Harley Parade Mode: Riding in Style

Harley Parade Mode is a feature that is available on Harley Davidson motorcycles. It is designed to maintain an optimal engine idle temperature by utilizing the Engine Idle Temperature Management System. The system regulates and maintains engine temperature during low-speed riding or when stationary.

The Parade Mode is activated automatically in some Harley Davidson motorcycles, while in others, it can be activated by simply rolling the throttle forward. The system works by shutting off the rear cylinder when it reaches a certain temperature, allowing it to act as an air pump to aid in cooling the rear cylinder.

While the Parade Mode can be beneficial in certain situations, it can also impact bike handling and performance. It is important to understand how the system works and its advantages and considerations before using it. In this article, we will discuss Harley Parade Mode in detail, including its impact on bike handling and performance, and the advantages and considerations of using it.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Harley Parade Mode is designed to maintain an optimal engine idle temperature.
The system regulates and maintains engine temperature during low-speed riding or when stationary.
While the Parade Mode can be beneficial in certain situations, it can also impact bike handling and performance.

Understanding Harley Parade Mode

Harley Parade Mode is a feature that helps regulate engine temperature during low-speed riding or when the bike is stationary. It is an important feature that helps protect the engine from overheating and potential damage. In this section, we will discuss the basics of Harley Parade Mode, including how it works and how to enable or disable it.

Parade Mode and EITMS

Harley Parade Mode is often confused with the Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS). While both features are designed to regulate engine temperature, they work differently. Parade Mode is an older feature found in older Harley-Davidson models. It is designed to protect the engine from damage due to overheating during prolonged idling or slow riding, like in a parade. On the other hand, the EITMS is a more advanced feature found in newer models. It focuses on enhancing rider and passenger comfort by reducing heat radiation from the engine.

Enabling and Disabling Parade Mode

Enabling or disabling Harley Parade Mode is a simple process. On most models, it is done by pressing and holding the left turn signal button while the ignition is turned on. The turn signal will flash twice to indicate that Parade Mode is enabled. To disable Parade Mode, simply repeat the process. The turn signal will flash once to indicate that Parade Mode is disabled.

It is important to note that while Parade Mode can be disabled, it is not recommended to do so. Parade Mode is designed to protect the engine from overheating and potential damage. Disabling it could lead to engine damage, especially during prolonged idling or slow riding.

In conclusion, Harley Parade Mode is an important feature that helps regulate engine temperature during low-speed riding or when the bike is stationary. It is different from the EITMS and is designed to protect the engine from overheating. Enabling or disabling Parade Mode is a simple process, but it is not recommended to disable it as it could lead to engine damage.

Engine Management in Parade Mode

When riding in a parade or any other slow-moving event, it is very important to know how to manage your Harley’s engine. In this section, we will discuss the role of the cylinder and RPM, as well as engine temperature and cooling in parade mode.

Role of Cylinder and RPM

In parade mode, the rear cylinder of your Harley may shut off when it reaches a certain temperature. This is because the rear cylinder is the one that gets the hottest during slow riding or idling. By shutting off the rear cylinder, the engine cools down, preventing damage from overheating.

To activate parade mode, simply roll the throttle forward. This will cause the engine to run at a lower RPM, which will reduce heat buildup. It is important to note that parade mode is not available on all Harley models, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to see if your bike has this feature.

Engine Temperature and Cooling

Harley-Davidson has developed an Idle Temperature Management System (ITMS) to help manage engine temperature during slow riding or idling. This system monitors engine temperature and automatically shuts off the rear cylinder when it gets too hot. This helps to reduce engine temperature and prevent overheating.

In addition to ITMS, Harley also has an Engine Idle Cool feature that can be activated to help cool the engine down. This feature works by increasing airflow over the engine, which helps to dissipate heat. To activate Engine Idle Cool, simply press and hold the engine start button for five seconds while the engine is running.

It is important to remember that parade mode and ITMS are not substitutes for proper engine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter cleanings, and other maintenance tasks are still necessary to keep your engine running smoothly. By taking care of your Harley, you can ensure that it will be ready for any parade or slow-moving event that comes your way.

Impact on Bike Handling and Performance

When it comes to Harley Parade Mode, it is very important to understand how it affects the bike’s handling and performance. In this section, we will discuss the impact of Parade Mode on the throttle and fuel injection, cruising, and idle speed.

Throttle and Fuel Injection

Parade Mode can affect the throttle position and engine speed of the bike. When the bike is in Parade Mode, the throttle response is limited, which means that the bike may not accelerate as quickly as it would in normal mode. This is because the fuel injection system is programmed to deliver less fuel to the engine when the bike is in Parade Mode.

Cruising and Idle Speed

When the bike is in Parade Mode, it may also affect the cruising and idle speed. The bike may cruise at a slightly lower speed than it would in normal mode. This is because the fuel injection system is delivering less fuel to the engine. Additionally, the idle speed may be slightly higher than normal when the bike is in Parade Mode. This is because the fuel injection system is delivering more air to the engine to help cool it down.

To summarize, when the bike is in Parade Mode, it can affect the throttle response, cruising speed, and idle speed. It is important to understand these effects so that you can adjust your riding accordingly. If you need to accelerate quickly, you may want to switch off Parade Mode. If you are cruising at a slower speed, you may want to keep Parade Mode on to help cool down the engine.

We hope this section has been helpful in explaining the impact of Parade Mode on the bike’s handling and performance. In the next section, we will discuss how to deactivate Parade Mode.

Advantages and Considerations of Parade Mode

When it comes to riding a Harley Davidson in heavy traffic or during long idles, Parade Mode can be a lifesaver. By shutting off the rear cylinder when it reaches a certain temperature, Parade Mode can help prevent overheating and keep the engine cool.

One of the biggest advantages of Parade Mode is that it can help reduce fuel consumption. When you’re stuck in traffic or idling for long periods of time, your bike is still burning fuel. With Parade Mode, you can keep the engine cool and reduce the amount of fuel your bike burns during these periods.

However, it’s important to note that Parade Mode is not without its considerations. While it can help prevent overheating, it’s not a cure-all. If you’re stuck in heavy traffic for extended periods of time, your engine may still overheat even with Parade Mode enabled.

It’s also worth noting that Parade Mode may not be available on all Harley Davidson models. If you’re considering purchasing a Harley, it’s a good idea to check if Parade Mode is included and how it works on that particular model.

Overall, Parade Mode can be a useful feature to have when riding in heavy traffic or during long idles. By keeping your engine cool and reducing fuel consumption, it can help make your ride more comfortable and efficient. However, it’s important to understand its limitations and to use it appropriately.