RIDERS of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are just discovering a handy, lesser-known feature that can be utilized even when the bike’s engine is turned off.
This renowned brand, cherished throughout the US, frequently embeds a variety of innovative capabilities into their bikes – many of which may go unnoticed by riders.
While the bike’s features are detailed in the owner’s manual, it’s not common for riders to consult it unless they’re seeking something specific.
Take the 2024 Road Glide, for instance; it comes with an accessory mode that allows interaction with the bike’s electronic systems without needing to start the engine.
Activating this mode is quite straightforward: simply press and hold the trip switch on the key fob. This powers the instrument panel and accessory circuit while keeping the headlamp and turn signal lamps off.
In accessory mode, the Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) provides crucial information, such as the fuel gauge and odometer, letting you monitor fuel status and mileage without starting the engine.
This can be particularly useful if you need to briefly power the headlamp to survey your surroundings.
Once you’re finished, you can turn the bike off again by pressing and holding the trip switch once more.
However, it’s worth noting that accessory mode is intended for short-term usage; leaving the bike in this mode for an extended period can lead to battery drain.
If the motorcycle remains in accessory mode for two hours, it will automatically shut down to avoid complete battery discharge. Should you need to re-engage the mode after it has shut off automatically, just press and hold the trip switch to resume.
Overall, this feature serves as a practical method to check essential information and adjust settings while conserving energy .
This comes as a biker recently undertook a 12,000-mile journey on a Harley Davidson and commended its robust engine – while also noting a frustrating issue.
The bike’s engine delivered impressive power, offering smooth acceleration coupled with a raw, exhilarating roar.
The CVO Pan America showcased strong acceleration across various speeds and slowed down effortlessly, making it more manageable on rough terrains.
The seat provided outstanding comfort, enabling long rides to be comfortable, including a 1,025-mile journey in under 24 hours.
Aesthetically, the Pan America was a head-turner, boasting an aggressive fairing and appearance reminiscent of a 1960s muscle car rather than the bulkier adventure bikes popular in the 70s.
Yet, the bike was not without its flaws.
One major drawback was the absence of a standard 12V accessory point, which frustrated the rider, necessitating the use of an adapter or direct wiring to the battery.
The most pressing issue, however, was the intermittent dropout of fourth gear during hard accelerations.
Harley-Davidson faces significant obstacles in the coming year as the European Union prepares to impose $28 billion in tariffs on US goods, including motorcycles, starting April 1.
As a result, the iconic brand may experience price increases in Europe , exacerbating its already considerable challenges.
Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.
However, numerous locations have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 – sometimes without any explanation.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson dealerships that have closed this year and their reasons for closure:
A location in San Francisco closed in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ from new management .
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September 2024 with no explanation provided .
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City shut its doors on September 28, 2024, with the owner citing economic difficulties .
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Another Illinois dealership closed in November 2024.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced its closure at the end of March.
