To put your Harley-Davidson Sportster S in transport mode, you will need to perform a specific sequence involving the ignition and handlebar controls after the bike is turned off. This special mode is essential for trailering or shipping your motorcycle, as it helps prevent unnecessary battery drain, disables automatic turn signal cancellation, and can reduce the sensitivity of the alarm system.
How to Put Your Sportster S in Transport Mode
Activating transport mode on your Sportster S, like other Revolution Max Harley-Davidson models, involves a simple yet precise sequence of actions on the controls.
Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Transport Mode
Follow these steps to successfully engage transport mode:
- Turn Off the Motorcycle: Ensure the engine is completely off. Use the engine stop/run switch on your right handlebar to the OFF position.
- Access Left-Hand Controls: With the motorcycle fully off, locate the controls on your left handlebar.
- Perform the Left-Hand Turn Action: Press and hold the left turn signal button.
- Engage the Passing Lamp: While continuing to hold the left turn signal button, simultaneously press and hold the high beam flash (passing lamp) button.
- Confirm Activation: Hold both buttons until you see an indicator on your instrument cluster, such as "Transport Mode" displayed, or a specific light (e.g., turn signals) flashes to confirm the mode is active.
Why Use Transport Mode?
Transport mode is a crucial feature designed to protect your motorcycle and simplify its handling during transit. Here’s why it's important:
- Prevents Unintended Actions: Without transport mode, movement during trailering or shipping could cause the turn signals to activate and then automatically cancel, leading to unnecessary wear and battery drain.
- Reduces Battery Drain: It minimizes the power consumption from various active systems that would otherwise be running or reacting to motion.
- Minimizes Alarm Activation: The motorcycle's security system can be sensitive to movement. Transport mode can reduce this sensitivity or temporarily disable parts of the alarm to prevent false alerts during transit.
- Ideal for Shipping & Trailering: Whether you're moving your bike across town or across the country, transport mode ensures a smoother, more secure journey.
Important Considerations
- Owner's Manual: Always refer to your Sportster S owner's manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions, as procedures can sometimes vary slightly.
- Secure Tie-Down: Even in transport mode, ensure your motorcycle is properly secured with appropriate tie-downs when trailering to prevent damage.
- Deactivating Transport Mode: Transport mode is typically deactivated by simply turning the ignition ON, but it's good practice to confirm this in your owner's manual.
- Post-Transit Check: After transport, always perform a quick check of your motorcycle's systems before riding.
Transport Mode vs. Normal Operation
Understanding the differences between normal operation and transport mode can highlight its utility:
| Feature | Normal Operation | Transport Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Turn Signals | Auto-cancel | Disabled/Manual control |
| Alarm System | Active/Motion-sensitive | Reduced sensitivity/Off |
| Battery Drain | Standard | Reduced |
| Use Case | Riding | Trailering, Shipping, Storage |
| System Reactivity | High (responds to input) | Low (passive) |
By utilizing transport mode, you ensure your Sportster S remains in optimal condition, ready for your next ride after transit.
