CW Review
Cycle World Magazine [CW's Homepage]
OCTOBER 2007

POP QUIZ: What do brake calipers and disc locks have in common?

Answer: They both straddle a brake rotor. One pinches the rotor to slow the bike, the other inserts a pin through it to deter theft. Kinda makes you wonder why no one has consolidated both functions into one unit.

Actually, someone has. Hawg Halters Inc. (HHI),, aftermarket provider of wheel and brake components for Harley-Davidsons, has come up with the RoadLoK Caliper, a front brake caliper and disc lock all in one. The keyed lock and hardened stainless-steel locking pin are so nicely integrated into the beautifully chrome-plated (polished and anodized black also available) four-piston billet caliper that they're barely noticeable.

To lock the caliper, turn the key, pull out a plug that keeps the lock bore clean while the bike is being ridden, and install the locking pin. The pin is spring-loaded so if it doesn't immediately drop into one of the rotor's holes, rolling the bike a few inches on way or the other allows it to do so.

Bolting a RoadLoK onto a 2006 Softail Deluxe took us less than 15 minutes, and we quickly appreciated its convenience (you don't have to carry anything while riding besides the small locking pin) and ease of use. There is very little freeplay between the pin and rotor hole, making it almost impossible to ride away with the pin in place; the bike simply doesn't want to move. As a bonus, the caliper and its sintered brake pads delivered noticeably better braking than the stockers. Now, that's a win-win no matter how you lock-uh, make that look-at it.

-CW

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Eric's Commentary
to Web Visitors and Customers:

First, I'd like to thank the team at Cycle World for taking time to review our RoadLoK® HD2™! Obviously, we are quite pleased with the editor's analysis.

We submitted the HD2 to Cycle World early this year, and there are a few points I feel we should clarify for you: One major point I'd like to make is that although HHI manufactures the HD2 and HD3, they are not the creators of the RoadLoK motorcycle locking system. Mark Thompson—HHI's President—is, however, the design and engineering guru behind the HD2's and HD3's amazing fit-and-finish! That chrome sure does shine too!

We began the HD2/HD3 project with Mark et al in September 2006; we've come a long way with this product line! The HD3 is stock equipment on several low to mid-volume custom motorcycle manufacturers, and we've even got an HD2 in the hands of the United States Patent and Trademark Museum. How's that for some down-home boys?

Back to the commentary, CW reported that the rider needs to "remove a plug" before inserting the lock pin. This is true, however it's completely optional! The "plug" is actually our DressPlug™, a pin-less version of the BrakeBolt™ used to seal the bore while the rider is, well, riding. Use of the DressPlug is, again, completely optional. We've designed the RoadLoK to be operated with one-hand. You don't need to use the key to 'lock' the bike, you need the key only to 'unlock' the bike.  ››See HOW IT WORKS for more.

The major point missing from this write-up is the fact that although "...the bike simply doesn't want to move..." it will only stall the bike if you proceed to let-out the clutch. I think the guys at CW didn't want to stall the test bike. Whoever owns the 2006 Softail® they installed the HD2 on will undoubtedly forget to unlock it before trying to ride someday, but we'll never hear about it because it will only stall the bike and not damage it.

Again, there is no way for the rider to damage the bike or themselves with our locking system. If this point is still lost on you please call us immediately! One of our friendly reps will explain it better than we can write it!

Again, we'd like to thank the crew at CW! We've already addressed the down ratings by making a less-costly bracket-version (RoadLoK Defender) which also fits 2006+ V-Rods and the new 2008 models!

-Eric X
Co-Founder & CEO

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