Motorcycle helmets can be quite expensive, so it’s obvious that people are hesitant about leaving them outside. If you had your helmet stolen least once, you should consider getting a good motorcycle helmet lock?
While many bikers think the only solution is to carry the helmet with them, that’s not entirely true. It’s an old way that wasn’t very convenient given that some models can be quite heavy.
A lock is an innovative solution, but buying one isn’t as simple especially if you’re doing it for the first time. We’ve reviewed some of the best locks and included a little buyer’s guide to help you make your final decision.
10 Top-Rated Helmet Locks for Motorcycles Reviewed
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
BigPantha Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable  | BigPantha Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable Type: Combination Lock Cable Material: Rubberized sleeve Cable Length: 6' | Check Price |
Little World Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable  | Little World Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable Type: Combination Lock Cable Material: Steel Cable Length: 6' | Check Price |
Kuryakyn 4248 License Plate Helmet Lock  | Kuryakyn 4248 License Plate Helmet Lock Type: License Plate Material: Steel Cable Length: No cable | Check Price |
ONGUARD Akita Loop Cable  | ONGUARD Akita Loop Cable Type: Loop Cable Material: Steel Cable Length: 15' | Check Price |
TSA Approved Cable Luggage Lock  | TSA Approved Cable Luggage Lock Type: Cable Material: Steel Cable Length: 4' | Check Price |
Integrated Laminated Steel Padlock  | Integrated Laminated Steel Padlock Type: Cable Material: Steel Cable Length: 3' | Check Price |
Helmetlok 4104 Carabiner Style Helmet Lock  | Helmetlok 4104 Carabiner Style Helmet Lock Type: Carabiner Style Material: Zinc alloy Cable Length: N/A | Check Price |
Master Lock #99  | Master Lock #99 Type: Cable Material: Steel Cable Length: 3' | Check Price |
Kuryakyn 4232 Universal  | Kuryakyn 4232 Universal Type: Handlebar Material: Steel Cable Length: No Cable | Check Price |
E-Bro Universal Handlebar  | E-Bro Universal Handlebar Type: Handlebar Material: Aluminum Cable Length: No Cable | Check Price |
BigPantha Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable
This one fits most motorcycles and helmets thanks to its universal and user-friendly design. It has a coated D-ring with a rubberized sleeve so that it doesn’t damage any surface.
Also, the self-coiling cable is tough, yet flexible and easy to use. It’s water-resistant, so it won’t show any water damage even with frequent use.
The cable is 6 ft long, allowing you to lock other things with your helmet. The carabiner combination PIN is simple to set up, making the whole thing quite user-friendly.
This one is compatible with full-face and half-face helmets and all motorcycles, including scooters, mopeds, mountain bikes, ATVs, and bicycles.
One of the best things about it is the comprehensive user manual included. The company emails it to you upon purchase, so you always have it at hand in case you need some instructions.
PROS
- Rubberized sleeve
- Long, self-coiling cable
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Difficult to see the numbers
Little World Motorcycle Helmet Lock & Cable
This high-quality lock is secure and tough but also relatively simple to use and carry around. The heavy-duty PIN combination lock is quite straightforward, making it easy to secure pretty much any motorcycle helmet.
It measures 5×9 cm, so it’s compact and easy to carry. You can carry it in your pocket, bag, or somewhere on the bike, depending on how much space you have.
The cable is 6 ft long and self-coiling, so it’s simple to use. It features ultra-strong steel-braided lines coated with PVC for added weather resistance and protection.
Since it’s so long, the cable makes it easy to secure other things like your jacket, backpack, and more.
It’s a good fit for half-face and full-face helmets, and you can use it on any motorcycle, bicycle, mountain bike, and scooter.
PROS
- Multipurpose design
- Coated D-ring
- Easy to carry around
CONS
- Dials are difficult to rotate
Kuryakyn 4248 License Plate Helmet Lock
Unfortunately, we all know that helmets aren’t the only thing thieves like to steal. Many people are often left without their license plates, which is why you should consider the Kuryakyn 4248.
This one will only work if you have regular plates and not the curved or swept/lone eagle plate frames. It has mounting holes for a 4×7 inches license plate so make sure to measure yours to see if it will fit.
The mounting process is quite simple as all you should do is bolt the plate to the back of your motorcycle. Not only it keeps your plates protected, but you can still attach your helmet if it’s not too big.
In most cases, the helmet covers your rear light, and if you turn it inwards, you can even hide some stuff in it. This is a versatile plate lock that allows you to secure things other than just your license plates. It might take some getting used to, but you’ll quickly get the grasp of how it’s used.
PROS
- Protects you license plates and helmet
- Simple installation
- Features mounting holes
CONS
- Only for flat license plates
ONGUARD Akita Loop Cable
The Akita Loop cable looks very simple at first glance, and it’s such design that allows the ultimate ease of use. It’s a cable, so it’s also easy to transport and store away any place you like.
It comes in several sizes with the extra long one measuring 15’ x 0.39’’ in total. The length provides versatility so you can secure pretty much anything and even the stuff that doesn’t have anything to do with your motorcycle.
Keep in mind that this is a medium-duty product so it’s not something that can protect from thieves with heavy-duty tools. It’s a great way to secure your helmet and other items, but make sure not to leave them unsupervised for a long time.
Its security rating is at 30, which is quite satisfactory given its locking system and overall simplicity. It’s considered to be among the best cables to depriving the thieves of even trying to steal your gear. The Velcro strap adds to its overall security and makes it that much easier to use.
PROS
- Extra long
- Simple to use
- Versatile
CONS
- Not braided as densely
TSA Approved Cable Luggage Lock
This TSA Approved cable can be unlocked and relocked by TSA agents. It’s among the safest cable models you can use on your motorcycle, luggage, backpack, small cabinet, computer bag, and other items you want to secure.
The coated steel cable is durable and has a steel shackle. This helps resist attacks with or without tools. However, it’s smart not to leave your items unsupervised for a long time. The looks of it should discourage most thieves, but it depends on how much time they have at hand.
The 4ft cable is flexible and easy to work with. Its structure and flexibility allow you to wrap it around the item multiple times for more protection.
It features a 3-digit personalized combination you set up yourself. There aren’t any keys included, so you don’t have to worry about losing them. If you think someone might now your code, you can change it at any point and in only a few seconds. It comes in black, white and red.
PROS
- Flexible
- Coated
- Versatile use
CONS
- Numbers are hard to see in the sun
Integrated Laminated Steel Padlock
If you’re looking for something to secure a few things with, this might be among the best options. It’s flexible and coated, so none of your things will be damaged as you wrap it around them.
The braided steal used here is for flexibility and strength. Because it’s as flexible, you can wrap it around anything to keep it secure. We’re not just talking about motorcycle helmets, but bicycles, backpacks, luggage, etc.
It’s coated by protective vinyl, so it doesn’t damage the bike’s paint. It’s smooth and flexible which are the best specifications to look for if you want the best ease of use.
Its body is about 1-1/8 inches wide which adds even more strength to it. On top of that, its dual locking levers provide more pry resistance. Another thing that prevents picking is the 4-pin cylinder.
Not only this one will deprive a thief of trying, but it will also put up a fight in case someone does decide to try.
PROS
- Coated with vinyl
- Flexible
- Dual levers
- Wide
CONS
- Too lightweight
Helmetlok 4104 Carabiner Style Helmet Lock
This HelmetLok has a carabiner-style design with a 4-digit locking mechanism. It’s relatively simple, although some people struggled to turn the mechanism when setting up the PIN combination.
It’s quite small and compact, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. The design is simple to use since all you have to do is open the lock, slip the carabiner through the shackle, and attach it to your helmet.
One of the best things about it is that it’s not permanently mounted, meaning that you can attach the helmet to any place on your motorcycle.
The arm pivots outwards, allowing you to attach it to the bike frame, handlebars, grab rails, gear racks, and pretty much any other place with a 1.5’’ diameter.
PROS
- Weather-resistant zinc alloy locking mechanism
- Protective plastic coating
- T-Bar extension included
CONS
- Tricky to set the combination
Master Lock #99
The Master Lock #99 comes with two keys that look completely the same. It’s recommended you keep one of them at home as a reserve in case you lose the other.
This one is 14” long, but it also comes in the length of 3 ft. Choose based on your needs once you consider what it is that you’d like to secure.
The 5mm cable is coated with vinyl, so it’s resistant to scratches. The coating also prevents it from scratching other items like your helmet, bike or other items you’re securing. It is also covered with a plastic cover.
Its 4-pin tumbler adds to the overall security and helps make the entire thing easier to use. Plus, the dead-locking mechanism provides additional safety and prevents prying and rapping.
One of the best things about this one is that it has audible feedback when it’s locked. This way, you won’t have to wonder whether you’ve secured it the right way or not.
PROS
- Coated
- Audible feedback
- 4-pin tumbler
CONS
- Requires the key
Kuryakyn 4232 Universal
At first glance, this one looks unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. It’s an innovative design that features two pieces onto anything you’re trying to secure.
It’s not as versatile as most though since the list of items you can tighten it around is quite small. However, it’s important that it can secure your helmet to the handlebars, frame or crash bars of your bike.
The two pieces tighten around any tubing, so once you figure out the position, you should just tighten the bolts. The overall process is quite simple, but the lock itself looks rather complicated. This is great to keep all the thieves away from even trying to pry it.
It is chrome plated and has a D-shaped shackle and two keys. It’s large enough to support several sizes of helmets as well as different types.
It’s up to you to measure your particular helmet and bike frame to see if it would fit. The entire lock measures 8x7x3 inches.
PROS
- Two keys included
- Sturdy
- Chrome plated
CONS
- Smaller shackle diameter
E-Bro Universal Handlebar
E-bro is diverse, universal and simple to work with. One of the things we like the best is how small it is. Its overall size makes it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. Plus, it weighs only about 4.5 ounces.
It’s made for 7/8’’ handlebars or pretty much any solid tubes you want to secure your helmet to. The primary material is aluminum, and you get two keys in the package. Make sure to leave one key at some in case you lose the other.
The first thing you should know is that this isn’t a really resistant lock. It’s not as strong and is quite easy to break if you have some tools and time. Still, the E-bro is ideal to keep someone from simply snatching the helmet off your bike.
Also, you’d need the key in order to secure your helmet. Though some people consider this a bit annoying, it’s not anything that we’d consider a significant setback in terms of convenience.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Two keys included
CONS
- Not as pry-resistant
Buying Guide for Bike Helmet Locks
Why Do You Need One?
Your helmet is an easy target if you just leave it sitting on your bike. (Discover what to do with your helmet when parked.) It’s a valuable item that often costs a lot of money, and it takes a minute for someone to snatch it away.
For this reason, you should do anything in your power to secure it. With a simple model, you can deprive a thief of trying to steal the belongings hanging from your bike. In most cases, it doesn’t even have to be extra strong or durable, but just convincing.
Different Types
Cord or Mesh Leash
Helmet locks come in different shapes and forms so you can choose based on your preferences and needs.
One of the first choices you’ll have to make is whether you want a cord or mesh leash. Cords are often rubberized for more durability. It goes around your helmet in locks with a combination or a key. It’s a convenient choice if you don’t like carrying any keys with you.
Keep in mind how you store it when not in use. If you leave it hanging, it might damage your bike.
Mesh is a bit gentler on your equipment and your bike. However, it’s not as resistant as cable and might not keep all the thieves away.
It’s up to you to consider all the critical factors and choose one of the two that would work the best for your needs.
Handlebar
If you want a lock that looks aesthetically pleasing, then this is the right choice for you. However, it’s also the most visible out of all the other types.
It’s made of durable metal that’s painted or polished, so it looks really nice. In some cases, you might need to buy to in order to maintain the balance of your handlebar.
They come in different sizes, but most models are quite adjustable, so they fit many handlebars without an issue.
Also, they can’t really hold many items together as some other types can. These will keep your helmet secured to your bike, but nothing else will fit in there at the same time.
License Plate
These attach to the back of the plate holder and are very hard to notice. They’re mostly made of metal and are quite strong and durable. It’s not that easy to go through them, and what’s best of all, they’re easy to install.
It takes only a wrench and a little bit of time to set up this lock into place. It also doesn’t affect the balance of your bike which is also very important.
Though these have a fairly basic design, there are still a few different models to choose from. Make sure you only consider those made of metal that are easy to install and aren’t too heavy.
Bolt
Bolt locks have a cylindrical shape and are almost always operated with a key. The convenience is in that you can set it up anywhere on your bike. In most cases, people choose to put them to the license place to keep them out of sight.
Much like the other types, these are also easy to install. You’d need some basic tools and a little less than an hour to install a bolt lock. However, keep in mind that these are permanent and always sit on your motorcycle.
Another benefit is that you can set it up on virtually any bike. Some frames might require more skill, tools and time, but it’s all doable.
Conclusion
As we’ve mentioned, securing your helmet is always a good idea, even if you’re just making a quick stop to the store. It takes a second for someone to walk away with your valuables, so why not have them locked to your bike?
Luckily, there are many models to choose from, so it’s just a matter of finding what works the best for you. Think about the kind of helmet and bike you have and also consider the convenience aspect of the lock.
We’re sure one of these helmet solutions above are exactly what you’re looking for in terms of safety, resistance, and overall ease of use.
