# Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Key Replacement

Barrel and flat keys cut, ignition and saddlebag locks repaired, and straight answers on fobs for Harley-Davidson owners.

Source: https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/

Business: The Motorcycle Locksmith, mobile motorcycle locksmith. Phone and text: (619) 775-1858 (San Diego side).

**Harley-Davidson key quick facts**

- The H-D Smart Security System accepts only two assigned hands-free fobs at a time.
- Harley-Davidson owner's manuals say to replace the hands-free fob's CR2032 battery every year.
- Harley Sportster and Street models use flat keys, while Dyna, Softail and Touring models since the early 1990s use round barrel keys.
- If a Harley fob is lost or its battery dies, the owner can disarm the security system with the five-digit PIN entered through the turn signal switches.
- On Harley keys with a black plastic head cover, the key code is stamped on the metal under the cover.
- Harley-Davidson barrel key codes from 2012 onward end in the letters HD.

Harley-Davidson uses two very different key families, and knowing which one you have saves time. Sportster and Street models use flat keys. Since the early 1990s, Dyna, Softail and Touring models have used round barrel keys for the ignition switch lock, fork lock and luggage. On most of those bikes the key only locks and unlocks the switch, and Harley tells you to take it out before you ride. Bikes with the factory security system also need the hands-free fob or your PIN before they will start, and the newest Softail and Revolution Max models have no keyed ignition switch at all. We work on all of it at your bike's location across San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara and Goleta.

A lost Harley key is usually a mechanical job, not an electronic one. We cut replacement barrel and flat keys, make new keys when every original is gone, repair or replace worn ignition switches, extract broken keys, and fix fork, gas cap, saddlebag and Tour-Pak locks. The hands-free fob is the one part Harley reserves for its dealers: a trained Harley-Davidson technician assigns replacement fobs to the security module. We will tell you plainly which parts of your job we handle and which need the dealer.

## Harley-Davidson key types by model and year

| Years | Models | Key type | Chip | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2007-present | Touring (Street Glide, Road Glide, Road King, Electra Glide, Ultra Limited, Tri Glide) | barrel key that locks the ignition switch, plus hands-free fob where the security system is fitted | varies | On fairing models the fork lock is built into the ignition switch knob; the Road King has a tank console switch and a separate fork lock. The same key works the saddlebags, Tour-Pak and locking fuel door. Some CVO models add power locks worked from the fob. |
| 2018-present | Softail (Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Softail Slim, Breakout, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob) | keyless ignition with hands-free fob, plus a barrel key for the fork lock | yes | Starts with the fob nearby or your PIN; the barrel key handles the fork lock at the steering head and any locking luggage. |
| early 1990s-2017 | Softail (Fat Boy, Heritage Softail Classic, Softail Deluxe, Softail Slim, Breakout) | barrel key that locks the ignition switch, plus a fob only if the security system is fitted | varies | Most have the switch on the tank console and a separate fork lock on the right side of the steering head. The 2011-and-later Blackline and Breakout carry the switch on the left side between the cylinders. Harley's 2011 Softail manual still lists the security system as an option. |
| 1993-2006 | Touring (Road King, Electra Glide, Ultra Classic, Street Glide, Road Glide) | barrel key that locks the ignition switch, plus a push-button fob only if the factory security system is fitted | varies | Barrel keys work the ignition switch lock, fork lock, saddlebags and Tour-Pak. The older factory security system used a fob with a button, not the hands-free fob. |
| 1991-2017 | Dyna (Street Bob, Wide Glide, Fat Bob, Low Rider, Super Glide, Switchback) | barrel key ignition, plus a fob only if Smart Security is fitted | varies | The switch is on the steering head, the tank console or the left side between the cylinders depending on model and year. The Smart Security fob was offered on 2007-and-later Dynas, and the 2014 Dyna manual still calls it optional. |
| 1979-2022 | Sportster (Iron 883, Forty-Eight, 1200 Custom, SuperLow, Roadster) | flat key, plus a fob only if Smart Security is fitted | varies | Ignition switch and fork lock are separate flat-key locks that use the same key. Harley lists a different key, ignition switch and fork lock for 2012-and-later Sportsters than for 1994 to 2011 bikes. |
| 2021-present | Sportster S, Nightster, Pan America | keyless ignition with fob | yes | Revolution Max models start with the fob or the PIN. Harley's Pan America manual describes a key for the fork lock and luggage. |
| 2015 and later | Street 500, Street 750, Street Rod | flat key with no chip | no | Uses its own flat key and code series, separate from the Sportster. The key has no chip. From 2017 a factory security system with a hands-free fob was an option, and a bike that has it also needs its fob or PIN to start. |

## Harley-Davidson keys by model

Each page covers the key and immobilizer by year, which locks share the key, and what a lost-key job involves for that model.

- [Harley Low Rider S, Street Bob, Sport Glide](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-low-rider-street-bob-sport-glide/): 2018-present. The Milwaukee-Eight Softails that took over the old Dyna names in 2018 have no ignition key.
- [Harley-Davidson CVO Touring Models](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/cvo-street-glide-road-glide-limited/): 2013-present. CVO Touring bikes do not follow the standard Street Glide or Ultra key routine.
- [Harley-Davidson Dyna](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/dyna/): 1991-2017. Every Dyna from 1991 to 2017 uses a round barrel key, but where the ignition switch sits depends on the model and year: on the steering head, on the tank console, or on the left side between the cylinders.
- [Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and Tri Glide](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/electra-glide-ultra-tri-glide/): 1993-present. Electra Glide, Ultra and Tri Glide models carry more locks than any other Harley: the ignition knob with its built-in fork lock, two saddlebags or a trike trunk, the Tour-Pak, a locking fuel door and, on older Ultras, glove boxes in the fairing lowers.
- [Harley-Davidson Freewheeler](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/freewheeler/): 2015-present. The Freewheeler does not share the Tri Glide's lock layout.
- [Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/pan-america-1250/): 2021-present. A Pan America 1250 starts with its fob or your PIN, never with a key.
- [Harley-Davidson Road King](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/road-king/): 1994-present. The Road King is the odd one out among Harley Touring bikes: its ignition switch is on the tank console and its fork lock is a separate lock behind the headlamp nacelle.
- [Harley-Davidson Softail and Fat Boy](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-fat-boy/): 1991-present. Softail models through 2017 use a round barrel key that locks the ignition switch, usually on the tank console, plus a separate fork lock on the right side of the steering head that takes the same key.
- [Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 and 1200](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-883-1200/): 1994-2022. Evolution Sportsters, including the Iron 883, Forty-Eight and 1200 Custom, use a flat key, not the round barrel key found on big twin Harleys.
- [Harley-Davidson Sportster S and Nightster](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-s-nightster/): 2021-present. The Revolution Max Sportsters start without a key: the fob has to be near the bike, or you enter your PIN.
- [Harley-Davidson Street 500, 750, Street Rod](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/street-500-750-street-rod/): 2015-2020. The Street 500, Street 750 and Street Rod use one flat key with no chip in it.
- [Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/street-glide-road-glide/): 1998-present. Street Glide and Road Glide models use one round barrel key for the ignition switch lock, the built-in fork lock, the hard saddlebags and the locking fuel door.
- [Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Night Rod and Muscle](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/v-rod-night-rod-muscle/): 2002-2017. Every VRSC model, from the 2002 V-Rod to the last Night Rod Special and V-Rod Muscle, uses a round barrel key for the ignition switch, and the same key fits the separate fork lock on the right side of the steering head.

## Harley-Davidson immobilizer and chip keys

Harley calls its system the H-D Smart Security System. A hands-free fob carried by you or your passenger talks to a security module on the bike. With the fob in range, about five feet, the system disarms when you switch on or move the bike. Park, switch off and it arms itself within about five seconds. While it is armed the starter and ignition are disabled, so a bike with the system fitted needs the fob or the PIN before it will start, whether it has a keyed switch or keyless ignition. The module accepts only two assigned fobs at a time, and a trained Harley-Davidson technician has to assign any new one. The hands-free fob arrived for the 2007 model year. Earlier factory security systems used a fob with a button. Whether the system was standard or an option depends on the model, year and market.

Every Smart Security bike also has a five-digit PIN, using the digits 1 to 9. The dealer sets the first one, you can change it, and the owner's manual has a wallet card to record it on. If the fob is lost, fails or its coin-cell battery dies, you can disarm the system and start the bike by entering the PIN with the turn signal switches while the odometer prompts you, following the steps in your owner's manual. Harley's owner's manuals say to replace the fob's CR2032 battery every year. If you ride off without the fob, the display shows NO FOB.

- [Harley-Davidson Security System: Fob, PIN and Lost Keys](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/immobilizer-systems/harley-davidson-security-system/): The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is a factory alarm and immobilizer that disarms when it detects a hands-free fob near the bike and disables the starter and ignition when it does not.

## Lost all your Harley-Davidson keys?

On a Harley without the security system, such as many Sportsters and many Dyna, Softail and older Touring bikes, losing every key means making a new one from scratch. We come to the bike, confirm your ownership, identify the lock style, and cut a new barrel or flat key, then check it in the ignition switch, fork lock and any luggage locks it should match. On bikes with the security system, your PIN gets you riding without the fob. We handle the barrel key for the ignition switch lock, fork lock, saddlebags and Tour-Pak while the dealer assigns a new fob.

Have your photo ID and the registration or title in your name ready, along with the VIN. Find the PIN wallet card if your bike has the Smart Security System, plus any spare key covers, tags or paperwork that might show a key code. Tell us the model and year, whether the bike has saddlebags or a Tour-Pak with locks, and where it is parked, so we arrive with the right blanks for your bike.

**Have this ready when you call or text**

- Year, make and model of the bike
- Where the bike is parked
- Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
- Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

**Need a Harley-Davidson key in San Diego?** Call or text with the year and model and where the bike is. Call or text (619) 775-1858.

## Where to find your Harley-Davidson key code

Harley stamps the key code on the key itself. On keys with a black plastic head cover, slide the cover off and the code is stamped on the metal underneath. Flat keys carry short codes of four or five characters, older barrel keys use four digits, and 2012-and-later barrel keys add an HD suffix. The owner's manual also has a space at the front for the key number, so check there and on any tag or paperwork that came with the bike. If nothing survives, a Harley-Davidson dealer can look the code up from the VIN in Harley's dealer system, and we can make a new key without the code when needed.

## Harley-Davidson dealer or mobile locksmith?

A Harley-Davidson dealer is the only route for assigning a new hands-free fob, can look up your key code by VIN, and can order replacement keys or locks built to your existing code, though those keyed-to-match parts are made to order, ship from Harley's suppliers and are non-returnable. A mobile locksmith comes to the bike, so there is no tow, and can cut barrel and flat keys on the spot, repair ignition switches and replace saddlebag or Tour-Pak locks. Many owners use both: a locksmith for the keys and locks, the dealer for the fob.

## Harley-Davidson models we make keys for

[Street Glide](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/street-glide-road-glide/), [Road Glide](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/street-glide-road-glide/), [Road King](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/road-king/), [Electra Glide Ultra Classic](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/electra-glide-ultra-tri-glide/), [Ultra Limited](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/electra-glide-ultra-tri-glide/), [Tri Glide Ultra](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/electra-glide-ultra-tri-glide/), [Fat Boy](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-fat-boy/), [Heritage Classic](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-fat-boy/), [Softail Slim](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-fat-boy/), [Breakout](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-fat-boy/), [Low Rider S](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/softail-low-rider-street-bob-sport-glide/), [Street Bob](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/dyna/), [Fat Bob](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/dyna/), [Sportster Iron 883](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-883-1200/), [Forty-Eight](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-883-1200/), [Sportster 1200 Custom](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-883-1200/), [Sportster S](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-s-nightster/), [Nightster](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/sportster-s-nightster/), [Pan America 1250](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/pan-america-1250/), [Street 750](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/harley-davidson/street-500-750-street-rod/)

## Harley-Davidson key and lock services

- [Lost Motorcycle Key, No Spare](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/lost-motorcycle-key/): No key at all? We make a working key at the bike.
- [Motorcycle Key Replacement](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-replacement/): New keys cut by code or from the lock, for all major makes.
- [Transponder and Immobilizer Key Programming](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-programming/): Chip keys and fobs programmed to your immobilizer.
- [Motorcycle Key Duplication and Spare Keys](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-duplication/): A spare now costs far less than a lost only-key later.
- [Motorcycle Ignition Repair and Replacement](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-ignition-repair/): Sticking, worn or damaged ignitions repaired or replaced.
- [Broken Motorcycle Key Extraction](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/broken-key-extraction/): Snapped key removed and a new one cut from the pieces.
- [Gas Cap, Seat, Steering and Saddlebag Locks](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-lock-repair/): Gas cap, seat, steering, helmet and saddlebag locks.

## Harley-Davidson key FAQ

### My Harley key fob battery died. Can I still start the bike?

Yes. On bikes with the Smart Security System you can disarm the system and start the bike by entering your five-digit PIN with the turn signal switches, following the steps in your owner's manual. Record the PIN on the wallet card in the manual before you need it. Replace the fob's CR2032 coin cell as soon as you can; Harley's owner's manuals say to do it every year.

### Can a locksmith program a new Harley-Davidson key fob?

Harley states that replacement fobs are assigned to the security module by a trained Harley-Davidson technician, and the module holds only two fobs at a time, so plan on the dealer for the fob itself. We handle the mechanical side: barrel and flat keys, ignition switches, fork locks, and saddlebag and Tour-Pak locks. Your PIN will start the bike in the meantime.

### Is a Sportster key the same as a Softail or Touring key?

No. Sportsters use flat keys for the ignition and fork lock, and the Street 500 and 750 use their own flat key. Dyna, Softail and Touring models from the early 1990s on use round barrel keys. The key style matters for cutting, so tell us your model and year when you book.

### Does my Harley ignition key open the saddlebags and Tour-Pak?

On Touring models, Harley's owner's manuals say the ignition key locks the ignition switch and also works the hard saddlebag latches, the Tour-Pak latch and the locking fuel door. Some CVO models add power locks that the fob operates as well. Aftermarket or replacement locks may not match your original key, and we can cut a key to fit them or replace the lock.

### Where do I find my Harley-Davidson key code?

Look on the key itself. If it has a black plastic head cover, slide the cover off and the code is stamped on the metal. Check the key number space at the front of your owner's manual and the paperwork from your purchase too. If you have nothing, a Harley-Davidson dealer can look up the code from your VIN, or we can make a new key from the lock.

## Where we work on Harley-Davidson bikes

[San Diego County](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/), [San Diego](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/san-diego/), [Chula Vista](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/chula-vista/), [Oceanside](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/oceanside/), [Escondido](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/escondido/), [Carlsbad](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/carlsbad/), [El Cajon](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/el-cajon/), [All service areas](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/)

## Related guides

- [Auction or Salvage Motorcycle With No Keys: What to Expect](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/auction-or-salvage-motorcycle-no-keys/): A motorcycle from Copart, IAA or a lien sale can get new keys once you hold paperwork that ties you to the VIN: a title or Salvage Certificate endorsed to you, or the lien sale certification packet, plus a bill of sale and your photo ID.
- [Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to Do](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/bought-used-motorcycle-no-key/): A used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
- [Can a Locksmith Make a Motorcycle Key From the VIN?](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/can-a-locksmith-make-a-motorcycle-key-from-vin/): Sometimes, but not directly.
- [Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, Fobs](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/cruiser-and-touring-motorcycle-keys/): Yes, keys for cruisers and touring bikes can be replaced, and on most of them it is a mechanical job because the key is a plain cut or barrel key.
- [Dealer vs Locksmith for a Motorcycle Key: Which to Call](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/dealer-vs-locksmith-motorcycle-key/): For plain metal keys, broken keys, worn ignitions and many transponder keys, a mobile motorcycle locksmith can usually do the work where the bike sits, often for less.

## Other makes

[Aprilia](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/aprilia/), [Moto Guzzi](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/moto-guzzi/), [Husqvarna](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/husqvarna/), [Royal Enfield](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/royal-enfield/), [Can-Am](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/can-am/), [Victory](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/victory/), [Vespa and Piaggio](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/vespa-piaggio/), [Zero](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/zero/), [All makes](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/)