Key fobs offer a convenient way to start modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles, communicating wirelessly with the bike’s security system when in range. This eliminates the need for a traditional key, streamlining the ignition process. Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security System is designed to automatically disarm when the fob is nearby, allowing for a seamless start.
However, losing or misplacing your key fob doesn’t mean you’re stranded. Your Harley-Davidson can still be started by manually disarming the security system using a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN is initially provided on a small plastic tag accompanying your key fob. Keeping this PIN accessible is crucial for those moments when the key fob is unavailable. If you’ve lost your PIN or can’t recall it, contacting your local Harley-Davidson dealership is the best course of action for assistance. Alternatively, for future convenience, you have the option to personalize your PIN to something more memorable, and instructions for this are provided further below.
If you have your PIN readily available, follow these steps to manually disarm your Harley-Davidson’s security system and start your motorcycle without the key fob:
- Turn Ignition ON: Switch your Harley-Davidson ignition switch to the IGNITION position.
- Initiate PIN Entry Mode: Immediately press and hold both the left and right turn signal buttons simultaneously. Continue holding until five dashes “—–” appear in the odometer window. This indicates that the system is ready for PIN input.
- Enter First Digit: Use the left turn signal button to input the first digit of your PIN. Press the left turn signal button the number of times corresponding to the first digit of your PIN. For example, for the digit ‘3’, press the left turn signal button three times.
- Advance to Second Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once. This action confirms the first digit and moves the system to accept the second digit of your PIN.
- Enter Second Digit: Again, use the left turn signal button to select the second digit of your PIN by pressing it the required number of times.
- Advance to Third Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once to proceed to the next digit.
- Enter Third Digit: Use the left turn signal button to enter the third digit of your PIN.
- Advance to Fourth Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once.
- Enter Fourth Digit: Use the left turn signal to select the fourth digit.
- Advance to Fifth Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once.
- Enter Fifth Digit: Use the left turn signal button to enter the final, fifth digit of your PIN.
- Disarm Security System: Finally, press the right turn signal switch one last time. If the correct PIN has been entered, the security system will disarm, and you can start your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Remember, when entering your PIN, the left turn signal button is used to select the digit, and the right turn signal button is used to confirm the digit and move to the next position.
For enhanced convenience, especially in situations where remembering the factory-set PIN is challenging, Harley-Davidson allows you to personalize your motorcycle’s PIN. Changing your PIN to a more memorable sequence can simplify the process of starting your bike without the key fob in the future. Here’s how to set a new, personalized PIN code for your Harley-Davidson:
- Choose a New 5-Digit PIN: Decide on a new five-digit PIN code. Keep in mind that each digit must be between 1 and 9.
- Enter Programming Mode: With your key fob within range of the motorcycle, cycle the ignition switch in the following sequence: ON – OFF – ON – OFF – ON.
- Initiate PIN Change Sequence: Press the left turn signal button two times consecutively.
- Confirm and Enter Current PIN Mode: Press and release the right turn signal button once. At this point, both turn signals should flash three times, and the current 5-digit PIN code will appear in the odometer window, with the first digit blinking.
- Enter New First Digit: Using the left turn signal button, select the first digit of your NEW PIN by pressing it the necessary number of times.
- Save New First Digit and Advance: Press and release the right turn signal button once. The new first digit will replace the old digit in the odometer, and the system will move to the next digit position.
- Enter Remaining Digits: Repeat the process for the remaining four digits of your new PIN. For each digit, use the left turn signal button to select the digit and the right turn signal button to save and advance.
- Complete PIN Change: After entering all five digits of your new PIN, press the right turn signal button one final time to finalize the change and disarm the security system. The odometer display will revert to showing the mileage.
- Set New PIN: Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Your new PIN code is now set and ready for use.
While knowing how to start your Harley-Davidson without a key fob using the PIN is a valuable skill, keeping your key fob secure and readily available is always recommended for everyday use. However, in emergencies or when the fob is misplaced, this method ensures you can still enjoy your ride. If you continue to experience issues or prefer a more permanent solution to a lost key fob, your local Harley-Davidson dealership can provide further assistance, including key fob replacement and more advanced troubleshooting. And if you’re considering an upgrade, feel free to explore the latest models at your dealership.
