Hello all, I have gone to two different HD stores and ask about this question and have different answers.
My question was: If I leave the key fob next to my bike, does it help to preserve the bikes battery?

My bike is in a very secure place and nothing to worry about getting it stolen. My biggest worry is the bikes battery from being drained by its factory built security system.

Anyone are welcome to chime in.

 

when you turn on the bike ( a change in the electrical state) or it senses a shock ...the alarm sends out looking for the fob.

if the fob is not present or not recognized, the lights flash and the siren ( if applicable) sounds.

if you are in an earthquake zone and worry about the alarm going off constantly....put the alarm in transport mode.


Mike

 

There is more than the security system making small constant draws on the battery. Best bet is to put a maintainer on the battery or disconnect it/pull the big fuse. Batteries have a constant rate of self discharge even if they are disconnected from everything, so even that will not guaranty a quick start after long storage.

 

If your bike is parked and not moved, it really doesn't make any difference if the FOB is with it or not.

The factory alarm "arms" itself about 5 seconds after shutting the bike off.
You will see the little red light blinking in the speedometer.

 

My answer is it will not help preserve the battery. Once the ignition is turned off, the security will arm automatically, whether or not the fob is in range, as noticed by the turn signals blinking a couple times and the red security light blinking constantly. The security will disarm when the ignition is turned on (or to ACC) and the fob is in range.

Ooops, RollaMo beat me to it.

 

I concur with these gentlemen.

Best way to preserve the battery is to ride it.... and put it on a tender when it is going to be parked for an extended period of time.

 

If you read the owners Manuel it tells you to put a battery maintainer if you don't plan on riding within 2 weeks. When I bought my street glide last year the tech told me the same thing. But make sure the tender maintains less than 800 ma. Or it could over charge the battery..the alarm does put a drain on the battery.
I don't think keeping fob near will stop the alarm from draining the battery because the alarm sets within about 15 sec of turning the key off, the signal lights flash 2 times.

 

I can't specifically answer your question, however for each of the last 3 years I have taken a month long vacation. Bike in storage shed, no battery tender. Key fob in bedroom. Upon return bike started no problem.

 

Really? Put it on a battery tender. It will extend the life of your battery, and save some aggravation.

 

Use a tender. Rule of thumb however is to never use a tender capable of supply more than 10 percent of the battery's total current. i.e. A 10 amp battery should be float charged with no more than a 1 amp charger. This prevents overcharging and stressing the battery. A float charge is a charge that maintains the battery in a topped up condition. Your Fob on the other hand is continuously drawing current in short pulses whether near your bike or not. You should change fob batteries yearly to avoid surprises.