No fob
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,896
From: Bedford UK
On my 2011 bike, the fob is detected once it gets within range of the bike and the symbol in the speedo wakes up. If the steering is unlocked the bike can be then moved with no key in it. Try that without the fob in range and it will squeal like a stuck pig.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 216
From: Davenport, IA
Guys, I'm not sure where you heard this, but I don't believe it's correct.
My last bike was a '14 Super Glide, and the current ride is a '15 RGS, both had security systems and fobs.
For the last three solid years I have kept the fob in the pocket of my jacket, and always toss the jacket over the handlebars or a stool right next to the bike, and leave it there. The fob has been within connection distance for 365 days a year, for three years, except for the few nights I've been on the road. I have never seen a "No Fob" display, ever. I have never had a battery go bad, ever.
Now, it absolutely IS true that if the bike is moving, like if it's in a trailer being moved, and the fob is within connection distance, the bike and fob most definitely will be talking back and forth, and it will kill the bike's battery.
My last bike was a '14 Super Glide, and the current ride is a '15 RGS, both had security systems and fobs.
For the last three solid years I have kept the fob in the pocket of my jacket, and always toss the jacket over the handlebars or a stool right next to the bike, and leave it there. The fob has been within connection distance for 365 days a year, for three years, except for the few nights I've been on the road. I have never seen a "No Fob" display, ever. I have never had a battery go bad, ever.
Now, it absolutely IS true that if the bike is moving, like if it's in a trailer being moved, and the fob is within connection distance, the bike and fob most definitely will be talking back and forth, and it will kill the bike's battery.
I realize that a Harley and a BMW car are two different animals, but because of what happened to my car, when the Harley guy told me not to leave the fob in the glove box, for all the reasons I mentioned above, it made since.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: Fieldale, VA
BTW, this forum is great! Lots of good information and feedback. The next time I ride I am going to try two things differently. First, I am going to use the other FOB (the one I never use), and secondly I am going to turn the ignition switch before moving the bike out of the garage.
I usually just push the bike out without turning on the ignition switch, and the lights flash. And I am no longer keeping the FOB 24/7 in the saddlebag.
I usually just push the bike out without turning on the ignition switch, and the lights flash. And I am no longer keeping the FOB 24/7 in the saddlebag.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 668
From: Rolla
BTW, this forum is great! Lots of good information and feedback. The next time I ride I am going to try two things differently. First, I am going to use the other FOB (the one I never use), and secondly I am going to turn the ignition switch before moving the bike out of the garage.
I usually just push the bike out without turning on the ignition switch, and the lights flash.
And I am no longer keeping the FOB 24/7 in the saddlebag.
I usually just push the bike out without turning on the ignition switch, and the lights flash.
And I am no longer keeping the FOB 24/7 in the saddlebag.
I move mine out of the garage all the time before turning on the ignition.
But I also have the FOB in my pocket.
If your lights start flashing when you move the bike, your bike isn't communicating with the FOB correctly.
Might be as simple as a low FOB battery. Could also be the contacts in the FOB case not making good contact with the battery.
Either way, something isn't right.
If you have a FOB close and the lights still flash when you move your bike, they would still flash if you turn the ignition on.
Try moving your FOB to a different pocket.
Your cell phone might interfere also.
Your security module is just under your seat on the left side of the bike.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: Fieldale, VA
I thought it might be my Iphone 6 interfering. Last time I turned the phone off before placing it in the bag opposite of the one where the FOB was stored. I have changed the batteries in both FOBs, still got the message on Sunday. I am going to put the FOB in my pocket next time to see what happens.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 3,554
From: Idaho
My dealer explained it to me when I picked up my new bike a couple of weeks ago. Maybe he's wrong, but my BMW is the same way. I used to leave the key fob in the car over night while parked in the garage. Within a few months, I started getting low battery indicator. The car was brand new. Took it in and the BMW mechanic told me the same thing the Harley guy did.
I realize that a Harley and a BMW car are two different animals, but because of what happened to my car, when the Harley guy told me not to leave the fob in the glove box, for all the reasons I mentioned above, it made since.
I realize that a Harley and a BMW car are two different animals, but because of what happened to my car, when the Harley guy told me not to leave the fob in the glove box, for all the reasons I mentioned above, it made since.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 216
From: Davenport, IA
Sorry for the confusion.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,055
Likes: 1,942
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by bradn
I stand corrected. I just called my dealership and talked to service. They confirmed that it's ok to leave the fob on the bike. Actually they said when they do winter storage, they always leave the fob and key in the bike all winter.
If you're worried about the FOB, just wrap it in foil if you like it near the bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 341
From: Virginia Beach
I keep a spare battery with me, and this has happened to me but I havent replaced the battery yet. Doesnt happen all the time, dont know why, still not a problem. Carry a spare battery call it good.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: Fieldale, VA
Do you get the "no fob" message on occasion? Me, I have changed the FOB batteries, and also keep a spare set in my bag. The message goes away after it is displayed.