Yes — a 16mm motorcycle security chain is enough for most real-world theft scenarios, provided it is properly hardened, used correctly, and paired with a solid locking point such as a ground anchor.

However, whether it is enough for you depends on how and where your motorcycle is stored, and what level of risk you are protecting against.

Why 16mm chains are so common

A 16mm chain is widely considered the baseline for serious motorcycle security because it strikes a balance between:

• High resistance to bolt cutters
• Meaningful resistance to angle grinders
• Practical weight for regular use
• Acceptance by most motorcycle insurers

Chains below 16mm are typically easier to attack, while thicker chains (19mm–22mm) trade portability for increased resistance.

How secure is a 16mm chain against theft tools?

Against Bolt Cutters

A properly hardened 16mm chain is effectively bolt-cutter resistant. Manual bolt cutters simply cannot generate enough force to cut through links of this thickness and hardness.

For many real-world thefts, this alone is enough to deter an attack.

Against Angle Grinders

Angle grinders can cut a 16mm chain, but not quickly or discreetly.

Cutting typically requires:

• Multiple cuts
• Quality cutting discs
• Time, noise, and visible sparks

This makes a 16mm chain a strong deterrent against opportunistic theft, especially in public or semi-public locations.

When a 16mm chain is enough

A 16mm motorcycle chain is usually sufficient if:

• You are locking your bike at home with a ground anchor
• The chain is kept off the ground and tightly positioned
• The bike is stored in a garage, shed, or driveway
• You want a chain that is portable but still highly secure
• Your insurer requires a recognised security standard

For most riders, this represents the best balance of security and usability.

When you might want more than 16mm

You may want to consider a 19mm or thicker chain if:

• Your motorcycle is parked overnight in high-risk urban areas
• The bike is particularly valuable or frequently targeted
• The chain is for permanent home use, where weight is not an issue
• You want to maximise delay against angle-grinder attacks

Thicker chains do not make a bike theft-proof, but they increase attack time and risk for the thief.

Correct use matters as much as thickness

Even the best 16mm chain can be compromised if used poorly. For best results:

• Anchor the chain to a fixed object or ground anchor so the bike can't be lifted away
• Avoid leaving excess slack or resting the chain on the ground
• Lock through the frame or rear wheel, not just a front wheel
• Combine with a secondary lock if risk is higher

Verdict: Is a 16mm motorcycle chain enough?

For most riders, yes.

A high-quality 16mm motorcycle chain offers strong protection against common theft methods while remaining practical for daily use. It is often the most sensible choice for riders who want serious security without the extreme weight and cost of thicker chains.

If you are securing a bike in higher-risk conditions, stepping up to a thicker chain may be worthwhile — but a correctly used 16mm chain is already a very strong foundation.