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A Motorcycle keyless ignition system, also known as a smart switch, was first developed by Siemens in 1995. Mercedes first installed it in 1998 in their W220 S- class under the name “Key Less Go.” It was the first step taken by the automotive industry to focus on digitized security. These systems have been in the market for almost 20 years now. Much improvement has been made to make these systems secure and safe. However, according to the reports, they are more likely to get hacked than traditional key systems. In some models, there is more problematic than others. So, in this blog, we will explain all of the advantages and disadvantages of these innovative security systems and give you a detailed review of them.

What is a Motorcycle Ignition Switch?

It is a small and lightweight device that is connected to the ignition system of the bike. It works like a light switch bit is automatic. It does not allow the bike to start unless it is activated. It is activated by a fob that comes with it. When the fob is brought near the device, or the unlock button is pressed, then the system gets deactivated, and the bike can start, but when the ignition switch for bike is swiped again, or the lock button is pressed, then it gets activated and cuts the power to the bike’s engine. They are very secure unless they are tampered with. They run continuously on the bike’s battery and need to be connected directly to the power unit of the ignition bike, but it is not a problem because they consume low power. Motorcycle coils of the unit can tuck in any corner, like under the tank or in the power box of a vehicle. Most of the time, they are waterproof, but if not, then there is no worry because they are hidden from the outer environment.

How does a Motorcycle Keyless Ignition System Work?

These systems are not unique to the world and work exactly like all other keyless systems. There is a coil that is connected to a transmitter and a receiver. The motherboard on which they are connected has a unique code that only the device knows, and the key fob knows. Whenever the fob is brought near the device, or the unlock button is pressed, it sends the code to the receiver, and it knows that it is the genuine fob and unlocks the vehicle. If the vehicle is unlocked and the fob is brought near, then it will get locked, and the vehicle is locked, and the fob is brought near, then it will get unlocked. Now when the receiver senses that it is the right fob and the code is correct, it tells the system’s computer that the key is plugged n because this system is attached in the place of the original lock. So, the computer senses that the key is plugged in, and it turns the dirt bike CDI on. When the lock key is pressed, the system thinks that the key is pulled out, turning the bike off. It can do this because it has a unique code that allows it to mimic the original lock of the bike.

Pros and Cons of the Motorcycle Starter Switch

Now we are coming towards the pros and cons of the system. Although, no doubt that these systems have made the tedious process of locking and unlocking the vehicle very easy and very secure. Nevertheless, every electronic device can be tampered with. So, there are some benefits and drawbacks of this system as well. So, here is the list of all the facts:

Pros

Here are all the benefits which you will get if you install this device in your vehicle

It Makes the Process Very Easy

These devices can do all the work you would have to do if you had a standard lock. In the past, when standard locks were used, people tended to forget the keys inside the car, making it impossible to get access to the vehicle. People also used to break the keys inside the lock, so they had to get an extraction service. There are many other things like that which this system has made easy.

You Will Not Lose Your Keys Any More

The best part about these systems is that you only need to show them your key. You do not need to plug the key anywhere. The other thing is, there are not many people who walk around with a bunch of fobs in their pockets. So, you will not mix them with any other keys. The best part is that even if you have a fob and a keyless system in your vehicle, you can always use the regular key to unlock the vehicle if that battery dies or you lose the device.

Technological Benefits

Now, most of the time, the fob does not only allow you access to the vehicle. It can perform many other operations as well. If you install this system in your car, you can make almost every part of your car automatic if you spend enough money. You can use it to turn on the hazard light. You can open the boot and the trunk of the vehicle. You can use it to honk as well. So, if you see someone messing around with your car, but you are sitting far away, then you can honk at them using the fob. How impressive is that!

Cons

With benefits, some drawbacks come as well. So here is a list of all of them.

They wear out with time.

The motorcycle towing are electrical equipment. So, they can wear out with time because of constant electrical interferences. The wires of the system can get weak. The coils of the system can get damaged. Many things can go wrong if the system is aged. After that, you will have to spend a large amount of money to get it repaired. Most of the time, they do not get repaired and need to be replaced. So, you will have to decide if you want to spend that kind of money or not.

Accidental Activations

The other disadvantage of these systems is accidental activations. If you leave the fob near the car or walk around, the car can start randomly. Most of the time, people do not put the vehicle on neutral when turning it off. They turn the key, pull the e-brake, and get out. So, if the engine starts without you knowing, then your vehicle can randomly start to drive without a driver in the seat.

Break-ins

These devices are electrical and work wirelessly. Everyone knows that when a system is wireless, then it can be hacked easily. It is the same case with these devices. The hacker can decode the frequency emitted by the transmitter and make its device that can emit that frequency to unlock the vehicle in just one day. So, keep an eye on your car.

Power Consumption

These devices use the power of your bike’s battery. They work 24/7, so they are using this power all day long. If you do not use your bike for a while, then it can become completely depleted. You can recharge the battery from a mechanic’s shop, but filling and depleting the battery completely, again and again, can reduce its life span by a lot, and it will cost you much money to get replacement batteries.

Battery of the fob

The fob of many systems has a small battery inside it. If for some reason, you thought that this system was secure enough and you did not need the stock lock installed in the bike, you decide to remove it. Then after some time, the battery of your fob dies then. What will you do? Even though you were in a hurry, you will have to go to an expert’s shop to get a replacement battery, and then you will be able to get into your car. Not all of them come with a battery, so you can get away with this problem if you have a particular type of fob which works like an RFID tag.

Conclusion

In this blog, we explained how these systems work and their benefits and drawbacks of these systems. Now, you can decide by yourself if you want to get it installed in your vehicles or not.