A 26-year-old man who  led police on a chase through Sydney's east early on Saturday morning could face up to 14 years behind bars, a court has heard.

Timmothy John Kenneth Swift, of Lethbridge Park, allegedly broke into two units in Rose Bay just before 3am on Saturday, after manipulating the lock on a glass sliding door. 

While inside, he rifled through drawers, then    took a motorbike, helmet, goggles, gloves, boots and a bag from a locked garage at one of the homes and rode away, court documents say, court documents say.

The owner of one of the units was home at the time of the break and enter.

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The court heard Mr Swift, the sole carer to two young children, refused to stop for police, who chased him through Rose Bay and Bondi before he lost control of the motorbike and was arrested.

He faces five charges, including aggravated entry of a dwelling with intent, possession of a knife in a public place, and failing to stop for police. The most serious charge attracts a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Police prosecutor William Jarboue opposed bail, saying the community had a right to be protected from offences like high-speed police pursuits and break and enter.

But Legal Aid lawyer Tim Dick said his client would be willing to report to police and abide by a curfew if he was released.

Bail was refused. 

Mr Swift will face Central Local Court on December 16.