Harley-Davidson Dyna Key Replacement

Quick answerEvery Dyna from 1991 to 2017 uses a round barrel key, but where the ignition switch sits depends on the model and year: on the steering head, on the tank console, or on the left side between the cylinders. The same key works the fork lock and, on the Switchback, the saddlebags. The security fob was optional, so many Dynas are key-only bikes and a lost key can be replaced at the bike.

Harley-Davidson Dyna key quick facts

Harley's Dyna manuals show three ignition switch locations across the family: steering head, tank console, and left side between the cylinders.
On Super Glide, Low Rider and Street Bob models with the steering head switch, the same switch also locks the fork.
The 2014 Dyna owner's manual puts the Low Rider switch on the left side between the cylinders, worked by a thumb lever.
The Switchback's saddlebag latches unlock with the ignition key.
Harley's 2014 Dyna owner's manual calls the security system optional.
The 2014 manual says the key number is under the plastic cover on top of the key.

Harley-Davidson Dyna key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2012-2017	Street Bob, Fat Bob, Low Rider, Wide Glide, Super Glide Custom, Switchback	barrel key; hands-free fob only where the security system is fitted	varies	Harley lists a 2011-and-later switch shared with Softail, and a separate switch for the 2014-and-later Low Rider. Barrel key codes from 2012 end in HD.
2006-2011	Street Bob, Fat Bob, Low Rider, Wide Glide, Super Glide	barrel key; hands-free fob offered from 2007	varies	Harley lists a new Dyna fork lock from 2006. Steering head switch on FXD, FXDL and FXDB models; console switch on FXDC and FXDF.
1991-2005	Super Glide, Low Rider, Wide Glide, Dyna Glide models	barrel key	no	Harley lists more than one switch for these years, including one for 1996 to 2005 Dynas other than the Wide Glide.

Where the ignition switch is on your Dyna

This is the first thing to pin down, because Harley's own manuals describe three layouts within the same family.

In the Harley owner's manual that covers the FXD Super Glide, FXDL Low Rider and FXDB Street Bob alongside the FXDC and FXDF, the switch on those first three is on the right front of the motorcycle on the steering head. It has OFF, ACC and IGNITION positions, and the same lock secures the fork: with the fork turned full left, the key turns to a closed-lock icon. On US models the key can be removed in ACC.

In the same manual, the FXDC Super Glide Custom and FXDF Fat Bob have the switch on the instrument panel on top of the fuel tank, under a cover you lift. The key locks and unlocks it and can be removed in any position. The fork lock on these bikes is a separate lock on the right front of the steering head.

The 2014 owner's manual shows the layout at the end of the run: tank console switch on all models except the Low Rider, which has its switch on the left side of the bike between the engine cylinders with a thumb lever that the key locks and unlocks.

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Fork lock, saddlebags and other locks

Whichever switch a Dyna has, the fork lock is at the right-hand side of the steering head and takes the ignition key. Harley's parts guide lists one Dyna fork lock for 1993 to 2006 and another from 2006 on.

The Switchback is the only Dyna built with locking hard saddlebags. The manual has you unlock the saddlebag latch with the ignition key, and the bags themselves come off the bike with a knob inside each one. Harley's parts guide lists the Switchback's saddlebag lock alongside the 1993 to 2013 Touring lock, so the 2012 and 2013 bags share that part. Other Dynas have no factory luggage locks, though a previous owner may have added a locking gas cap or bags with their own key.

Was the security fob fitted?

Often not. Harley offered the hands-free Smart Security System on Dynas from 2007, and the 2014 owner's manual still refers to it as the optional security system. If your bike has it, a lamp in the speedometer flashes after you park, and the bike needs the fob nearby or the five-digit PIN before it will start. If it does not, the barrel key is the whole story and there is nothing electronic to program.

On a fob-equipped Dyna that is ridden off without the fob, the odometer window shows NO FOB, and you will need the PIN to restart.

Lost key service on a Dyna

We come to the bike and check your photo ID against the registration or title. Tell us the model code or describe where the switch is, since that tells us which lock we are working with. We make a barrel key to fit, then test it in the ignition switch, the fork lock and, on a Switchback, both saddlebags.

If the key is hard to turn or the switch cuts out, it can be repaired or replaced, and Harley's manual advises against petroleum-based lubricant or graphite in barrel locks.

Where to find the key code

Harley's 2014 Dyna manual says the key number is under the plastic cover on top of the key, and the manual has a space at the front to record it. Older barrel codes are four digits; 2012-and-later codes are four digits followed by HD. A Harley-Davidson dealer can look the code up by VIN.

What to have ready

Have this ready when you call or text

Year, make and model of the bike
Where the bike is parked
Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

Harley-Davidson Dyna key FAQ

Where is the ignition switch on a Dyna Street Bob?

One Harley Dyna manual places it on the right front of the bike at the steering head, where it also locks the fork. The 2014 manual shows a tank console switch for all Dynas except the Low Rider, so check your own bike and year.

Does a Dyna key have a chip?

No. Dyna barrel keys are mechanical. Any electronic security is in the separate hands-free fob, and only on bikes where that option was fitted.

Do Switchback saddlebags use the ignition key?

Yes. Harley's manual says to unlock the saddlebag latch using the ignition key.

Is a Dyna key the same as a Sportster key?

No. Dynas use the round barrel key, and Sportsters use a flat key.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Harley-Davidson Security System: Fob, PIN and Lost KeysThe Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is a factory alarm and immobilizer that disarms when it detects a hands-free fob near the bike and disables the starter and ignition when it does not.

More Harley-Davidson models

Services for this bike

Lost Your Only Motorcycle Key? What to Do NextIf you lost the only key to your motorcycle, a new one can almost always be made, but the route depends on whether your bike uses a plain metal key, a chipped transponder key, or a keyless fob.
Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to DoA used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
Motorcycle Key Won't Turn in the Ignition? Causes and FixesWhen a motorcycle key will not turn, the usual causes are a steering lock under tension, a worn or bent key, worn wafers inside the ignition, dirt or corrosion in the cylinder, or simply the wrong key.
When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.

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Page last updated November 14, 2026.