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How to Put Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle into Transport Mode and Why You Should

Owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is not just about the thrill of the ride; it’s about caring for your prized possession. One critical aspect of this is knowing when and how to put your Harley into transport mode. This simple yet effective feature is designed to protect your bike’s electronics, save battery life, and eliminate those distracting blinking lights when you’re on the go. Here’s a comprehensive guide on activating transport mode and its advantages.

Why Use Transport Mode?

  1. Protects Electronics: Transport mode safeguards your motorcycle's sensitive electronic systems, ensuring they stay in top condition even when your bike is stationary for extended periods.

  2. Saves Battery Life: By reducing unnecessary power consumption, transport mode helps maintain your battery's health, prolonging its lifespan and ensuring your bike is always ready to ride.

  3. Prevents Annoying Blinking Lights: When you're transporting your bike or simply storing it, the last thing you need is the constant blinking of lights. Transport mode puts a stop to this, offering peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Transport Mode

Activating transport mode on your Harley-Davidson® is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

  1. Put the Bike in the Run Position: Ensure your bike is in a stable, safe environment before beginning this process.

  2. Turn to the On Position (Without Starting): Turn the ignition to the on position, but do not start the engine. This step prepares the bike for the next sequence.

  3. Shut it Back Off: Turn the ignition back to the off position.

  4. Activate Within 3 Seconds: Quickly, within three seconds of turning off the ignition, press and hold both turn indicator buttons simultaneously.

Here's a video in case you need to see those steps in action: https://youtu.be/yR2Gg-t4TKg?si=9AeBTCuNFotTE6FY

Confirming Activation

You’ll know that transport mode is successfully activated if:

  • The display shows a notification indicating transport mode.
  • The bike’s lights will blink three times, pause, and then blink once more.

These indicators confirm your Harley is in transport mode and ready for transportation or storage without any concerns about draining the battery or unnecessary electronic wear.

Deactivating Transport Mode

Taking your Harley-Davidson® out of transport mode is even simpler. All you need to do is start your bike. The act of starting the engine will deactivate transport mode, and you’re ready to hit the road.


Activating transport mode on your Harley-Davidson® ensures your bike is always protected, whether it’s being transported or is at rest. With these easy steps, you can enhance your bike’s longevity and reliability, focusing on the joy of riding without the worry of electrical issues or a drained battery. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bike is in prime condition, waiting for your next adventure.