security system
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Joined: Oct 2024
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From: Tucson Arizona/West Kentucky
security system
My 16 RK does not have the factory security system and key FOBs. I think the factory plug in system is 399. Are there any other aftermarket systems out there that anyone is using?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 11,093
From: San Diego, CA
The factory system for $399, is actually quite a deal......
It gives you the security BCM which usually lists for $429.65, two Security FOBs which usually list for $94.95 each, and the security antenna which lists for $21.10.
Of course, you will need to have the dealer flash the new BCM to the ECM, unless you have a friend (or know an independent shop) that has one of the aftermarket tools like the Techno Research Centurion Pro to flash the new BCM...
All the components will plug, play, and work together within the bike's CanBuss & wiring system, after the BCM flash...
I've no experience or knowledge about any aftermarket security systems for Harley bikes. I have 5 HD bikes, all but one has the HD security systems, ranging from 2001 to 2020. They all work well.
FWIW...
I never use the security system on the 2 bikes where I need to activate it (they have Active security systems).
I only care about security on my bagger (passive system, arms automatically) when I'm on a trip and staying at a motel.... Not sure I'd add it if it didn't come with it..
However, I DO keep my insurance current....
Good luck with your security choices...
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 30, 2026 at 05:51 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 202
From: TX
There are aftermarket systems out there, but it depends entirely on what features you want and how you want the system to integrate into your bike.
The Harley systems, as far as I know, will do things like:
1. Automatic engine cutoff if you tip the bike over
2. Disable the ignition if the FOB isn't within proximity
3. Automatically arm if the FOB isn't within proximity
And the system is plug-and-play to boot; you don't have to figure out where you're going to mount modules.
Aftermarket systems, like the Scorpio SRX-900, will offer some things that Harley doesn't but also lack some things that Harley has:
1. Proximity sensor, that can alarm and alert (the latter being an alert on your remote/FOB)
2. Integrated GPS tracker
3. Disables the starter when armed
4. Will not kill the bike if it's tipped
A potential downside to the aftermarket systems is that you have to "splice" into the existing wiring harnesses; it won't be plug and play. How badly you butcher everything is up to you - you may be able to source plugs and connectors so that you're not cutting directly into the factory harness, but it will not be as easy as plugging it in and getting the bike flashed.
Lastly you mentioned price. The Scorpio system can be had for $240 with a remote and the starter disable (without the latter, it's merely an audible alarm - useless and not worth the effort IMO). This gets you a remote with a screen, the alarm module, and a start disable module. If you want security on a budget, that's 60% of the price of the Harley system. If you want it fully optioned out with GPS tracking, proximity sensor, and a two-way remote that tells you when someone's messing with your bike, it'll be $435.
The Harley systems, as far as I know, will do things like:
1. Automatic engine cutoff if you tip the bike over
2. Disable the ignition if the FOB isn't within proximity
3. Automatically arm if the FOB isn't within proximity
And the system is plug-and-play to boot; you don't have to figure out where you're going to mount modules.
Aftermarket systems, like the Scorpio SRX-900, will offer some things that Harley doesn't but also lack some things that Harley has:
1. Proximity sensor, that can alarm and alert (the latter being an alert on your remote/FOB)
2. Integrated GPS tracker
3. Disables the starter when armed
4. Will not kill the bike if it's tipped
A potential downside to the aftermarket systems is that you have to "splice" into the existing wiring harnesses; it won't be plug and play. How badly you butcher everything is up to you - you may be able to source plugs and connectors so that you're not cutting directly into the factory harness, but it will not be as easy as plugging it in and getting the bike flashed.
Lastly you mentioned price. The Scorpio system can be had for $240 with a remote and the starter disable (without the latter, it's merely an audible alarm - useless and not worth the effort IMO). This gets you a remote with a screen, the alarm module, and a start disable module. If you want security on a budget, that's 60% of the price of the Harley system. If you want it fully optioned out with GPS tracking, proximity sensor, and a two-way remote that tells you when someone's messing with your bike, it'll be $435.
Last edited by aharleyrider; Mar 31, 2026 at 09:56 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,705
Likes: 917
From: Southern Virginia
Personally I have liked the cutoff feature when the bike goes down. I have to ride on gravel and grass a lot so it has come in handy a time or two.
If it were me I'd just pony up for the HD unit. Super easy install and no cutting or splicing. When you walk away from the bike it can't be started unless you know the override code. That being said if you live somewhere that you would prefer the proximity sensor I guess that's another deal.
If it were me I'd just pony up for the HD unit. Super easy install and no cutting or splicing. When you walk away from the bike it can't be started unless you know the override code. That being said if you live somewhere that you would prefer the proximity sensor I guess that's another deal.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,817
From: Oklahoma
The switch/fork lock will discourage "joy riders". The professional thieves can take your bike in less than a minute with or without electronic security. We have enough "must work" switches now without adding several more in the daisy chain. I would remove mine if it weren't significantly expensive to replace the BCM and get it programmed. The shop wants half a shop hour to put the system in the maintenance mode, and I don't know if a security component failure will still disable the bike. You can probably tell I would NOT add the system, but I seem to be in a very small minority who despises the security system.
For those who are curious, yes, I have my pin and know how to use it. That is part of what chaps my posterior. The pin is good for a dead battery in the fob, a lost, or damaged fob, BUT if the system itself fails, you become a pedestrian. All of that for a system of questionable value...IMHO.
For those who are curious, yes, I have my pin and know how to use it. That is part of what chaps my posterior. The pin is good for a dead battery in the fob, a lost, or damaged fob, BUT if the system itself fails, you become a pedestrian. All of that for a system of questionable value...IMHO.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,705
Likes: 917
From: Southern Virginia
I think on my touring bikes I have liked the OEM security system because it removed the need for me to lock the forks and even the ignition switch for short stops. Just makes things a little easier for me. I imagine any electronic system can be a bother, but the Harley security system hasn't really bothered me yet.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 11,093
From: San Diego, CA
Personally I have liked the cutoff feature when the bike goes down. I have to ride on gravel and grass a lot so it has come in handy a time or two.
If it were me I'd just pony up for the HD unit. Super easy install and no cutting or splicing. When you walk away from the bike it can't be started unless you know the override code. That being said if you live somewhere that you would prefer the proximity sensor I guess that's another deal.
I believe the Tip Over shut-down feature is on all Harleys from about '01+, whether or not they have security.....
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 1, 2026 at 02:53 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 202
From: TX
The TSSM did this and not every bike came with one - some only came with a regular TSM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 11,093
From: San Diego, CA
You are right, the TSSM does control the turn signals, serve as the bank angle sensor, and adds security & immobilization functions.
However, the TSM also controls turn signals and serves as the bank angle sensor. It just doesn't have security or security immobilization. Security immobilization is not the same as cutting off the fuel in a tip over event. That is handled via the bank angle sensor.
I know that at least starting in 2001, the TSM handled the turn signals AND served as the bank angle sensor.
Here is a page from my Factory Harley 2001 Electrical Diagnostic Manual. For both Softails and Touring bikes (I didn't look at the other volume), it says the same thing.
Its description for the TSM is "control turn signals" and "serve as bank angle sensor".
And here are the features explained....
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 1, 2026 at 08:59 PM.
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