Frustration with a capital "F"
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Frustration with a capital "F"
Good Morning.
It was one of those days, thought the weather was nice, in the mid 70's with a light breeze, not bad for North Dakota. Anyway, I parked my bike on a local street during an Art Festival and was eager to look around. As has happened in the past (and this may be partially a age thing. I am 65 years old and they say the memory is among the 1st things to go) I left the bike and took a walk around the area to look at the vendors and buy some very good bar-b-qued pork. When I got back to the bike, about two hours later, I found that the ignition switch was on and my battery was too low to start the bike. Very frustrating !!!!! I finally found my wife in this large group of people and we picked up her car then went home to get the jumper cables. When I jumped the bike it started up just fine, it will be on the battery minder over night.
Now my point (and yes its about time), Isn't there some way for Harley Davidson to put something on the bikes to remind us that the engine is no longer running and the ignition switch (with all the items they now power) is still on ? I have such a device on the Expidition and my wife has one in her Intrepid so why can't we have one on our bikes ? Does anyone know of a after market buzzer, or what ever, to warn us thay we forgot something (even something that states "Hey Dummy you forgot to turn off the ignition switch !). With the modern Harley systems you turn off the engine with the handle bar mounted switch and in the bright sun light it is easy to forget about the other switch since you don't see the instrument or head lights. Plus with the security systems now days who bothers to lock the ignition switch anymore ?
If anyone has a suggestion, other than park the bike and move into a old peoples home, I would greatly appreciate it.
So, you-all stay safe while up on two wheels and keep the rubber down !!!!!!
It was one of those days, thought the weather was nice, in the mid 70's with a light breeze, not bad for North Dakota. Anyway, I parked my bike on a local street during an Art Festival and was eager to look around. As has happened in the past (and this may be partially a age thing. I am 65 years old and they say the memory is among the 1st things to go) I left the bike and took a walk around the area to look at the vendors and buy some very good bar-b-qued pork. When I got back to the bike, about two hours later, I found that the ignition switch was on and my battery was too low to start the bike. Very frustrating !!!!! I finally found my wife in this large group of people and we picked up her car then went home to get the jumper cables. When I jumped the bike it started up just fine, it will be on the battery minder over night.
Now my point (and yes its about time), Isn't there some way for Harley Davidson to put something on the bikes to remind us that the engine is no longer running and the ignition switch (with all the items they now power) is still on ? I have such a device on the Expidition and my wife has one in her Intrepid so why can't we have one on our bikes ? Does anyone know of a after market buzzer, or what ever, to warn us thay we forgot something (even something that states "Hey Dummy you forgot to turn off the ignition switch !). With the modern Harley systems you turn off the engine with the handle bar mounted switch and in the bright sun light it is easy to forget about the other switch since you don't see the instrument or head lights. Plus with the security systems now days who bothers to lock the ignition switch anymore ?
If anyone has a suggestion, other than park the bike and move into a old peoples home, I would greatly appreciate it.
So, you-all stay safe while up on two wheels and keep the rubber down !!!!!!
Last edited by Bill-FXDF; Jun 14, 2009 at 02:01 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Hampton, VA
The device required to remind you is YOU. I learned this twice and my very smart and lovely wife told me the remedy. Make it part of your routine when shutting down to LOCK the ignition. Yes, I have a CVO with the audio alarm, but the other reason to lock that bad boy up beside killing you battery is the general public. I have seen more than one curious george turn an ignition on a bike. It's like a shiny candy chrome lure and they the barracuda. They can't help their stupid selves.
My routine:
Ignition - OFF
Gloves - OFF
Helmet - OFF
Key - Retrieve
Ignition Switch - LOCK
Fork - LOCK
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
Yes, the fork gets locked too. Make it as hard for Joey Jailbird to steal your ride as you can. Repetition will remind you to do all the steps required to protect your bike from yourself, the punks AND thieves.
My routine:
Ignition - OFF
Gloves - OFF
Helmet - OFF
Key - Retrieve
Ignition Switch - LOCK
Fork - LOCK
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
Yes, the fork gets locked too. Make it as hard for Joey Jailbird to steal your ride as you can. Repetition will remind you to do all the steps required to protect your bike from yourself, the punks AND thieves.
The device required to remind you is YOU. I learned this twice and my very smart and lovely wife told me the remedy. Make it part of your routine when shutting down to LOCK the ignition. Yes, I have a CVO with the audio alarm, but the other reason to lock that bad boy up beside killing you battery is the general public. I have seen more than one curious george turn an ignition on a bike. It's like a shiny candy chrome lure and they the barracuda. They can't help their stupid selves.
My routine:
Ignition - OFF
Gloves - OFF
Helmet - OFF
Key - Retrieve
Ignition Switch - LOCK
Fork - LOCK
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
Yes, the fork gets locked too. Make it as hard for Joey Jailbird to steal your ride as you can. Repetition will remind you to do all the steps required to protect your bike from yourself, the punks AND thieves.
My routine:
Ignition - OFF
Gloves - OFF
Helmet - OFF
Key - Retrieve
Ignition Switch - LOCK
Fork - LOCK
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
Yes, the fork gets locked too. Make it as hard for Joey Jailbird to steal your ride as you can. Repetition will remind you to do all the steps required to protect your bike from yourself, the punks AND thieves.
my routine is
Engine kill switch = OFF_____________________
Ignition = OFF ..............................................\
Ignition Switch = LOCK ....................................All in one motion
Fork = LOCK .................................................. .makes it simpler
Key = Retrieve_____________________________/
Gloves = OFF
Helmet = OFF
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From:
+1 GBeck
my routine is
Engine kill switch = OFF_____________________
Ignition = OFF ..............................................\
Ignition Switch = LOCK ....................................All in one motion
Fork = LOCK .................................................. .makes it simpler
Key = Retrieve_____________________________/
Gloves = OFF
Helmet = OFF
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
my routine is
Engine kill switch = OFF_____________________
Ignition = OFF ..............................................\
Ignition Switch = LOCK ....................................All in one motion
Fork = LOCK .................................................. .makes it simpler
Key = Retrieve_____________________________/
Gloves = OFF
Helmet = OFF
Walk-Around Inspection - Complete
I left the ignition on once and discovered a dead battery on my return.
Now..Just before I leave the bike, I give one final inspection.
Works for me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
well I agree with Bill. the on-board computer should turn the ignition and lights off after a certain delay. But that would be another gadget that could someday mess with us!
So my vote goes with dopeman and g-beck a good shut down routine only takes 30 secs. Mind you I was at my cousins' yesterday and we had to move my bike because of his fresh pavement and he pointed out my lights were still on. I was distracted yesterday and not my usual self!!!
So my vote goes with dopeman and g-beck a good shut down routine only takes 30 secs. Mind you I was at my cousins' yesterday and we had to move my bike because of his fresh pavement and he pointed out my lights were still on. I was distracted yesterday and not my usual self!!!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 25
From: Milan,Tennessee
i agree it would be a nice option..but...where you gonna put it..the bikes are already stuffed...my best bet is a routine like stated above...check your bike before you leave it.....
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Yup, make locking the ignition switch part of your shutting down routine.
You may not have been the one to leave the switch on....
You may not have been the one to leave the switch on....
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