Disabling Security System
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 518
Likes: 27
From: PA
I bought my '07 used and it came with the security also. You can buy a TSM and remove and replace your TSSM with the TSM. Then you will have no security other than your key. When you want to have security, put the TSSM back in and carry your proximity FOB with you. Very simple process.
I'd say hide the FOB on the bike if it bothers you that much then all you'd have is the key to protect you.
Smitty
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,880
Likes: 33,830
Profesional thieves will not drive your bike away, they load it up and take it, there is nothing in the security system that will prevent it. The occasional dirtbag that would drive it away can be thwarted by simply locking the ignition and forks.
So, what value exactly does the factory security system provide besides being a profit enhancement for HD?
After being stranded with my '09, I had the dealer put the security system in "service mode". No more fob, batteries, convoluted turn signal combination, just unlock and ride, like I've been doing for the last forty years.
So, what value exactly does the factory security system provide besides being a profit enhancement for HD?
After being stranded with my '09, I had the dealer put the security system in "service mode". No more fob, batteries, convoluted turn signal combination, just unlock and ride, like I've been doing for the last forty years.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
One 'funny' aspect. Normally I would park and put a dog 'choke chain' collar through the back wheel. But one day I was late for class and didn't take time to use my 'security' chain. I have always wondered if that was a coincidence, or if it was an example of 'sometimes any deterrent helps'? Did someone check my scooter every day and were thwarted until the day I didn't use that little chain?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 374
From: Daytona
"which I added to mine" Like I said, another HD profit enhancement.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 374
From: Daytona
On the other hand.... Not every thief is a 'professional'. In 9/71, while parked at UNLV, my Kawasaki H1 was stolen even though the ignition, and fork, were locked. I really don't think a couple of guys put it in the back of a pickup trick and drove away. Where it was parked was in an area, outside a classroom and with many students walking by, that no truck except an official university vehicle would enter.
One 'funny' aspect. Normally I would park and put a dog 'choke chain' collar through the back wheel. But one day I was late for class and didn't take time to use my 'security' chain. I have always wondered if that was a coincidence, or if it was an example of 'sometimes any deterrent helps'? Did someone check my scooter every day and were thwarted until the day I didn't use that little chain?
One 'funny' aspect. Normally I would park and put a dog 'choke chain' collar through the back wheel. But one day I was late for class and didn't take time to use my 'security' chain. I have always wondered if that was a coincidence, or if it was an example of 'sometimes any deterrent helps'? Did someone check my scooter every day and were thwarted until the day I didn't use that little chain?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
You would be amazed at how fast four guys with two pipes, one through the front wheel and one through the rear can load a bike into the back of a van and be gone unnoticed. Even a heavy weight like an Electra Glide. A friend of mine had one lifted (literally) in front of the Last Resort in Port Orange Fl. Rt1, heavy traffic, people coming and going from the place.
Even if it is possible, my main point, which you also didn't grasp, was that using a little nothing of a security chain worked on other days.
Nothing is foolproof. A few years ago we had an armored car, transferring money and chips between casinos, stolen here in Vegas. Yet for some foolish reason, casinos and banks still use armored cars. What are they thinking?
Or should we all just give up locking our doors and accept that there is NOTHING we can do to improve our chances of not being ripped off?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
everyone is different. what works for you may not work for others. I personally like having the security system. no it isn't foolproof, but it is just another layer. in your case, a 'casual' thief could easily steal your bike with a pair of channel lock pliers. but, if it makes you feel better, go for it.
Last edited by rjg883c; Jul 22, 2015 at 11:43 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I bought a 07 FXSTC with security in late Aug. 06. The battery lasted seven years (HD says replace every year). I was at a rally. Since I ordered it with security the first thing I did at home was to set my code in it.
When the bike didn't start I just entered my code which takes less than a minute and fired the bike up. Rode home and put a new battery in it. Have about 5 years to go on that one. I did replace the second spare set fob at the same time.
The system works well. I have never heard of it not working. Only gripes from those who don't know how to take care of business properly. Like not writing their code on the card in the owners manual to put in their bill fold or learn how to enter their own code or disarm it when in a trailer.
I'm no tech nerd at 75. I only know how to read an owners manual when I buy something that takes some knowledge of how to take care of it.
When the bike didn't start I just entered my code which takes less than a minute and fired the bike up. Rode home and put a new battery in it. Have about 5 years to go on that one. I did replace the second spare set fob at the same time.
The system works well. I have never heard of it not working. Only gripes from those who don't know how to take care of business properly. Like not writing their code on the card in the owners manual to put in their bill fold or learn how to enter their own code or disarm it when in a trailer.
I'm no tech nerd at 75. I only know how to read an owners manual when I buy something that takes some knowledge of how to take care of it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
I don't understand the connection between the system being on 24/7 and a dead battery. I have a battery tender now, but for decades I sometimes went for weeks without using my scooter and didn't have dead batteries. Perhaps if someone regularly tries to move/start the scooter, but apparently not if it sits unmolested?
Last edited by rjg883c; Jul 22, 2015 at 11:52 PM.