Dont leave the key in the Ignition!!

[lee]

I got a Sportster key on mine, solid as a rock - not sure if you can use them if you have an EHC though.

 

[Eric]

well not sure on the years, this is the info i got from the dealer, I inquired about the key falling out after reading the thread about the keys comming out, I was told the newer models wouldnt do it, I tried mine, key wount come out while in the on position, atleast for now.. i always try to clip mine to the spark plug wire anyway..

 

[Bmarchant]

I got a tell ya, for me, I like the fact that I put the bike key on my main key ring, turn the bike on, and put my keys back in my pocket. Getting it through to the guy working on the bike was what got me in trouble. The D-ring attached to the spark plug is a great idea, and I'll be using that any time I have to leave it where someone else needs to test ride the bike after working on it.

 

[BadBrad]

I just tried my '05 pit and the wife's
03 Mastiff. When the key is on, neither will come out of the ignition. WTF

 

[Gas Man]

Dont bank on that

Alot of us use the big dog d ring set up i think they call it a carribeaner or something just hook it to your rear spark plug wire

 

[chihuasbigdog]

when I went to my buddys Dakotabos town, and saw that he has this carabiner keychain that locks in the spark plug wire, i asked and he told me why....
going back home I bought one. My key doesnt fall but if it does, IM PREPARED TO THE SHIT!!!

ps. i ve put again the shitty stickers cause im selling the bike!!!!

 

[BadBrad]

Now I have to ask. All those threads I read where the first diagnosis to many problems came the question, "Do you have shit hanging from your key"? So, how is this any different? If a couple of keys hanging screws up the key switch, ignition or whatever it is that you guys have experienced, will hanging a steel collar latch do the same thing?

 

[stlmikie]

Good fuckn question Bradley! I had an 88 Trans Am that I could pull the key out of. If you can pull you key out of any of these ignitions it is because of wear. None of these bike ignitions were designed to do so. Just to clear that up for those who thought that they were supposed to be that way.

Now I have to ask. All those threads I read where the first diagnosis to many problems came the question, "Do you have shit hanging from your key"? So, how is this any different? If a couple of keys hanging screws up the key switch, ignition or whatever it is that you guys have experienced, will hanging a steel collar latch do the same thing?

 

[linkoln]

Good fuckn question Bradley! I had an 88 Trans Am that I could pull the key out of. If you can pull you key out of any of these ignitions it is because of wear. None of these bike ignitions were designed to do so. Just to clear that up for those who thought that they were supposed to be that way.

i stand by you, on my 95 cougar i could pull the key out while it was on, loved it. could leave the car running and door lock and unlock it with the key...

 

[Gas Man]

The difference is that this really isn't putting any downward force on the key. Its not hanging off the key its just strappin the key to the plug wire in case it falls out.

Trust me, we have been doing this for 3 yrs and it saves your ass!

 

[Eric]

hay gas wounder if bdm has thought of the key fob like a HD, then you wouldnt need to put a key in it, my softail & sg both have them its way cool, I'm sure there are after market ones you could use, but bet it would fuck with the ehc..

 

[Gas Man]

There is an aftermarket system... I think its called Bulldog system. You can run that on the BDM to get the same results as the stock HD security.

 

[BadBrad]

I can see where losing your key would screw up your day. I still have not heard why keys hanging from your main key would cause problems, just that it happens and apparently it's not an isolated issue. The collar latch hanging off the key and clipped to the plug wire looks like it would do about the same thing, but I'm too new to this site to say. Has anyone experienced problems with this? :argue: What would hanging keys do to our dogs and why? Just trying to better understand all this. I'll be next, garuenteed!

 

[Whistler]

Simpliest fix I've found that works is take an 8" piece of heavy cord or small nylon braided cord, say 1/16" OD or so, and tie the ends to make a loop. Make a loop through the key hole and then loop the other end around the rear spark plug wire before inserting the key into the start switch. This works for me and doesn't add weight or extra mass to the key where vibration problems can result.

"As an engineer, I'm always looking for the low cost solution"

:flag::flag::flag:

 

[BBChopper]

Dude know one listens anymore especially service centers they all know more than us!!! Glad they found it!!!:2thumbs:

 

[KnotSo]

Most Excellent Tip

:choppersmiley::choppersmiley:

 

[Mr. Wright]

I bolted a loop on the back of the coil cover, and put a clip on the key.

 

[HMAN]

Carabiner keychain works well for me.

 

[alxdamon]

:iagree:Carabiner keychain works for me also

 

[liferider]

Here is what you do! I have the same problem. Go to Flea Bay (eBay) they have airplane remove before flight ribbon. There about 24" long. Put your bigdog key on that! And remind the mechanic to read the damn ribbon! My mechanic laughs everytime he sees me roll that key up in the ribbon and stuff it into my pocket when I arrive at steak night