Gear Guides

To protect yourself against theft of your dirt bikes, you’re going to need to lock them up. Let’s look at the best dirt bike locks available.

For those short on time, our #1 recommendation is the 👉 Trimax Cable Lock. (click to check the latest price)

Now – why lock ’em up?

Well, dirt bikes are easy prey and this is why they are stolen so often. There are thousands of dirt bikes stolen each year around the world, with very few of these recovered because they aren’t registered, or even if they are, they aren’t trackable.

There is a good chance that you’ve seen a stolen dirt bike or adventure motorcycle out in public but you had no idea. Even owners who bought their motorcycle used probably had no idea either, even though the paperwork is clean.

It’s really then up to us, as proud owners, to do our best and lock them up securely. While we might not be able to stop theft entirely, we can discourage or slow down those thieves who are trying to steal our pride and joy. Often they’re looking for a ‘grab and go’ arrangement.

Let’s begin.

Types of Dirt Bike Locks

There are various ways in which you can lock your dirt bike securely in your garage. Essentially, you don’t need to rely on a chain and padlock for good security.

In recent years, these have become some of the better ways to prevent dirt bike theft:

• Use a brake lever lock. This clamps your brakes closed and so it makes it difficult to move your dirt bike forward. Even if the thief disconnects your brakes, they aren’t going to be able to ride away and instead will need to push your dirt bike (suspiciously) down the street.
• Lock the brake discs. While not so popular, so dirt bike riders are using a compact brake disc lock which again stops the motorcycle from being wheeled away.
• Use a bicycle U-lock. This is one of the most popular ways to securely lock a dirt bike. Ensure that you get something very thick at 15mm or greater, paired with a strong cable and key system from a reputable brand.
• Buy a dirt bike wheel chock. This is one of the smarter ways to secure your dirt bike, while also stopping it from falling over. We’ll cover our favorite model, the Lock N Load BK500, later in this article.
• Run a shieved chain through the tyres. This is another common way to lock your dirt bike to something stationary.

You can also use an ordinary chain and a strong padlock that you’ll find at Walmart or Bunnings. Be warned, however, that these can actually scratch your wheel when you’re locking/unlocking but also they do tend to rust out over time.

Best locks for Dirt Bike Riders

We’ve compiled a list of the best locks that dirt bike riders from around the world should consider. It’s with great research and enthusiasm in this sport that we provide our considerations.

The best dirt bike locks of 2022 are:

1. Trimax Quadra-Braid 25mm Cable Lock

It’s super hard (near on impossible) to cut through this cable lock when used on a dirt bike, or any type of adventure motorcycle for that matter! Simply run this through your frame or rear tyre and you’ll be setting a real challenge for any thief. The reviews are strong and the sliding key cover keeps out dirt and other corrosion.

2. Master Lock 1.5″ Hardened Steel Chain

It’s hard to look past what’s on offer from Master Lock. This lock with nylon cover prevents scratching motorcycles of any type, while inside the chain itself is actually square which resists cutting. The reviews on this are even stronger than the Trimax featured above, though the chain itself is unfortunately shorter which makes it hard to lock the frame (as opposed to the rear tyre) on to something hard and immovable.

3. Oxford OF3 Boss Alarm Disc Lock with 100dB Alarm

Fancy a padlock for your dirt bike that has an audible alarm? Well, this is exactly what you need! At 100db, it’s going to bring some real attention to any intruder who’s looking to make an easy getaway. You’ll need batteries for this one, but certainly, it’s strong and lives up to expectations. You can actually use this for all kinds of uses, including locking your dirt bike trailer to your car.

4. Kryptonite Evolution Compact Brake Disc Lock

One of the best ways to stop dirt bike theft is through visual deterrents. Often thieves will look for easy targets and when things look a little difficult, they will soon move on. This is why having a brake disc lock which is very obvious will help go a long way to prevent theft, and the Kryptonite does exactly this and more. They made this bright orange to not only show thieves that you have a difficult motorcycle to steal, but also will stop you from riding away with it accidentally engaged.

5. Lock N Load BK500 Dirt Bike Wheel Chock

One of the best ways to stop theft is by being able to secure your dirt bike hard against something. This is where a wheel chock can come in handy and they have a dual-purpose where you can also work on your bike and make it easier to transport. By using the Lock N Load wheel chocks, you can securely transport your dirt bike in a trailer, van or pickup and pair it with a lock to stop it from being easily stolen.

Buying Guide

There are certainly some things that you should look for when shopping around for a dirt bike lock. After all, there are many options out there and not all of them might suit you.

Multiple vs Single Dirt Bikes

Are you trying to secure a single dirt bike or a group of dirt bikes? This is an important consideration because it’s easier to simply recommend the Trimax or Master Lock where as it’s more tricky if you’re trying to secure multiple dirt bikes together. Then again, this makes it easier for you and harder for a thief, since they have to untangle quite a mess if you’re using multiple locks.

If it’s only one dirt bike, you might also consider storing it for a length of time with one tyre missing. Generally, the front tyre is easier to remove, and by removing this, you completely remove the possibility of them being able to wheel the bike down the road. If you have colored rims or tyres, then it becomes hard for them to source a duplicate.

Security Location

If you’re trying to secure your dirt bikes at home in the garage, then it’s often easier to use a physical deterrent as well as a padlock. Consider parking your car or trailer in front of the dirt bikes which means someone would physically have to lift up 300+ pounds of metal to get these dirt bikes in their hands, once they can get through your security systems that is.

It’s a different story when securing them in a trailer. This is where you’ll want to use a chock system as well as a padlock on the trailer. Consider also using a tracking device on both your trailer and dirt bike which is well hidden. These days such devices are quite affordable.

Also, thieves like to ‘fly by night’ in their approach. If you live on a farm, then it’s easier for them to swing by when you’re away for the weekend and steal your bikes. This becomes harder if you have a dog or a front gate that is kept locked.

At the MX track, it’s rare for dirt bikes to be stolen though not impossible. Be wary of shady characters who don’t seem like they belong there and report such individuals to those who are in control of the area.

Registered vs Unregistered

Generally speaking, dirt bikes which aren’t registered are much more attractive to thieves. Given their lack of tracking through government registration offices, and the fact that they aren’t even seen on the roads (typically used on farms), it’s much easier for thieves to on-sell these for profits.

For this reason, you’ll want to be much more adamant with your security if you’re trying to lock away unregistered dirt bikes. Consider throwing everything you can at this, including locks, alarms and tracking systems. Make it as hard for them as physically possible!

Other Things to Secure

What most dirt bike riders forget about is their accessories. Things like their helmet, boots and GPS are prized possessions for thieves which could get stolen. While they don’t fetch so much on the used market, you don’t want to lose these either.

It’s best to use something like the Pacsafe backpack protector. This is ideal if you want to stop your stuff from being stolen at the motocross track when racing or merely spectating. Don’t just think about your wearable gear but also the jerry cans. Thieves, for whatever reason, love to steal the small stuff as well even if the gas cans are empty!

Best way to prevent dirt bike theft

You know, they say the best prevention is through elimination. How can we relate this to the offroad motorcycle market? Well, quite simple actually.

The very best way to prevent the theft of your dirt bike is by NOT advertising the fact that you even have a dirt bike at all. Don’t place dirt bike stickers all over your trailer or car, nor should you leave the garage door open for others to see. Avoid showing off the fact that you own dirt bikes and you’ll prevent 90% of people who are looking to steal your pride and joy.

There is no need to look ‘cool’ or show your team colors. By being discreet, you’ll greatly reduce your risks.

Most people who have their dirt bikes stolen were canvassed first. That is – the thief didn’t magically rock up on their doorstep. They knew this address had dirt bikes and found an opportunistic time. If you have strange-looking cars parking across the street, then you may be stalked by those who are looking for a chance to steal your motorcycles.

In Summary

Securing your dirt bikes against theft is something that you should really take seriously. This isn’t a walk in the park! After all, there is no worse sinking feeling than waking up and discovering an empty spot in your garage.

That can all be stopped, or greatly reduced in terms of likelihood, by sourcing a good lock. Don’t let your guard down either when you’re travelling with dirt bikes and even when camping. You just never know who’s actually watching with a pair of binoculars!

For the small cost, get yourself a lock and consider insurance on your dirt bike as well. Not only will you sleep better at night time, but the bike will always be there ready for the weekend and to twist that throttle hard!

Loading up an ATV into a truck bed isn’t easy work at all and a pair of loading ramps are highly recommended. Unfortunately not all of them are the same, with some being inferior and others being superior.

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These ATV ramps for loading a truck are our best recommendations based on user experiences and reviews, for both stock and lifted flat-bed trucks.

In most instances, the longer your ramps are the better it is for the safety of you and your quad bike, and longevity of the ramps. This is even more important if you have a lifted truck where the bed is an extra foot or so above the ground.

Essentially, the safest ATV ramps range between 10 ft and 12 ft as they provide a safer loading angle.

Best ATV and 4-Wheeler Ramps

We’re offroad motorcycling professionals. In creating this guide for ATV quad bike ramps, we’ve separated this across multiple categories:

• Most secure ATV loan ramps
• Best quad bike ramps for lifted trucks
• Cheapest ramps for loading an ATV
• Ramps made in the USA

Let’s begin.

Most secure ATV load ramps

Without a doubt the most secure ATV ramps are those which are full-width. Because of how wide they are, you limit the chance of riding off the ramps when loading.

One of the biggest advantages is how easy they are to also load dirt bikes into the back of a truck. There is a lot of space for the individual to stand securely and have full control over their offroad weapon.

However, the challenge is storage space. These are huge! You may have to purchase a set of roof racks of find alternative means to offload your ATV once you get to your riding destination. People who have dirt bike trailers and toy haulers typically purchase these as they have plenty of interior space for storage.

Winner: Black Widow TFP-9354

For a safe feeling, you can’t go past the offering from Black Widow. This Punch Plate Tri-Fold ATV Ramp is literally the most secure model you can purchase.

It comes in a set width of 54″ and you can choose between a 77″ length (6.4 feet) and 93″ in length (7.75 feet). The later is recommended even if you have a stock-height truck bed.

The ramp is tri-fold so you’ll be able to store it in the bed quite easily. This model comes with two tie-down straps to connect to your vehicle when loading so the ramp itself doesn’t slip.

Load capacity: 1,500lbs.

Runner-up: Yutrax UTV/ATV Tri-Fold Loading Ramps

While not as secure (especially for loading dirt bikes), these are still an awesome quad bike ramp to purchase. They are lighter than the Black Widow’s which means you can handle them quite easily.

The width is narrower at 50″ and it comes in 70″ and 78″ lengths, with us naturally giving preference to the 78″ version.

What’s unique is the rubber-coated top to reduce scratching on your tub liner. This also comes with two straps to secure the ramp to your vehicle.

Load capacity: 1,750lbs

Best ATV bike ramps for lifted trucks

If you have a lifted truck then the correct type of ATV ramp to buy is often the longest you can afford. Anything 10 feet or longer is ideal as this reduces the angle in which your 4-wheeler needs to climb, leading to greater safety and security in the process of loading and unloading.

The challenge though is the storage space that the longer ramps take, both in the back of your truck and at home in the garage.

Winner: Titan 10′ Folding Aluminum Arch ATV Ramps

With no assembly required and the length that owners of lifted trucks need to load and unload their ATV quad bikes, the winner is Titan. Their ramps are slightly arched creating more security for the user.

The reviews on the Titan 10′ ATV loading ramps are very strong at an average 4.5 stars. Some complaints stem around the flexibility of these ramps (understandable, given how long and skinny they are) as well as golf cart users attempting to use them and they break. Essentially – use these within their specs.

We would love to see Titan go a little wider and more stronger on the centre beam, otherwise these are great ramps.

Load capacity: 1200lbs

Runner-up: BestEquip 10ft ATV loading ramps

In life you get what you pay for. The runner up on our list goes to BestEquip with their ATV loading ramps. The reviews on this show that they aren’t strong enough so we’ve updated our recommendation to instead show their car loading ramps which should be more than adequate for ATV loading.

You’ll need to purchase 2 of these as they are sold individually. They fold in half and you can lay them in the back seat once you’re done loading.

Included are 2 safety straps and you can load other things with these, including lawn mowers, dirt bikes and small garden tractors.

Load capacity: 800lbs

Cheapest ramps for loading an ATV

As we’ve mentioned, in life you really get what you pay for. We don’t recommend cheap ATV ramps given the damage you could cause to your 4-wheeler, your truck, yourself and bystanders.

However there are people who only load and unload their ATV every few months and just need something affordable. For that reason we’ve done the research to find you the cheapest ATV ramps currently available.

Winner: Tooca ATV Loading ramps

For under $130 you can purchase the Tooca 2-piece ATV loading ramps. These are half-fold so you can throw them in your passenger seat once done.

The reviews on the Tooca loading ramps are quite reasonable at 4.5 stars with the ramps themselves offering good value. Currently the price represents the cheapest ATV loading ramps on the market yet aren’t tainted by negativity and complaints.

These are also incredibly light at under 16lbs. You can use it to also load lawn mowers and other machines at home.

Weight capacity: 1,500lbs

Runner up: Clevr 7.5′ folding aluminum truck ramps for ATV

If you pay slightly more, then you can get the Clevr ATV loading ramps. The reviews on these are superior and those with lawnmowers and dirt bikes love this.

The finger points that lay on your tailgate are quite long and are fluorescent so you can see them in the dark. Often if you pay a little more than the cheapest price then you’ll simply get a better quality ATV ramp.

The clevr ATV ramps have solid reviews on Amazon now averaging 4.5 stars. There are a few complaints suggesting the ramps do break but this rarely happens.

Load capacity: 1,500lbs

ATV Ramps made in the USA

We have found 2 ATV ramps made in the United States so you can avoid the cheap Chinese-made materials. Yes, these are inheritly going to be more expensive but it’s well worth the price to support local jobs and the economy.

Winner: Big Boy Aluminum 4-Beam Dual Runner Folding ATV Ramps

These have been manufactured from high-strength and lightweight aluminum with the weight capacity extending up to 3,000lbs! If you’re looking for true reliability then this is it.

Big Boy also makes 12 foot ATV loading ramps which aren’t easy to find on Amazon. The reviews on their ramps are very positive given how strong these are.

The catch is: The weight of the ramps (sometimes exceeding 100lbs) and the price (above $700) really do make people look at the cheapest options. Just remember that the cheap options are always made in China where as Big Boy supports local jobs and the economy, while building a product that actually lasts more than 5 minutes.

Load capacity: Between 2,000lbs and up to 3,000lbs depending on the model chosen.

Runner-up: Roll-A-Ramp Twin Track Ramps

Another great Made in USA ATV Ramp is the Rool-A-Ramp tracks which have heavy-duty clearly displayed in their design. Because they’re made in the United States, you can trust that they’ll actually do what they claim to do.

These are available in 11 different lengths which is sensational.

Item	Length	Weight	Capacity
A11202A19	3 feet	20 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11203A19	4 feet	26 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11204A19	5 feet	32 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11205A19	6 feet	38 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11206A19	7 feet	44 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11207A19	8 feet	50 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11208A19	9 feet	56 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11209A19	10 feet	62 lbs	2,000 lbs
A112010A19	11 feet	68 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11211A19	12 feet	74 lbs	2,000 lbs
A11212A19	13 feet	80 lbs	2,000 lbs

What’s unique about this product is that they literally roll up instead of rolling up, hence the yellow tabs. This way you can store them in a backpack.

Truly a sensational product if you can afford the price and demand strength instead of average-quality Chinese products.

What to look for with ATV guides

Here’s a quick buying guide if this is your first time buying a ramp

Length

Ideally (as we’ve mentioned more than once in this article) you’ll want to find a ramp that’s longer rather than shorter. Anything 10 foot or above is ideal as otherwise the angle can be too steep and you may loose traction.

Price

Find an ATV ramp that isn’t the cheapest out there. Often the cheap models break quite easily and are only designed to be used every 6 months, not every weekend. We recommend models made in the USA.

User reviews

Look at what people are saying about the ramp that you’re considering. We’ve only featured ramps on this list that people are genuinely using right now to get their ATV on and off their flatbed truck, whether it’s lifted or standard height.

Warranty

If your ramp breaks, you’ll want to get a refund. The issue is that some of these companies don’t provide warranties even if the ramp breaks well before the breaking point.

Load capacity

We recommend going for 200 to 300lbs higher than the weight of your ATV quad bike + yourself as the rider. Remember that you’ll be on the ramp when you load and unload so it’s not just the weight of the vehicle itself.

Country of Origin

Yes – we’re raising this point again. Most ramps on this list come from China and the quality can be really good, or simply really bad. If you spend up on quality you generally get a stronger ATV ramp that lasts for years. However if you’re going to spend that much, why not buy something made in the United States or your own country, such as Australia? Food for thought.

In summary

We’ve covered the top ATV ramps for getting your offroad machine on and off your truck. Each ramp set mentioned here is unique and they all do the job at varying degrees of confidence for the rider.

We recommend spending up some additional dollars for the best outcome – that is to own a ramp that lasts for years and doesn’t fail halfway through loading.

Got any questions? Let us know in the comments below.

When you’re learning to ride, the one thing that people often don’t tell you about is the right tyre pressure to run.

I mean – you’re educated on which bike to choose, where to ride and what gear to use. Even tutorials on how to ride more aggressively.

Why does no one talk about adventure bike tyre pressure? It’s interesting because not having the correct tyre pressures on ADV bikes can be devastating.

The best tyre pressures

Tyre pressures are important and in extreme situations, changing tyre pressures on your ADV bike can be vitally important.

The best tyre pressure for adventure motorcycles (ADV Bikes) offroad should almost always be the same pressures as you run on the street. That is – don’t air down your adventure motorcycle as they are HEAVY machines. Strong tyre pressure is needed to support the weight of the motorcycle, your gear and yourself on bumpy terrain.

For each bike, the tyre pressure will be different. Dirt-orientated adventure bikes can handle 14psi while the heavier bikes are closer to 20psi.

The best advice is to hit the trails with your street-set tyre pressure and adjust accordingly to the terrain. If you’re riding on hard-packed terrain then leave it set while sandy conditions can lend themselves to a 3 to 4 psi drop in pressure on the rear tyre to create more traction.

Why ADV riders are different

Motocross riders often mess around with their tyre pressures and it certainly has its benefits on the tracks. Even a 2psi change can add an additional 3 seconds on to a lap time.

However, we’re adventure riders. We’re simply cruising around where performance isn’t as important as safety and longevity of your self and your gear.

ADV bikes are often overloaded by beginners with too much gear while having street-orientated tyres. When they go and then lower their tyre pressures, they are certainly putting themselves and others at risk.

Risks include bending the rim or getting a pinch flat on the trails. As a new rider, the last thing you’ll want to do is change a flat tyre on the trails.

Again – we recommend keeping your tyre pressures the same for most riding conditions unless it’s very technical/rocky terrain. Even so, only make a slight release of the air (2 psi for instance) and then go for a 1-mile test ride. If you’re having trouble with the handling then it’s time to pump up again.

Recommended gear for tyre pressure adjustments

We highly recommend good quality gear that’s unique to motorcyclists. If you use a car tyre pressure gauge on your adventure motorcycle, then the reading won’t be so accurate. Unlike cars, offroad motorcycles are almost always under 20psi. So look for a tyre pressure guard specifically for adventure riders.

As for pumps, find a quality brand that people are leaving solid reviews on. The pump should be small so you can fit it within your luggage while also being big enough to get you pumped up quick enough. Some riders like to use bicycle pumps, and while these work, they do tyre you out given that the capacity of ADV tyres is much bigger.

Lastly, get yourself a good tube repair kit with spoons that are designed for ADV bikes. The smaller sets for MX bikes aren’t adequate as their tyres are smaller and you’re likely to bend or break the spoons. Stick with the big brand names for assurance on the trails.

Your tyre pressure is probably fine

We’ve been pretty clear by now. For dirt bike and MX riders, they will adjust their tyre pressures but they are also riding much lighter and on muddy/sandy trails.

ADV riders are so much different. We’re carrying loads and a tyre running off the rim can be deadly. Leave yourself fully inflated initially and then decrease a little while testing the differences in handling. Again – this depends on the bike you have, the terrain you’re in and the gear that you have.