Thieves are brazen these days; the Son’s Of Bitch’s will take what’s yours without batting an eyelash, getting a huge rush as they ride off with your motorcycle in broad daylight. Short of guarding your bike with a loaded gun, baseball bat, or battle- axe, if someone wants it bad enough they’ll find a way to get it. Fortunately there’s a company out there tipping the scales in favor of law-abiding citizens everywhere. From the mean- streets of Folsom, CA comes Digital Guard Dawg, a high-tech company offering a bevy of security products aimed squarely at thieves. The basis of all of DGD’s products are rooted in a technology known as Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). These guys have nailed it, the system is simplistic, automatic, keyless, and reliable, what more could you ask for? Now, Harley owners with bikes which predate the current 2007 factory security system featuring a key fob to allow the engine to start, can easily set their bikes up to do that and a whole lot more.

Over the years RFID developed many well-known uses including; Mobil’s Speed Pass, pet ID chips embedded under their skin, employee ID badges, and dash-mounted units, allowing vehicles to bypass toll plazas or access HOV lanes. Recently the technology found itself in the form of push button starting on high-end cars like Vett’s and Mercedes Benz’s.

What separates the DGD’s Keyless Ignition Module (DGD- KIM) system from the OEM’s offerings is its ability to be easily installed on virtually any motorcycle. The KIM model is designed not only as an additional layer of security, but it allows for removal of your stock ignition switch, providing you with totally keyless operation of your motorcycle. The KIM unit disables your bike’s electrical system unless you authorize the starting sequence to begin. This is where the RFID technology comes into play. The system consists of two major components, a Smart Relay, and a Dawg Tag working in tandem allowing the motorcycle to be started only when the Dawg Tag is communicating with the Smart Relay. Communication between the two can only take place if the Dawg Tag is in the range of the Smart Relay, no communication, no starting, period.

The micro circuitry built into the Smart Relay and the Dawg Tag, is what makes it all happen. Each time you walk more than 10-feet from the bike (with the Dawg Tag in your pocket, on your belt etc), the system automatically arms itself 30-seconds after you depart, walk back, and the bike is ready to start. DGD utilizes a KeyLock encryption system designed with more than 6 billion different codes assuring no one else’s Dawg Tag will work on your bike. Inside the Dawg Tag is a 3-volt lithium battery designed to give one – three years service depending on use. Also inside is a pair of switches allowing the user to fine- tune the systems range up or down. There’s even a switchable manual/automatic mode allowing for a higher level of control over the units operation. Wiring harness

The KIM’s keyless feature is a function of the wiring harness supplied with the kit. Once installed, you no longer have to insert your key and turn the ignition switch. Once the KIM system is installed all you have to do is walk up to the bike, flip the run/stop switch to run, thumb the starter and you’re off.

Depending on the model of motorcycle installation will vary; the basic install goes like this. Three wires go to your stock ignition switch connector; two wires go to your existing run/stop switch along with a jumper, and one wire goes to your battery’s negative terminal. There is also a connection for an optional accessory switch (included) for bikes that operate accessories without the bike running. Anyone competent in wiring techniques should be able to install the system by following the well laid out, easy to follow instructions. DGD even offers chrome ignition switch covers if you decide to remove your ignition switch from the dashboard. The covers are available with a variety of H-D designs and logos on them.

The KIM kit is designed to fit all year H-D’s, and Buell’s as well Victory’s, Indians, customs, and even metric bikes. The system sells for $399. If you like the security aspect of the KIM system but could do without the keyless operation, (removal of the stock ignition switch) DGD sells the DGD-1, and DGD-2, which include a Smart Relay and Dawg Tag. Installation of the DGD-1, and DGD-2 consists of swapping out the stock starter relay and connecting a power wire to the battery, that’s it. Like the KIM, the DGD-1’s, and DGD-2’s Dawg Tags must be present in order to start the motorcycle. These units sell for $169 and fits Harleys from 1985 to present, as well as many other applications. You can also purchase spare Dawg Tags and additional relays if you own multiple bikes and want to control all of them with one Dawg Tag. Depending on which state you live in you might even qualify for a discount on your motorcycle insurance by virtue of having a passive starter interrupt installed on your bike, now what could be better than that?