KDS 2016
KDS 2016
KDS 2016
Technical Training
KDS
KDS Intermediate
Intermediate
• Participate! • Investigate!
S
asak
In
te
i Mo
16
., U.
S.A
.
2. Fold exactly in half lengthwise
3. Fold the two small ears A and B
Brought to you by all the folks at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. who worked hard to make this training happen.
B
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KDS Intermediate 2016
Technical
KDS Training
Intermediate 2016
Technical Training
Vehicle
KDS kit
PowerPoint
Projector
Lesson plan
Wireless connection
Compression tester
Leakdown tester
Duct tape
KIPASS Concours 14
Batteries, vehicles
Eyewash station
Inspection mirrors
Loctite stick
Magnet, telescoping
Muffin tins
Oil, engine
Oil funnel
Safety glasses
Ziplock bags
NinjaInstructor
H2TM Technical Survey Instructor Prep
Prep Checklist
Sufficient gasoline?
Engine coolant?
Distilled water?
Demos ready?
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting Basics 19
KIPASS 75
Appendix 99
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Learn and anticipate the direction and scope of this three-day course.
2. Be informed of the location of the restrooms and fire extinguishers.
Benefit to the Student
The introduction will “break the ice” and prepare the student to get into the mood
to learn. It sets the tone, perspective, and pace of the course.
Lesson
A. Introduction
1. Welcome
2. Point out locations of restrooms, coffee, fire extinguishers, nearby
lunch spots
3. Two-day course
4. Show course map, thumb through student book, and show certificate Viewing the workshop
in the back should put into
perspective what the
5. Discuss objectives -- see workstation check-off sheet course is about, and
6. Hours of class 8:30am ~ 5:00pm put the student in the
frame of mind to apply
7. Describe day’s schedule, times of breaks (10:00, 12:00, 2:00) what they are getting
8. Take attendance online in KDU, or if prefer, on paper using the sign-in in the classroom out
there in the lab.
sheet
9. Mention appropriate dress, expectations of instructor and student
10. Take whole class briefly to view workshop
The path is
ILT-->Manage Events
and Sessions-->
Search-->View
Sesssions-->View
Roster-->Attendance
and Scoring
Taking attendance
Sign‐In Sheet
Student Sign-in Sheet
Kawasaki Hands‐O
On Course::
n:
Location D
Date:
Please print
p clearlly, name/d
dealer num
mber
Student ______________________________
B. Interest-generating demo
1. Have a bike prepared with a non-running cylinder
a. Remove ignition coil wire at ECU
b. Raise engine rpm slightly before demo to prevent engine stalling
2. Have KDS hooked up and at the Actuator screen
3. Pull student interest in
The term “power a. Show bike not running well
balance” is not
found in the
b. Ask students what they think is the problem
KDS software or c. Get some discussion going about what to do to troubleshoot
literature. It is an
automotive term
4. Show how to troubleshoot using a “power balance” procedure
meaning cut one a. Each time “kill” a cylinder in Actuator, note rpm on tach
cyliinder at a time
and see what the
b. Write each cylinder’s rpm on the whiteboard
results are. c. Each time you kill a cylinder the resulting idle rpm should be the same
d. If one time you kill a cylinder the rpm barely changes or does not
chanage at all then you know this cylinder is the “sick” one
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Demonstrate understanding that KDS doesn’t repair vehicles, technicians do.
Benefit to the Student
The student will get a refresher on basic troubleshooting, basics that will serve
the technician in many troubleshooting scenarios.
Lesson
A. Performance issues are not always DFI related
1. Remember, not all engine performance issues on a fuel injected vehicle are
necessarily fuel injection system problems
a. Don’t forget basic troubleshooting outside the use of KDS
b. Show service manual reminder re basic troubleshooting
2. Also, don’t leave out wiring and connectors -- very common trouble area
a. Visual inspection
b. Fit of connectors
c. Continuity in wiring harness end to end
Chapter Highlights
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Discover resources that are available from Kawasaki to aid in the use of
KDS.
Benefit to the Student
Being properly informed is half the battle. Knowing where to find information is
a part of providing customers excellent service and is critical to performing good
work.
Lesson
A. Where to get Kawasaki Diagnostic System (KDS)
1. Software CD 57001-1802
2. Update to the program, not the actual program
a. Required
b. KDS 3 for 32 bit Windows
c. KDS 3 for 64 bit Windows
B. Review online training (eLearning) course
1. Course, Introduction to KDS There is a ton of
valuable help for using
2. On Kawasaki Dealer University (KDU) KDS out there, waiting
3. If necessary, take time to familiarize class with KDU for the user.
4. Assist those needing help logging onto KDU
5. Explain progression from TLN to KDU and current KDU issues The booklets are no
longer available under
6. KDU will eventually be very powerful part number but are
C. Instruction booklets free to download
from K-Dealer, and
1. KDS 3 Setup Manual the setup, instruction
2. KDS 3 Instruction Manual manuals, and quick
reference sheet (but
3. KDS 3 Quick Reference Sheet not the connection
4. KDS 3 Component List guide) self-install onto
the desktop when
5. KDS 3 Connection Guide installing KDS.
D. Live help
1. Product Support Hot Line 800-854-3800
2. Mark Franzen on the Hot Line is particularly helpful
a. He frequently logs in remotely to dealer’s PC to help straighten
things out
3. Training opportunities such as this one
E. Other
1. This training booklet
a. Take it back to the shop and make use of it as a daily resource
b. Keep this booklet with your KDS set
KDS Resources
2007 Vol. 20, Issue 3 Pg 6 New Kawasaki Diagnostic System Now Available
2010 Vol. 22, Issue 4 Pg 10 New KDS Connectors for 2010 Motorcycle, PWC Models
2011 Vol. 24, Issue 2 Pg 8 Kawasaki Diagnostic System (KDS) Primer, Part One
Vol. 24, Issue 3 Pg 6 Kawasaki Diagnostic System (KDS) Primer, Part Two
2012 Special Edition 2012 Pg 8 Kawasaki Diagnostic System (KDS) Primer, Part Three
2011 ST11‐01 KDS 3 version 3.0.0.4 now compatible with 64‐bit systems
Chapter Highlights
3. KDS booklets
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Properly identify KDS hardware
2. Distinguish obsolete or incorrect hardware from correct KDS hardware
Carrying case
Countermeasure T57001-314
cable 57001-1724
Countermeasure cable
Jet Ski relay cables 57001-1724
57001-1535, 57001-1696
Look the same, but their entry point connectors are very different.
KHI unfortuately made these two cables identical despite their
being used for completely different purposes.
Translates ECU to
57001‐1725 Converter Box Was 57001‐1648
laptop
Connects laptop to
C57001‐0017
T57001-0017 USB Cable Standard USB scanner cable, only 16 ft.
converter box
Z1000 Adapter Due to wiring harness Fits canon style plug to newer Bosch
57001‐1699
Cable changes in later models style plug
Temporarily required
Countermeasure
57001‐1724 for certain models to Made obsolete by ‐1725 converter box
Cable
optimize connection
Standard blow‐molded
T57001‐314 Carrying Case poly case similar to Very roomy, has factory graphic on top
compression tester case
If you spot this, get it out of there! It is the comm This is even worse! This long blue cable with a yellow
cable for the old KDS version 2. It has no compat- terminus and a serial connector is not even an old
ibility with the current KDS system. Note the serial KDS part but a part of the really old KADIAG system
connector. used on two-stroke direct injection Jet Ski watercraft
of the 1990s. Don’t keep it with your KDS set.
This looks like a converter box and it is one, but it is This special tool is not a KDS part either. This is the
from the version 2 days, once again. Smaller and key registration tool used for registering Ultra Jet Ski
lacking a USB port, this part is useless today. watercarft electronic keys. No relevance to KDS at
all.
Chapter Highlights
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Connect KDS to at least three different Kawasaki models
2. Distinguish between the handful of different connection points
EX650 KX450F
This is just a sampling, see the KDS Connection Guide for a more complete listing
Chapter Highlights
2. Where on the vehicle are most 4-pin KDS connection points found?
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Install KDS from the KDS disk
2. Update KDS from K-Dealer
Lesson
A. Have everyone who has a laptop uninstall KDS if already installed
B. Explain that the same process is used when KDS is not working properly
or is simply a very old version
1. Uninstall current KDS version
a. Start-->Control Panel-->Programs and Features-->Uninstall
b. “Kawasaki Diagnostic System Ver.3” All four of these files
c. “MIcrosoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 ENU” MUST be uninstalled.
d. “Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 x64”
e. “Windows Driver Package - Mitsubishi Electric Corp. KDS USB Adapter”
2. Reboot computer
Wiindows System
Restore is Kind
of a power undo,
and much simpler
than uninstalling
the four KDS files
every time a glitch
happens.
D. Installing KDS
1. The install process is 99 percent the same for both 32-bit and 64-bit, and KDS is not currently
for Windows 7 and Windows 8 compatible with Win
8.1
2. Only the wording of the choices varies slightly
3. XP laptops are quite a bit different however
E. Put the KDS CD into your disk drive
1. Most laptops will autostart the installer
2. If yours doesn’t, browse on the CD to find the InstKDS.exe file
F. Installation steps
1. Driver
a. Put the CD into the disk drive
b. Choose “Run InstKDS.exe” if it appears The headings “Driver,”
“Database 1” and so
c. OK-->Yes-->Next-->Install--> forth don’t show on
d. Finish--> the computer. But no
worries. The base
2. Database 1 program installation
a. Next-->Accept-->Next-->Install-->Yes--> is easy-peasy. Just
click Yes nor Next all
b. Finish--> the way througth. The
3. Database 2 headings are shown
only so you can show
a. Next-->Accept-->Next-->Install-->Yes--> the student that four
b. Finish--> things are happening.
4. Program
a. Yes-->Next-->Everyone-->Next-->Next-->
b. Close
c. Open KDS using your desktop icon as a double-check The CD can be copied
to a USB stick for in-
d. Close KDS program stalling onto notebook
laptops if needed.
Finding Windows
version on your
laptop
Choosing the
correct KDS version
from K-Dealer - the
update version
number shown is
only an example
Chapter Highlights
1. Uninstalling KDS
2. Installing KDS
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Use all seven diagnostic tools within the KDS program
2. Demonstrate understanding of which tool is used when
Lesson
A. After reviewing online course, Introduction to KDS, including the seven KDS
functions
1. Run KDS connected live to a vehicle so you can show the location and ap-
pearance of each of these functions
2. Also recommend K-Tech News article, Kawasaki Diagnostic System
(KDS) Primer, Part 3, K-Tech News Special Edition 2012, page 8
IN refers to intake,
in other words this
is a Concours that
is being shown.
2. Failure History
a. FI menu
b. Actually a part of Diagnose, Failure History records the last three items
that failed, and how many times they failed
c. Some models are erasable, some not
d. From within Diagnose, click on Failure History button
3. Real Time Monitor
a. FI menu
b. Main Menu-->Fuel Injection Menu-->Real Time Monitor
c. Digital multimeter like data in real time, as it happens
d. TPS position, engine rpm, temperatures, pressures,
4. Graphing
a. FI menu
b. A graphical version of the Real Time Monitor
c. Main Menu-->Fuel Injection Menu-->Real Time Monitor Graphs
d. Choose any three of 14 choices in a vertical roster
e. Refreshes right to left
f. 20 seconds viewable in the window
g. Up to 5 minutes data viewable overall
5. ABS
a. ABS menu
b. Uses a different connection on the vehicle, not the KDS connection
c. Start Menu-->ABS
d. Both fault data and ABS pump testing are available
6. Actuator
a. FI menu
b. Test components by activating them while still on the vehicle Remember, the
c. Main Menu-->Fuel Injection Menu-->Actuator Concours tire pressure
sensors is why KDS
d. Testing components in some cases means turning them on while the was added to Kawa-
engine is not running, and in others it means turning something off while saki’s Essential Tool
Program in 2007.
the engine is running, as in our demo at the beginning of this class
e. Voltage, sound and operational function is noted while testing
f. See Actuator tests page
Chapter Highlights
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Have opportunity to register a Concours key fob
2. Have opportunity to register a Concours tire pressure sensor
Benefit to the Student
As the most KDS-dependant Kawasaki product, it benefits the student to at least
be familiar with the Concours’ unique use of KDS.
Lesson
A. KIPASS is found on the Kawasaki Concours
1. Remember that KDS was added to the Kawasaki Essential Tool Program
because of the Concours
2. As far as KDS is concerned, KIPASS consists of the keyless entry system
as well as the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
3. TPMS specifically mandated KDS becoming an essential tool because
the tire pressure sensors have sealed in batteries requiring the sensor itself
be replaced every five years or less
B. What is KIPASS?
1. Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System
2. Essentially an advanced form of the Immobilizer system found on Euro
market Kawasaki motorcycle since 2004
a. Euro bikes and all market’s Jet Ski Ultras have Immobilizer
It appears Immo- b. Immobilizer simply reads the electronic key and refuses the wrong one
bilizer is coming to
the U.S. soon too. c. Euro Immobilizer uses a red master key and black user keys
prepared by the master key
d. The head of the key “talks” to the antenna located on the top of the
The red master
key on Euro bikes
keyswitch
is supposed to be e. The Jet Ski Ultra is similar, and half of the Concours’ KIPASS is very
stored in a safety
deposit box.
similar
Cheat Sheet
Cheat Concours TPMS
Sheet Concours TPMS &and
Fobs FOBs
Chapter Highlights
Lesson Objectives
The student will:
1. Learn of idiosycrasies and special features of KDS
2. Learn of the Denso DST-i tool
Benefit to the Student
To round out the student’s knowledge of KDS it is helpful to be aware of some
unexpected features.
Lesson
A. Things KDS does NOT do
1. Register Jet Ski Ultra keys Some of this is shown
in online course.
2. Adjust fuel or ignition on adjustable ECUs, such as found on KX models
3. Take the place or have anything to do with KADIAG
a. KADIAG = DOS based serial communication program
b. Was used to diagnose and service direct injection two-stroke Kawasaki
Jet Ski watercraft
c. If you have a blue cable, put it somewhere far away from your KDS set! Same with a serial port
4. Take the place of common sense or basic fuel/electrical/mechanical cable. That’s a KDS
v2 part.
diagnostics
B. KDS idiosycrasies
1. Not all Kawasaki vehicles work the same with KDS
a. Some allow erasing stored fault codes, some do not
b. VN1500/1600 most friendly, will even show run history (only vehicle that
Ultra watercraft shows run history)
cannot be erased. c. JT1200/1500 least friendly, i.e. times out easily, least data available
2. If temps, rpm or battery display incorrectly, reboot KDS
3. Mule DFI injectors are sometimes absent in KDS
4. Mule TPS main and sub are sometimes indistinguishable in KDS
5. Fuel injectors do not code in KDS
6. Crankshaft position and vehicle down sensors often show as indecipherable
faults such as “internal control”
7. Sensors that produce wrong values won’t always code because the ECU
is programmed to expect too wide a range of possible values
8. Mule 820 shows negative intake air pressure when engine is not running
9. 2011 KX models not included in KDS database, they don’t work
10. VN1600 frequently displays incorrect temperatures
11. if KDS was communicating before the update and is not after the update
uninstall KDS and reinstall just the update
This procedure 12. The VN1700 KDS connector is buried pretty deep and hard to find
updates just the 13. Many KDS models have two identical 4-pin connectors right next to
database.
each other
a. Use the manual to tell them apart by wire color
b. Mule 620 - the non-KDS connector is EPS
c. Teryx - the non-KDS connector is EPS
d. Mule 820 - use the connector that has only three wires
e. KFX450R
14. If a sensor has a shorted feed wire, the vehicle’s fuel pump often will not
work - look for this by unplugging 5v powered sensors until the fuel pump
audibly turns on
15. Although the Mule 820’s TPS is not slotted, it can be adjusted and some-
times it has been found to need adjustment
16. If Mule is run in gear with wheels off the floor / ground, a failure of the
vehicle’s speed sensor will register in Failure History and Real Time
Monitor
17. Listening for the OCV on Concours Actuator test may be difficult as the
engine fan comes on with OCV test
a. 2008~2009 Fan on with OCV valve
b. 2010 OCV valve is not able to be tested with Actuator function, though
the fan will come on during test
c. 2011~2016 As above, fan comes on with OCV test
C. A few Kawasaki models beginning in 2016 are now able to have its ECU re-
flashed at the dealership
1. Why
a. For recalls, campaigns, updates
b. In non-U.S. markets facilitates power-down tuning
2. Special software, “Kawasaki VCI” (Vehicle Communication Interface)
a. “Gameboy” appearing box, made by Denso
b. Communicates with KHI
c. Goes between the laptop and vehicle
d. Used in combination with KDS, for now
3. Vehicle must be K-Dealer registered at time of sale
Chapter Highlights
2. What is KADIAG?
4. KDS idiosycrasies
Appendix
KDS History
A. Version 1
1. October 2002 1st modern Kawas-
ki DFI 1999 Drifter.
a. v1.0 Before introduction
b. 2003 model year of KDS dealers had
to rely on onbaord
c. KDS kit 57001-1531 $232 diagnostic for the
d. Serial port (not USB) system VN1500s.
e. Installed two programs, one KDS, the other ABS Today, laptops aren’t
even available with
f. The ABS program supported the continued appearance of ABS on serial ports.
non-U.S. models
2. August 2003
a. v1.1
b. Update package T57001-1531
c. Jet Ski relay cable introduced, 57001-1535
d. Updated to include Jet Ski, ZX6R, Z1000
B. Version 2
1. February 2004
a. v2.0
b. Kit 57001-1552
2. June 2004
a. v2.04
b. Updated to include VN2000, ZX-10R
3. January 2005
a. v2.1
b. Kit discontinued, only individual parts available
4. March 2005
a. v2.2
b. 2005 model year product
5. November 2005 v2.4 was a very stable,
good-performing ver-
a. v2.3 sion of KDS.
b. 2006 model year product
Except for 57001-
6. December 2006 1470 cable as it has
a. v2.4 duplicate application
for race ECU on the
b. Last appearance of version 2 KFX450.
c. 2007 model year
d. Parts for KDS v2 discontinued December 2008
C. Version 3
1. June 2007
a. v3.0
b. First USB version
c. First version to combine KDS ABS diagnostics into one program
Even though new
Concours a 2008
d. Service bulletin ST07-03
model, it was e. Added to the Kawasaki Essential Tool Program because of the
released a year
early.
Concours’ TPMS
2. October 2007
a. KDS 3.0 auto-shipped as a kit
Euro kit is slightly b. “Secret” part number 57001-1687A
different kit using
a different carry-
c. This part number only for auto-ship and new dealer set up
ing case. d. Cannot retail purchase by kit in the U.S. market, though can outside U.S.
e. European kit part number 57001-1687
3. October 2007
a. v3.01 ATV issues patch
4. June 2008
a. Auto-shipped to Mule dealers because of new 2009 DFI Mules
b. Service bulletin ST08-03
5. June 2008
Converter a. v3.0.2
57001-1648 is
pre-countermea-
6. August 2008
sure, needsd a. v3.0.3
countermeasrue
added. 57001-
7. August 2008
1725 converter is a. Countermeasure cable added
post-countermea-
sure, has counter-
b. Service bulletin ST-08-05
measure built in. c. Later incorporated into converter
KDS needs to be
8. Decemeber 2008
updated each year a. v3.0.4
because vehicles
get new part num-
b. Added Flash installer
bers on their ECUs c. Announced price of KDS CD
and KDS reads this
number inside the
c. Service bulletin ST08-09
ECU. 9. February 2009
a. v3.0.5
b. TPS voltage issue
10. February 2009
a. v3.0.6
b. Fahrenheit temps issue
c. v3.0.7
d. VN1700 ETV support added
11. January 2010
a. Y-cable type comm cable introduced
b. Because Kawasaki’s vendors changed wire harness connectors
c. Service bulletin ST-10-01
KDS 3 Parts
KDS System Evolution
Chronology
This table shows how the number and kinds of parts grew throughout KDS’ histo-
ry. The center is the beginning, as you go outward parts are added or changed.
The outermost circle is the latest and most current.
The bike's three ECU are registered with the Smart ECU at
Kawasaki’s factory, so confirmation between ECUs is ensured.
Replacement of any of the ECUs however requires re-registration of
all of the ECUs using a personal computer software application called
Kawasaki Diagnostic System (KDS) that is supplied to authorized
Kawasaki dealers. The KIPASS system's inter-ECU registration makes it impossible for someone to
simply substitute one of the ECUs in order to steal the vehicle.
KIPASS Keyfobs
In the event the keyfob's battery runs down, the keyfob cannot
transpond the Smart ECU's signal the normal way. Provision is
therefore made to use the keyswitch ECU's short range
antenna, by laying the back side of the keyfob directly on the
keyswitch, permitting the RF portion of the process to continue
to work, but now more like it does in the Euro Immobilizer
system. Not surprisingly, this emergency or backup
communication method is called by Kawasaki the Immobilizer
path, while the normal way is called the Transponder path
(official service manual terms). The keyfob itself therefore has
two RF communication paths: the longer range (5 feet)
transponder path, amplified by the fob's battery, and the shorter
(10mm) Immobilizer path unpowered by the fob's battery and meant for emergency use. Both of these
paths are RF, one is simply shorter than the other. Also, each of these paths must be separately
registered into the Smart ECU whenever an extra keyfob is added, an eventuality the dealer software
takes into account.
Two keyfobs come inside the crate from the factory, and these are pre-registered with the bike's Smart
ECU. For that matter, should someone purchase a new Smart ECU for any reason, it also comes with
two keyfobs inside the ECU's parts box, also pre-registered to the new ECU. Extra keyfobs are available,
and every Smart ECU has six total fob memory spaces. This means a brand new Concours has four
extra, unused spaces as delivered. The dealer software (KDS) kit, consisting of a software disk and
several cables, is needed to register extra keyfobs. Whenever registering a new or replacement keyfob,
all the keyfobs in the vehicle owner's possession must be included in the registration episode. Any that
are not present during the process will no longer be recognized. This designed-in feature allows the easy
disassociation from the Smart ECU of any fob that is lost. Simply re-registering the remaining fobs will
count the lost fob out of the system. If the fob is subsequently recovered, it is easily reassociated by
again registering all the keyfobs at the same time, and including that recovered fob. Registering an all-
new keyfob is a little different. This requires the secure ID code that is printed on the keyfob's parts
wrapper. If the wrapper and its ID code is for any reason lost
before the fob is registered, the fob can never be registered,
as the ID code is not marked on the fob. Tire pressure
monitoring system sensors are registered, again using KDS, in
much the same way as are keyfobs, with the difference being
their ID codes are marked on the part itself, and not on the
parts wrapper. The difference is one of security, obviously.
Another difference is found in already registered components.
An already registered keyfob's ID number cannot be retrieved
using KDS. However an already registered TPMS sensor can
be thus retrieved. Again, for security.
Once the Smart ECU has its six memory slots filled, no more keyfobs can be added. Even if one or more
fobs are lost, if all six slots are filled, none can be erased and so no new keyfobs can be added. The
MISTY technology does not permit a fob to be erased, only disassociated. The rest of the Smart system
is a bit more lenient, as TPMS sensors can be completely individually erased, and the Immobilizer side of
the fobs can also be completely erased from the keyswitch ECU.
As already mentioned, when registering a new keyfob, both its long range (Transponder) and its short
range (Immobilizer) sides must be registered. If only the longer range side is registered, then the
emergency low-battery backup (Immobilizer) feature will not work. Kawasaki dealers are even
encouraged to temporarily remove a newly registered keyfob's battery to test confirm the Immobilizer's
proper function.
If the bike's battery runs down or is disconnected, the KIPASS system will not operate. That is, the
keyswitch cannot be pushed down and rotated because the while RF thing is not happening. The
keyfob's battery is similarly vulnerable. If a keyfob is stored on the vehicle, this will of course be within 5
feet of the Smart ECU. The fob and ECU will in this case continuously communicate, which will
dramatically shorten the life of the keyfob's 5-year rated battery. Naturally, a keyfob should not be kept
on the vehicle anyway, since this would make the vehicle able to be started at any time. (Sure, you could
remove the key from the keyswitch, but the vehicle was not designed to be used this way, a fact that can
be attested to by the deliberately ungainly size and shape of the key's head.) A worst-case scenario
concerning keyfobs is possible on the 2010 and later Concours having the computer controlled glovebox.
Since a keyfob is required to operate the glovebox, leaving a fob in the glovebox where its battery can
more quickly run down can result in the unfortunate situation wherein the bike cannot be started because
the fob having a dead battery is inside the glovebox and the glovebox cannot be opened until the
keyswitch is operated. A Catch-22 in other words.
Should the rider take his or her keyfob out of range after the
vehicle is started (the fob falls out of a pocket), the bike will
continue to run but the instrument display will show
“transponder out of range.” The vehicle can still be ridden,
since the engine is already started. However, if the keyswitch
is turned off while the fob is out of range, the keyswitch will
lock. Well, almost. Actually, a special feature makes this
recoverable. The KIPASS system always stays on for 10
seconds after the keyswitch is turned off. The keyswitch can
be pushed down and turned within that time, meaning the
bike ridden, even without the fob in range. Someone who
suddenly realizes their fob is not in their pocket can therefore
push the switch down and restart the bike, if done within 10
seconds of having switched the key off. Beyond 10 seconds
however, the KIPASS system will lock off, and a keyfob will then be necessary to make the keyswitch
work again.
Starting in 2010, one of the two keyfobs that come in the new Concours crate is not a full featured fob but
one having the Immobilizer function only and not the transponder function. It therefore does not have a
battery. This fob is almost slim enough to be carried inside a wallet.
The red light on the left side of the Concours’ instruments that flashes regularly indicating the presence of
KIPASS doesn't really do anything. It simply flashes continuously for a total of 24 hours. If the keyswitch
is not depressed within that time, the light will stop flashing. KIPASS is not affected, just the light.
Operating KIPASS by pushing down the keyswitch with a keyfob in proximity will start the light flashing
again for a new 24-hour cycle.
The Concours owner's manual has some interesting warnings concerning the KIPASS system. One such
warning is that riders having heart pacemakers need to stay more than 9 feet away from the Smart ECU.
Since the Smart ECU is just a few inches below the seat, this effectively prevents people with
pacemakers from being able to ride a Concours 14 safely. Another statement cautions that KIPASS
function can be impaired when the vehicle is near large glass windows or under bridges.
There is no master keyfob. Each keyfob is unique, and operationally they are all equal. However, the
Concours owner's manual does recommend that two or more keyfobs not be kept close together as they
may interfere with each other.
Conclusion
The point of KIPASS is lost on some people. In the U.S., insurance companies are not as successful at
lobbying legislation favoring their business as they are in Europe. Thus the issue of theft is not as
important to Americans. The fact is, KIPASS offers such a huge theft deterence that systems like it are
nearly mandatory outside the U.S. Here's why. A purely mechanical locks offers at most a few thousand
unique key combinations, and in many cases, depending on the vehicle, only hundreds. Electronic
systems such as Immobilizer and KIPASS increase security by providing combinations of codes that
potentially number into the hundreds of thousands.