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I guess I am used to the kind of lock that requires a key to be turned on and the key stays in until the bike is turned off. I have the ignition switch in the pic below. Is there an alternative that I can replace it with that requires a key to be in the lock to work?
Coming from a Japanese bike background I also find it odd that Harley keys don't stay in the lock. Several years ago my buddy (with the Harley that I inherited) got to the fuel station after a couple of hours of riding only to realize that he left his key where we overnighted. Fortunately another one of our group (also riding a Harley) had a key that opened the fuel tank cover. That can't happen if you need to keep the key in the lock. Being mindful of where your key is is definitely something to get used to.
Coming from a Japanese bike background I also find it odd that Harley keys don't stay in the lock. Several years ago my buddy (with the Harley that I inherited) got to the fuel station after a couple of hours of riding only to realize that he left his key where we overnighted. Fortunately another one of our group (also riding a Harley) had a key that opened the fuel tank cover. That can't happen if you need to keep the key in the lock. Being mindful of where your key is is definitely something to get used to.
Leaving Key IN on a Dash is a PITA...On a SuperGlide, or Sportster...key cannot come out unless OFF
It does seem to be what you're used to.
Same here - 50 years of non Harleys, always just left the key in the ignition like a car.
I had the same thing happened to me - I got where I was going and I realized I left the keys on the garage bench.
Couldn't turn it off if I wanted to start it again.
Seems really odd at first to put the key in my pocket but like a few other Harley things it's just something you got to get used to, some are better some are worse.
This one I think better just to get used to it then try to change it. Just like the jiffy stand and the right turn signal.
Then one day going over some railroad tracks and losing the keys from my pocket I realized why Harley guys wear that chain on their keys to their belt or belt loop.
It's not really part of the pirate costume, actually serves a purpose.
I now have a chain.
Oh, also - I was told on here just about anything opens the gas tank don't really need the key half of a pen body will do it.
Last edited by Robertbc3141; Feb 14, 2026 at 08:20 PM.
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Ignition lock alternative?
