Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight - Owner's Manual > General: Controls and Indicators

Read the CONTROLS AND INDICATORS section before riding your motorcycle. Failure to understand the operation of the motorcycle could result in death or serious injury.

Some features explained are unique to certain models. These features may be available as accessories for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. See a Harley-Davidson dealer for a complete list of accessories that will fit your specific motorcycle.

Keyed Ignition

The automatic-on headlamp feature provides increased visibility of the rider to other motorists. Be sure headlamp is on at all times. Poor visibility of rider to other motorists can result in death or serious injury.

See Ignition Switch: Sportster Models. The ignition switch controls electrical functions of the motorcycle. The switch is located on the right side of the steering head.

Refer to Ignition Switch.

Turn the key to the OFF position and remove key when the motorcycle is not in operation. The key may also be removed in the ACC position.

NOTES:

• Write the key number in the space provided at the front of this manual.
• The lamps work when the switch is in the IGNITION position, as required by law in some localities.

Do not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle's turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury.

Protect your vehicle against theft. Failure to lock the motorcycle after parking could result in theft and/or equipment damage.

Do not lubricate barrel locks with petroleum based lubricants or graphite. Inoperative locks may result.

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position before locking the motorcycle. Leaving the switch in the ACC position will keep the instrument lights on and result in a discharged battery.

Ignition Switch: Sportster Models

1. Ignition off
2. Accessory on
3. Ignition on

Ignition Switch

Keyless Ignition

The automatic-on headlamp feature provides increased visibility of the rider to other motorists. Be sure headlamp is on at all times. Poor visibility of rider to other motorists can result in death or serious injury.

Do not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle's turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury.

A Motorcycle with a keyless ignition does not require a key for operation. Instead, an assigned security fob must be present or the PIN must be used before the motorcycle can be started.

The key supplied with the motorcycle is for the fork lock. See Fork Lock.

Ignition Mode

With security fob present, set the OFF/RUN switch to RUN. The lights and instruments become operational and the motor can be started. To disarm the security system using the PIN, see Arming and Disarming.

The motorcycle remains on (or the engine continues running) until the OFF/RUN switch is set to OFF. Taking the security fob out of range will not shut down the engine or turn off the motorcycle after it is turned on. However, the speedometer will display a NO FOB message if the motorcycle begins moving without the fob present.

NOTE: With the OFF/RUN switch in RUN, the system will turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

When parked, set the OFF/RUN switch to OFF and take the security fob from the motorcycle to prevent theft or start-up. With the motorcycle turned off and the security fob out of range, the starter, ignition system and OFF/RUN switch remain disabled, immobilizing the motorcycle.

Accessory Mode

See Left Hand Switch Module. With the security fob present, press and hold the TRIP switch (1). The instruments and accessory circuit are powered. The headlamp and turn signal lamps remain off. While in accessory mode:

• The speedometer displays the odometer functions.
• The headlamp can be activated by pressing the headlamp flash to pass switch.
• The stop lamps can be operated.
• The license plate lamp illuminates.

To turn off accessory mode, press and hold the TRIP switch.

Do not leave the motorcycle in accessory mode for an extended period. This can discharge the battery. If the vehicle is left in accessory mode for two hours, the vehicle will automatically shut off to prevent complete battery discharge. To resume accessory mode, press and hold the TRIP switch.

See also: