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.
