Keyless ignition or key start???

So I am taking on the project of completely rewiring my bike this winter, and am stuck in the preparation phase. I am trying to decide whether to go with a key-less ignition or a key start. I absolutely love the idea of a key-less ignition, but wonder if there is a good way to set it up to be theft-deterrent. I will run key-less if I hear some good ideas about making it hard to steal, otherwise I will be getting a spring-type key switch.

Any ideas? I know some of you are probably running key-less bikes, but maybe just at the track and not on the street. Any input will be greatly appreciated...

~Clutch

::bump::

Go keyless...where do you live by the way?:laugh:

I have a Kawasaki Concours C14 which has the KPASS keyless system (well sorta keyless)

It won't start unless the FOB is within 5 feet of bike. Some love it others hate it. On the C14 form there are many post of being stranded for one reason or another. Me I'm indifferent. I like both but if I had to make a choice I'd go with a key.

I did a little research online about the subject, so I naturally found the key-less systems offered that cost more than what I payed for my bike, but little about anything else. The few discussions I did see featured most people not wanting to post on the subject due to potential theft issues. I had considered hiding a battery kill switch somewhere to help deter theft and go key-less, and was hoping someone else here had some thoughts about it. I did end up ordering a spring-type ignition switch, but still may go key-less if I think of a good way to do it.

~Clutch

p.s.: I am still open to ideas and suggestions if anyone has some insight into the subject though...

seanbarney41 wrote:

Go keyless...where do you live by the way?:laugh:

I am near both Washington DC and Baltimore...kind of in the sticks though. I don't hear much about motorcycle theft around here, but I think thieves tend to target the crotch rockets anyway.

Most of these carbureted bikes will not start without the choke. How will you set the choke remotely?

otakar wrote:

Most of these carbureted bikes will not start without the choke. How will you set the choke remotely?

I didn't see anything about remote start, did I miss it?

It seemed to me that he was asking about keyless ignition, like the KPASS system on the C-14 mentioned above.



Wonder if you could use a garage door receiver and remote in some way?

Was thinking along lines of a hidden toggle switch for powering coils. But then wondering about handling of the other usual ignition switch connections besides power to coils.

Good Fortune!

Clutch, just a thought on a "keyless ignition".

Use a 40 Amp nornally open relay between battery and fuse box feeding ignition and lights. Wire the kill switch to activate the relay to power the fuse box. If you use a socket for the relay, it can be removed (like a key)cuttin the power to all systems.

Good Luck
Jim

if someone yanks out ur ignition switch, connects the wires and steals it, its a felony,
if they just turn it on and ride it off, its a misdemeanor
just a thought

How much trouble you have with theft probably has somewhat to do with the area you live in and the crowd you hang out with. Both of my bikes and all my cars, tractors, everything. have had the keys in them permanently as long as I have owned them. I don't even know where my house keys are.

But I know some guys who hang out with the party crowd, and they're losing stuff almost every day it seems.

If you or your friends have theft issues, go with the key.
If not, and if you don't ride into town alot, go with the keyless.

A normal open relay as mentioned above will slow the casual joyrider down for your occasional trips to town. It's just like using a combination lock instead of a keyed lock.

Or if you're still going to use your seat lock, you could install a battery disconnect and lock the seat for the occasional theft deterrent.