I like not riding with the key, but ...

bobhamlin · 03-23-2009, 01:11 PM

Take all your torque, engine size, dyno runs and that other stuff.

One of the coolest features of the Nomad is the ability to turn the bike on, then remove the key. Coming from the Classic world where the key stayed in the ignition if you wanted to ride, this is great.

Somehow, I discovered (or may have read it), that if you don't rotate the key slot all the way to the left when turning off the bike, you don't need a key to turn it back on. Even gooder!!

Other than risking getting the bike stolen by not turning the dial all the way to the left, is there any downside to leaving the ignition in this half-poised, keyless start-up state?

cactusjack · 03-23-2009, 01:23 PM

I leave my ignition in the "unlocked, but not on" position when I am near the bike, like at a gas station, etc. I would not intentionally leave the immediate vicinity without the ignition in the locked position.

strobe · 03-23-2009, 01:27 PM

being able to remove the key is a great thing. Keeps the entire key are looking brand new. Did not know about not rotating it all the way, that is a cool trick.

dank · 03-23-2009, 01:28 PM

You have to be careful to remember to to turn it to "off" when you are done riding so the headlight turns off, or you end up at 4:00 am with a dead battery when you really need to be on your way to work, and push starting these things is near impossible.

Scoot · 03-23-2009, 01:31 PM

I don't think anyone that doesn't see a key will think the bike will start without first turning a KEY on. lol I know I wouldn't

Scoot · 03-23-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dank

You have to be careful to remember to to turn it to "off" when you are done riding so the headlight turns off, or you end up at 4:00 am with a dead battery when you really need to be on your way to work, and push starting these things is near impossible.

LOL I can push start mine.....I have the Judge Washers

dogdoc · 03-23-2009, 02:07 PM

I have used the half off mode w/o key since the bike was new. works great and I always use that mode unless leaving the bike and going inside shopping or something, then i turn it all off. it wont run down your battery in the half off mode either.

mikesth · 03-23-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc (Lonewolf)

I have used the half off mode w/o key since the bike was new. works great and I always use that mode unless leaving the bike and going inside shopping or something, then i turn it all off. it wont run down your battery in the half off mode either.

+1

faxxxy · 03-23-2009, 04:42 PM

Is this a mod, or does it only work on the 1600s?

I tried it and it doesn't seem to work on mine.. :-[

bobhamlin · 03-23-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faxxxy

Is this a mod, or does it only work on the 1600s?

I tried it and it doesn't seem to work on mine.. :-[

Mine's definitely not a mod. From the normal running position, I turn it counterclockwise until the lights go out.

prestaged · 03-23-2009, 07:16 PM

This is too cool. I had no idea I could turn the switch off "half way" and not worry about the key. Thanks!

kpmhspirit · 03-23-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faxxxy

Is this a mod, or does it only work on the 1600s?

I tried it and it doesn't seem to work on mine.. :-[

Works fine on mine. No mods needed.

Pete

faxxxy · 03-23-2009, 08:49 PM

Maybe I am misunderstanding or doing something wrong...

You guys start your bikes then remove the key while it's running?
Do the lights go off?

strobe · 03-23-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faxxxy

Maybe I am misunderstanding or doing something wrong...

You guys start your bikes then remove the key while it's running?
Do the lights go off?

Start the bike, the key is removed while the bike is running then rotate the ignition switch counter clock wise to about 1/2 way to the off position (until the lights go off). You can then turn the back back on with no key. That is how mine works anyway...

Yellow Jacket · 03-23-2009, 09:49 PM

It's a feature of the 1600's. No bouncing around key chain to scratch the chrome!

03-23-2009, 01:11 PM	#1
bobhamlin Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Thurmont MD Posts: 760	I like not riding with the key, but ... Take all your torque, engine size, dyno runs and that other stuff. One of the coolest features of the Nomad is the ability to turn the bike on, then remove the key. Coming from the Classic world where the key stayed in the ignition if you wanted to ride, this is great. Somehow, I discovered (or may have read it), that if you don't rotate the key slot all the way to the left when turning off the bike, you don't need a key to turn it back on. Even gooder!! Other than risking getting the bike stolen by not turning the dial all the way to the left, is there any downside to leaving the ignition in this half-poised, keyless start-up state? __________________ Bob Hamlin RC PGR '06 VN1600D6F Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-23-2009, 01:23 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I like not riding with the key, but ... I leave my ignition in the "unlocked, but not on" position when I am near the bike, like at a gas station, etc. I would not intentionally leave the immediate vicinity without the ignition in the locked position. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

03-23-2009, 01:27 PM	#3
strobe Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,200	I like not riding with the key, but ... being able to remove the key is a great thing. Keeps the entire key are looking brand new. Did not know about not rotating it all the way, that is a cool trick. __________________ Cory 2013 Honda GL1800 Goldwing 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 (for sale) 2007 Honda ST1300 (sold) 2005 Kawasaki Nomad (sold) 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa (sold) http://www.strobel.ws VBA #01021 VROC #29389
	0

03-23-2009, 01:28 PM	#4
dank Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,595	I like not riding with the key, but ... You have to be careful to remember to to turn it to "off" when you are done riding so the headlight turns off, or you end up at 4:00 am with a dead battery when you really need to be on your way to work, and push starting these things is near impossible. __________________ Dan K Member #100 2009 ST1300: Performance exceeding even Victory riders' boasts.
	0

03-23-2009, 01:31 PM	#5
Scoot Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Selma, Alabama Posts: 878	I like not riding with the key, but ... I don't think anyone that doesn't see a key will think the bike will start without first turning a KEY on. lol I know I wouldn't __________________ 2002 1500 VBA #00077 _____________________ 2013 Ultra Classic (Pearl White) Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-23-2009, 02:07 PM	#7
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	I like not riding with the key, but ... I have used the half off mode w/o key since the bike was new. works great and I always use that mode unless leaving the bike and going inside shopping or something, then i turn it all off. it wont run down your battery in the half off mode either.
	0

03-23-2009, 04:42 PM	#9
faxxxy Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bentonville, Home of Wal-Mart Posts: 142	I like not riding with the key, but ... Is this a mod, or does it only work on the 1600s? I tried it and it doesn't seem to work on mine.. :-[
	0

03-23-2009, 07:16 PM	#11
prestaged Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2	I like not riding with the key, but ... This is too cool. I had no idea I could turn the switch off "half way" and not worry about the key. Thanks!
	0

03-23-2009, 08:49 PM	#13
faxxxy Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bentonville, Home of Wal-Mart Posts: 142	I like not riding with the key, but ... Maybe I am misunderstanding or doing something wrong... You guys start your bikes then remove the key while it's running? Do the lights go off?
	0

03-23-2009, 09:49 PM	#15
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	I like not riding with the key, but ... It's a feature of the 1600's. No bouncing around key chain to scratch the chrome! __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
	0

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