Which Harley luggage locks use the ignition key?
Harley's own manuals answer this for Touring bikes. The 2011 Touring owner's manual tells you to unlock the hard saddlebag latch using the ignition key and to unlock the Tour-Pak lock with the ignition key. The 2023 Touring manual says the same thing in newer words: unlock the saddlebag lock with the key, and use the ignition key to lock or unlock the Tour-Pak latch handle.
The fork lock follows the same key. On faired Touring models it is built into the ignition switch knob. On Road King models it is a separate lock at the top of the steering head, behind the headlamp nacelle. On Softail and Dyna models it is a separate lock on the right side of the steering head, worked by the same barrel key. That includes 2018 and later Softails, which start with a fob or PIN and keep the barrel key for the fork lock and any locking luggage.
| Lock | What Harley's manuals say |
|---|---|
| Hard saddlebags, Touring | Opened with the ignition key (2011 and 2023 Touring manuals) |
| Tour-Pak, Touring | Locked and unlocked with the ignition key |
| Fork lock, faired Touring | Part of the ignition switch |
| Fork lock, Road King | Separate lock at the top of the steering head, same key |
| Fork lock, Softail and Dyna | Separate lock on the right of the steering head, same barrel key |
| Leather and accessory bags | Lock kits are sold separately for several leather bags and may or may not be keyed to the bike |
Barrel keys, flat keys and the key code
Harley has used two key families. A 2017 Harley parts bulletin to dealers, the Vehicle Lock and Key Ordering Guide, splits them into flat-style keys and barrel-style keys, the round tubular kind. It lists the barrel key as used on 1991 and later models, and it lists saddlebag, Tour-Pak, trunk and fairing glove box locks under the barrel key heading. That is why one round key normally runs the ignition, fork lock and luggage on a bagger.
The same bulletin shows the code format changing over time, with one range of codes for earlier barrel keys and a code ending in HD for 2012 and later barrel keys. You do not need to know the ranges. What matters is your own code. Harley's bulletin says that on keys with a black plastic cover, you slide the cover off the key head to find the stamped code, and the owner's manuals ask you to write your key numbers in the space at the front of the book.
Keyed-to-match locks and lock kits from Harley
Harley builds replacement locks to order. The bulletin says locks and keys are manufactured to the key code the dealer puts on the parts order, so a single replacement lock does not have to be rekeyed locally and you do not need a complete lock set to make every lock match one key. It also says keyed-to-match replacements are only offered for the specific models and years it lists, and that these built-to-order parts cannot be returned.
The luggage locks on that list give a good picture of the eras covered.
- Saddlebag locks for 1993 to 2013 Touring models and for 2014 and later Touring models, listed as separate parts
- Saddlebag locks for 1998 and later Road King Classic and 2004 to 2007 Road King Custom leather bags
- A lock for most soft-sided leather and vinyl saddlebags, and one for the Heritage flat top kit
- Tour-Pak locks for 1992 to 2013 Touring models and for 2014 and later models, including accessory Tour-Paks
- Trunk locks for 2014 and later Tri Glide and 2015 and later Freewheeler models
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Accessory lock kits for leather bags
Leather bags are where keys most often stop matching. Harley's instruction sheet for the Road King Custom saddlebag lock set, kit 46287-04, says the lock can be keyed to match your motorcycle's ignition key and asks you to specify the key code when ordering. The sheet for the Road King Classic kit, 46316-04, says the same. Both kits involve modifying the bag to fit the lock, so they are fitted once and kept.
Harley's Heritage flat top lock kit, part 90300010, is described as a barrel style kit with two locks and two keys that are keyed to match. A kit bought over the counter like this may match itself without matching your ignition, which is how a Softail ends up with a second key on the ring.
If the saddlebag or Tour-Pak key is lost
Start by working out whether it is really a separate key. If your bags are factory Touring luggage, the ignition key should open them. If it does not, either the lock was replaced with a random-code part or the key is worn and failing in the stiffer lock first.
If every key is gone, the code is the fastest route. Check the front of the owner's manual and any spare key. Harley's bulletin describes a dealer lookup for the key code when neither the key nor the code is on hand. Where no code can be found, a locksmith can usually make a key to the lock itself, or rekey a mismatched bag lock to your ignition key. We ask for photo ID and the registration or title before making a key.
Looking after barrel locks
The 2023 Touring manual carries a specific warning: do not lubricate barrel locks with petroleum based lubricants or graphite, because inoperative locks may result. The manuals also say saddlebag latches and Tour-Pak catches should be closed and locked whenever the motorcycle is in use. A bag lock that only works when you jiggle the key is worth fixing before it leaves you with a locked bag on a trip.
Quick questions
Does my Harley ignition key open the saddlebags?
On Touring models with factory hard bags, Harley's owner's manuals say yes: the saddlebags and Tour-Pak use the ignition key. Leather bags and accessory lock kits may have been keyed separately.
Can a new saddlebag lock be ordered to match my key?
For many models, yes. Harley's dealer bulletin says replacement locks are built to the key code on the order, for the models and years it lists.
Where is the key code on a Harley key?
Harley's parts bulletin says that on keys with a black plastic cover, the code is stamped on the key head under the cover. Owner's manuals also have a space at the front for recording key numbers.
My Tour-Pak is locked and I have no key. Can you open it?
In most cases, yes. We confirm ownership with photo ID and registration or title, open it without damage where possible, and make a key that works it.
Services that can help
- Gas Cap, Seat, Steering and Saddlebag LocksGas cap, seat, steering, helmet and saddlebag locks.Details →
- Motorcycle Key ReplacementNew keys cut by code or from the lock, for all major makes.Details →
- Motorcycle Key Duplication and Spare KeysA spare now costs far less than a lost only-key later.Details →
Key details by make
Keep reading
- How to Find Your Motorcycle Key CodeA motorcycle key code is a short number or letter-number code that tells a locksmith or dealer how to cut a key for your locks.
- Motorcycle Steering Lock Explained: How It Works and JamsA steering lock, called a fork lock by Harley-Davidson, is a bolt that holds the front end turned to one side so the bike cannot be wheeled away in a straight line.
- BMW Motorcycle Case and Top Case Keys: One-Key CodingBMW's rider's manuals say the cases and top case can be fitted with locks that open with the same key as the ignition, and on some tourers the panniers and top case already share the vehicle key from the factory.
- Lost Givi, SHAD or Kappa Top Case Key: Your Real OptionsNeither Givi nor SHAD will cut you a key once every key is lost.
- Lost the Key to Your Motorcycle Disc Lock or Chain?Start with the lock maker: most quality disc locks and chains come with a key number or code, and makers such as Kryptonite and Xena supply replacement keys against it.
Where we work
Sources
- https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document-pdf-print/1996723902179647957/370145/99466-11_998723_en_US.xml
- https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10109612-9999.pdf
- https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document/1874958566072609153
- https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document/1915091627025521040
- https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/heritage-flat-top-lock-kit/p/90300010
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