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How Do I Put a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in Transport Mode?

Jul. 12 2023 News By fpain

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Bikers from all over will soon be headed to Sturgis for the annual motorcycle rally. Many of those bikers will "trailer" their motorcycle to Sturgis and some will find their bike won't start after unloading it.

The reason is pretty simple, the battery died because the bike wasn't in "transport mode".

Believe it or not, but this is more common than you might think. You see, if your H-D motorcycle is equipped with a security system then the sensors will prompt trigger the alarm when it senses it's being moved. You'll know this is happening when you see the blinkers flashing on your bike and after a while it will drain your battery. This can all be avoided, though, by putting your bike in "transport mode". This feature, when engaged, will disable the motion sensors thus preventing your bike from "freaking out" thinking it's being moved without your consent.

Knowing this, you might be asking "how do I put a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in transport mode?". Well, the age of the bike will determine how to engage transport mode.

Touring Models (2014-Present)

  1. With the bike's key fob in range, turn the ignition switch to IGNITION.
  2. Before the security system light turns off, turn the ignition switch back to OFF.
  3. Within 3 seconds of turning switch off, press both the left and right turn signals at the same time.
  4. The turn signals will flash once letting you know the bike is now in transport mode.
  5. Your motorcycle can now be moved without triggering the alarm.

How to Turn Off Transport Mode

With your bike's key fob within range, turn your ignition switch to IGNITION to disarm the security system. Now, you're ready to ride.

Tip: Newer (2019 to present) touring models will display the message "TSPORT MODE ACTIVE" on the odometer window; older (2014-2018) touring models will not display that message.

What about models 2013 and older, can I put them in transport mode?

The answer is yes, but the steps are a bit different than stated above.

Older Touring Models (2013 and older)

  1. With the bike's key fob in range, turn the ignition switch to IGNITION.
  2. Make sure the engine cut off switch is in the OFF position.
  3. Now, turn your ignition switch to ACCESSORY.
  4. Press both the left and right turn signals at the same time.
  5. The turn signals will flash once.
  6. Turn ignition back to the OFF position and the lights will flash again and your motorcycle will now be in transport mode.
  7. Your motorcycle can now be moved without triggering the alarm.

How to disable transport mode

  1. Switch ignition to the on position.
  2. Set engine cut off switch to the run position.
  3. Now, your bike is out of transport mode.

Next time you trailer your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, follow the above steps to avoid the headache of a dead battery.

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