Yes, the Xena disk lock is loud. I set mine off in the car park to see how much attention it would draw. Even on a dull and damp day in Matlock, people looked. Had I been stealing the bike I wasn’t going to get away with it unnoticed.
Officially – I do love marketing department speak – this is the Xena XX15 Disk Lock Alarm from their Lock and Loud range.
Machined from a single block of 304 stainless-steel, the XX15 along with the XX14 and XX10 models, all have locking pins reinforced with saw-resistant carbon inserts, and all have 120dB, shock and motion-triggered alarms.
You have the choice between the standard version and Bluetooth version, the later having the normal “App” to go with it.
Having triggered the disk lock alarm several times while fitting the internal battery, I’m glad I have the Bluetooth version – I can’t least turn the alarm off through the App, while I mess about.
Why do I want one?
As standard, the KTM comes with a steering lock and an immobiliser. I’ve upgraded the immobiliser by adding a Thatcham Class 1 alarm that the KTM is pre-wired for.
The unit plugs in under the rear seat cowling. Fit the seat switch, and you are good to go.
I also have an Oxford Hardcore XL and Thatcham class 1 padlock to further secure the bike when needed.
So, if I already have all of this, why do I need a Xena Disk Lock?
The chain is too cumbersome for ad-hoc use, and without it, the only visible indication that the bike is protected is the same small flashing light that the immobiliser uses.
The Thatcham alarm wails like a banshee when triggered, but that means someone is already trying to appropriate my motorcycle.
Along with being more convenient than the padlock and chain and weighing a lot less, the Xena disk lock is a visible statement of my intent. It sends the message that I love my motorcycle, and I am making it difficult for you to steal.
Fact and Figures
Bennetts, the motorcycle insurance specialist, studied theft data and concluded that a motorcycle fitted with a disk lock or another visible theft deterrent was three times LESS likely to be stolen.
If I am parking overnight, out in the open, I’d be using the padlock and Oxford Hardcore XL chain to secure my KTM to something immense, and for added protection, I would still fit the Xena.
This, according to Bennetts, would make my motorcycle around 10 times LESS likely to be stolen.
The Xena XX15 fits neatly under my seat and doesn’t rattle around. Quick and easy to install and a visible deterrent to any low life wandering about. Which to answer my earlier question is why I want one.
Forgetting it’s there
Even at a walking pace, the disk lock turning with the wheel is likely to put some serious scratches on the forks or the brake callipers.
There is no point having a disk lock if it doesn’t stop the wheel from rotating and this is why I wanted an alarmed Xena disk lock rather than a silent one.
The alarm in the Xena is triggered by motion or shock – although I’m not sure I understand the difference. If I forget to remove the Xena disk lock, as soon as I release the steering lock and move the bars, the Xena alarm will go off, reminding me of my forgetfulness.
Personally, though, I’m still going to use one of those stretchy laniards, that you loop over your throttle as a reminder. It doesn’t take much for me to be forgetful.
Bluetooth or Vanilla?
The XX15 Xena disk lock comes in two flavours, Bluetooth or standard. Physically there is no difference between then.
With the Bluetooth version, you can control the motion and shock sensors’ sensitivity through the free App. Very useful if you live in an area with heavy vehicles rumbling past regularly.
Other settings controlled through the APP include lowering the alarm’s volume, although I can’t think why you would want to and changing how long the alarm will sound.
But perhaps the most important feature the App and Bluetooth version offers is the ability to turn the alarm off, which isn’t as daft as it sounds.
I keep the Xena turned off until I fit it to the bike and then I power it on.
To save my self the embarrassment of the alarm sounding while I’m taking the Xena off the disk, I turn it off through the App, and then remove it.
I’m not sure this does anything to improve the battery life. As standard it will last at least six or seven months, and even if the battery is flat it is still a solid and secure disk lock.
Freezing, Lock Picks and Brute Force
There isn’t a lock or chain combination available that can’t be beaten. Some are easier than others, and the more of a fight the chain or lock puts up the better it is.
The one thing you want from the lock is time. The longer the thief has to spend fighting the security on the bike, the greater the chance of them getting caught in the act.
Thieves know what works on common lock types and the Xena Disk Lock has a 14mm carbide-reinforced double-locking pin to ensure any attack by angle grinder is a lengthy affair.
The lock and the casing are not susceptible to freeze attack and the lock has been specifically designed to make it difficult to pick.
Bottom Line
The Xena disk locks are available in a variety of sizes. I chose the biggest pin size simply because it will take longer to cut through.
The number after the XX denotes the width of the pin. Hence the XX6 has a 6mm pin – XX10, 10mm and so on to the XX15 which has a 14mm (yes 14).
If you are wondering which of the disk locks works with your motorcycle, Xena has a compatibility tool on their website.
Prices for Xena Disk Locks start at £55 for the XX6 standard and go to £110 for the XX15 Bluetooth. They are worth every penny. Put simply – quality costs.
Any disk lock will reduce the chances of your motorcycle being stolen, but if you are going to invest in a disk lock, then make a statement and give the scum of society a reason to leave your bike alone.
Clarity
Over the years, we have been asked to review several disk locks. This is the first one we thought was worth talking about in any detail. We were sent the Xena XX15 to review and did so in accordance with our Product Testing Philosophy.
