How to Start Your Harley-Davidson Without a Key Fob

Modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles offer the convenience of keyless ignition thanks to the key fob system. These fobs communicate with your bike’s sophisticated security system, allowing for easy, key-free starts when you’re within range. However, losing or misplacing your key fob doesn’t mean you’re stranded. Your Harley is equipped with a backup system that allows you to start your motorcycle using a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

This guide will walk you through the steps to start your Harley-Davidson without a key fob by utilizing your motorcycle’s PIN. We’ll also cover how to personalize your PIN for easier recall in the future.

Accessing Your Harley-Davidson PIN

Your Harley-Davidson motorcycle comes with a unique five-digit PIN. This crucial code is initially provided on a small plastic tag attached to your keys and key fob at the time of purchase. It’s highly recommended to store this PIN in a safe and easily accessible place, separate from your motorcycle and key fob. If you’ve misplaced your PIN tag, you’ll need to contact your local Harley-Davidson dealership. They can assist you in retrieving your PIN, ensuring you’re never locked out from riding.

Starting Your Harley-Davidson with the PIN: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have your PIN, starting your Harley without the key fob is a straightforward process involving your motorcycle’s turn signals and ignition. Here’s how to disarm the security system and start your bike:

1. Ignition Activation: Turn your Harley-Davidson’s ignition switch to the “IGNITION” position.
2. Enter PIN Mode: Immediately after turning the ignition on, press and hold both the left and right turn signal buttons simultaneously. Continue holding until five dashes “— — — — —” appear in your odometer window. This indicates you’ve entered the PIN entry mode.
3. Enter the First Digit: Use the left turn signal button to input the first digit of your PIN. Press the left turn signal button repeatedly until the correct first digit appears in the odometer. Each press increments the number.
4. Move to the Next Digit: Once the first digit is correctly displayed, press the right turn signal button once. This action confirms the digit and moves you to the next digit entry position.
5. Repeat for Remaining Digits: Continue this process for the remaining four digits of your PIN. For each digit:
   • Use the left turn signal button to select the correct number.
   • Use the right turn signal button to advance to the next digit.
6. Security System Disarm: After entering all five digits and pressing the right turn signal button after the fifth digit, the security system will disarm. You should now be able to start your Harley-Davidson motorcycle as usual.

By following these steps, you can effectively bypass the key fob requirement and start your Harley using just your PIN. Remember to be patient and precise when entering the PIN to ensure successful disarming of the security system.

Personalizing Your Harley-Davidson PIN Code

For enhanced convenience and memorability, you have the option to personalize your Harley-Davidson PIN code. Choose a five-digit PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Each digit in the PIN can be any number from 1 to 9. Here’s how to change your PIN:

1. Key Fob Proximity: Ensure your Harley-Davidson key fob is within range of the motorcycle.
2. Ignition Sequence: Turn the ignition switch to the following sequence: ON – OFF – ON – OFF – ON.
3. Initiate PIN Change Mode: Press the left turn signal button twice.
4. Confirm Entry: Press and release the right turn signal button once. At this point, both turn signals should flash three times, and your current PIN code will appear in the odometer window with the first digit blinking.
5. Enter New First Digit: Using the left turn signal button, enter the first digit of your new PIN by pressing it until the desired digit appears.
6. Move to Next Digit: Press and release the right turn signal button once. The new first digit will replace the old one, and the display will move to the next digit position.
7. Repeat for New PIN Digits: Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining four digits of your new PIN.
8. Final Confirmation: After entering all five digits of your new PIN, press the right turn signal button one last time. This will turn off the security system alarm, and the odometer display will return to the standard mileage reading.
9. Set New PIN: Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Your new PIN code is now set and ready to use.

Changing your PIN to something more memorable can be a significant convenience, especially in situations where you might need to start your Harley-Davidson without the key fob. Just be sure to choose a PIN that balances ease of remembering with security.

Knowing how to start your Harley-Davidson without a key fob using your PIN is a valuable skill for any Harley owner. Whether you’ve simply misplaced your fob or are dealing with a malfunction, this method ensures you can still enjoy the ride. And with the ability to personalize your PIN, managing your motorcycle’s security system becomes even more user-friendly.