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

[bobhamlin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[kpmhspirit]

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]

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]

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]

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

[ruruson1]

I've been doing it for a couple of years on my 06 and no problem yet. I will tell you that you can get in the habit of it and forget to lock the ignition fairly easy when you walk away from the bike. . :-/

[tylerai]

I have done this with my 08 since I first got it. No problems except that one time when I didn't turn the switch back far enough to kill the headlight. You cannot push start this bike. lol

[nomadliz]

Just turn the key to the on position and pull out the key before you even try to start it.

[Blue Rebel]

I like to take the key out once the bike is started, as Bob mentions, the chain or key won't bounce around and scratch the chrome.

I never really tried to turn it only half way. I just turn it all the way off, so I don't forget. I'd be afraid of someone running off with it.

[dantama]

I just use the key, but I only have the key. No key chain or other keys, just the single key. It is a cool feature though.

I hated starting the 1500 up and then needing to put something in the bags and having to turn the engine back off to get in the bag. I've had plenty of times where I decided to change gloves or something and was glad that I could just pull the key and use it while leaving the motor running.

[damark115]

Faxxy, it only works I believe on the 1600. No dice on my bike either.

[mac]

Most of the time I never use a key to start it either as I just turned it 1/2 way off and not all the way to the lock position. When I do need to use my key, I only use it to turn it on then pull the key out before starting.

With the lock mod to the hard bags, I can unlock and pull the key out of the bags as well, only worrying about locking them if I'm leaving my bike outside unattended (same with the ingnition).

I love that feature!

[Jared]

I also wasn't aware of the half on/off position. I'll have to give it a try next time I go out.

[Blue Rebel]

I just use the key, but I only have the key. No key chain or other keys, just the single key. It is a cool feature though.

I hated starting the 1500 up and then needing to put something in the bags and having to turn the engine back off to get in the bag. I've had plenty of times where I decided to change gloves or something and was glad that I could just pull the key and use it while leaving the motor running.

Just don't forget to take the key back out of the bags after locking them.

[nomad561]

Since I read about it here,I have been removing the key.Before that,I just didn't have a keychain attached.It has been almost a year since I started turning the ignition half off and I haven't had any problems.

[dandolfn]

No bouncing around key chain to scratch the chrome!

I just leave the key by itself in the bike. No key chain to bounce.

If I'm out and I stop somewhere, I just take the key out and put it in my pocket. Usually, I have to take my key chain out (with the car keys and house keys) to find the bike key, but I know if I leave the key in the bike normally, I don't have to remember where I put it if I need it, like to open the bags.

[biscuitsngravy]

When Danmark wrote "no dice", it reminded me of how I modified my key. Check out Gadgets site at:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/keymod.htm.

I used a white dice with black dots. Looks good with my bikes' retro look. I get a lot of favorable comments about it. I leave it on the bike when it's locked in the garage, but take it with me when leaving it in a parking lot, etc. It's easy to find in your pocket because it is different than regular keys. It was easy to make. BnG