ride as unfortunately motorcycle batteries are notorious for going flat after being locked away for a while.

Chain Lubricants and Cleaners

Even relatively new drive chains can snap if they haven’t been lubricated properly, so chain lube is an absolute must for all riders. Looking after your chain is an essential part of owning a bike and regular lubrication is a vital part of this care. Additionally, chain cleaners are not quite as important as lube, but we would recommend it as it helps keep the bike on the road longer and improve the riding experience with smoother gear changes. As such, picking up both chain lube and chain cleaners is recommended.

Nice-To-Have Motorcycle Accessories

Now we’ve explored the accessories you absolutely must have, let’s discuss some of the accessories which can really enhance your riding experience and help you get the most out of your bike. We stock some of the best motorcycle gadgets here at BDLA Motorbikes, which benefit from the latest advancements in technology and science.

Motorcycle Sat Navs

Sat navs are a wonderful modern invention that have really changed the game when it comes to travelling around the UK. No longer do we need huge A-Z road maps, as simple sat navs provide GPS directions to any destination. Motorcycle sat navs can be easily fitted to your bike’s handlebar, giving you full visibility of the journey and road ahead.

Motorcycle Phone Mounts

If you don’t want to invest in a specific sat nav device, there’s always your smartphone, which can be loaded with apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps which provide directions and traffic data. In order to safely use a mobile phone for directions while on a motorcycle, you will need a motorcycle phone mount, which secures your device to your handlebar. There are many phone mounts and phone cases available, with either device-specific or universal fit.

Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets

Speaking of your phone, why not consider a bluetooth headset or intercom system? Through bluetooth connectivity, these devices allow you to speak to friends and family over the phone while riding or simply listen to your favourite tunes. Bluetooth systems are a great way to stay connected while on the go and some helmets even come with bluetooth features in-built.

Heated Grips

As we all know, the weather here in the UK can be cold at the best of times and that’s why the invention of heated grips has really made a difference. Gone are the days of frosty fingers during a morning ride to work, thanks to heated motorcycle handlebar grips which benefit from both a comfort and safety point of view. You can even now get handlebar muffs, which are a favourite of food delivery drivers who want to be able to easily slide their hands into warmth after each delivery.

Balaclavas and Neck Tubes

Whilst we’re on the subject of the cold weather in the UK, we might as well discuss balaclavas and neck tubes. As you’d expect, these simple yet effective accessories provide a bit of extra warmth and wind protection to your face and neck, which can be really handy when at high speeds in the cold weather. We have many different balaclavas and neck warmers which riders love for the winter.

In Summary: Must Have Motorcycle Accessories

Hopefully through reading our article you will know exactly what items you need to buy to comfortable and safely ride your motorcycle. From absolute safety necessities like helmets, gloves, boots and body armour to further essentials like security devices, covers and luggage, we have covered all the basics, before delving into a few other accessories that many other riders benefit from today. Motorcycle gadgets like bluetooth systems and navigation devices really bring you into the 21st century, while heated grips and head/neckwear help fight off the cold.For more detailed information on motorcycle accessories or any other equipment we stock here at BDLA Motorbikes, please chat to our team.