Doesn't DESS work well as a security device?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Gosh Mike, thanks for that info. The dealer of course never did explain to me exactly what they replaced, but why would it be anything else? I recall another thread on here where someone stated that water distorts the radio signal from the key-chip. Perhaps if allowed to dry out long enough, nothing would have to be replaced? I dunno... all I know is they replaced SOMETHING, and it took 8 days to get it.

Well ...How much were you charged .... changing the Antennae shouldn't cost much for parts and labor .... the actual DESS module now costs about $ 150 for the part .... however the entire FRUNK has to be removed to get to it, I know I've done it. a dealer might charge $350 for labor alone .... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Navydad]

I realize it's personal choice. I'm just wondering if 'security' factors into your thinking on this.

Being stranded a thousand miles from home factors into my thinking on this. We have an Easy Riders event here every year and every year there are nice Harley's stolen, usually from a restaurant parking lot. Security systems, ignition disablers, nor wheel locks are a problem for thieves that really want your bike. I don't know if an insurance adjuster would give me grief about DESS, but I do know he/she wouldn't give a rats butt where I am or whether my bike started or not. Something gives me problems or doesn't work as it should I get rid of it. Life's too short.

 

[UtahPete]

I'm beginning to think this is one of those issues, like ATGATT and carrying spare fuel, that is driven too much by emotion for there to be a rational discussion about it.

 

[2dogs]

Kinda comes down to this. If your DESS goes out on you away from home, at least you still have your spyder. If you disable your DESS and your spyder gets stolen then you have no spyder. Think I'll stay with the DESS. JMHO Sometimes it feels like if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all.

 

[old Timer]

Please elaborate on how you got around the DESS module on your 2010.

My mistake, I just reread what I posted, was referring to my 2010 Tundra, just went out to check and lo and behold it must have a Dess module. Sorry about that, definitely a brain fart. Too much New Mexico Sun... :gaah:

 

[UtahPete]

Kinda comes down to this. If your DESS goes out on you away from home, at least you still have your spyder. If you disable your DESS and your spyder gets stolen then you have no spyder. Think I'll stay with the DESS. JMHO Sometimes it feels like if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all.

That's pretty much my reasoning at this point. Glad to see someone else thinks similarly.

 

[vito1943]

What does "D.E.S.S." stand for?

 

[UtahPete]

What does "D.E.S.S." stand for?

Dumb Effing Security System to some!

Digitally Encrypted Security System to others I think.

 

[Navydad]

Great bunch of folks on here and no disrespect meant, but if you think an ignition disabler system like DESS will stop a determined thief from stealing your Spyder, Harley, Ford, or Kenworth then some of you may have a surprise coming. These systems are just like the lock on you back door. It keeps honest folks honest and does nothing to deter thieves. I spent 25 years working with electronic systems in vehicles. ABS, Traction control, security systems, etc. #1 these systems aren't as complicated as folks think and #2 Security is a word used in the sales brochure. Disabled or not DESS does nothing to reassure me against theft of my Spyder. Now, if my DESS hadn't crapped out twice I wouldn't have it turned off, but I wasn't going for third times a charm. It is a possibility that without DESS someone will swipe my Spyder, but in my mind it is a certainty that I would be stranded if I hadn't turned it off. Man I love a good back and forth Now let's have a go at oil or car tires.

 

[UtahPete]

Great bunch of folks on here and no disrespect meant, but if you think an ignition disabler system like DESS will stop a determined thief from stealing your Spyder, Harley, Ford, or Kenworth then some of you may have a surprise coming. These systems are just like the lock on you back door. It keeps honest folks honest and does nothing to deter thieves. Disabled or not DESS does nothing to reassure me against theft of my Spyder. It is a possibility that without DESS someone will swipe my Spyder, but in my mind it is a certainty that I would be stranded if I hadn't turned it off. Man I love a good back and forth

If I'd had my DESS crap out twice, I would definitely have decided to disable it, since nobody seems to know why some bikes have this particular gremlin and others don't. I started this thread because I got concerned from other threads here that I was pushing my luck. But, I couldn't find anyone near me with BUDS2. So, I decided to investigate further and I'm asking others about their rationale, along with doing some digging into the DESS threads themselves to see how much is actual experience with DESS failure requiring replacement and how much is coming from folks who would rather disable it than take a chance.

 

[Deanna777]

Kinda comes down to this. If your DESS goes out on you away from home, at least you still have your spyder. If you disable your DESS and your spyder gets stolen then you have no spyder. Think I'll stay with the DESS. JMHO Sometimes it feels like if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all.

2dogs,

I agree with you.

I still have my DESS and I am keeping my DESS. I have a 2014 RTS-SE6.

Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

What does "D.E.S.S." stand for?

Digitally Encoded Security System.

Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

Great bunch of folks on here and no disrespect meant, but if you think an ignition disabler system like DESS will stop a determined thief from stealing your Spyder, Harley, Ford, or Kenworth then some of you may have a surprise coming. These systems are just like the lock on you back door. It keeps honest folks honest and does nothing to deter thieves. I spent 25 years working with electronic systems in vehicles. ABS, Traction control, security systems, etc. #1 these systems aren't as complicated as folks think and #2 Security is a word used in the sales brochure. Disabled or not DESS does nothing to reassure me against theft of my Spyder. Now, if my DESS hadn't crapped out twice I wouldn't have it turned off, but I wasn't going for third times a charm. It is a possibility that without DESS someone will swipe my Spyder, but in my mind it is a certainty that I would be stranded if I hadn't turned it off. Man I love a good back and forth Now let's have a go at oil or car tires.

Navydad,

I have had my DESS replaced twice, and both times under warranty.

I have a 2014RTS-SE6.

Deanna

 

[trikermutha]

I waited till I got the DESS Message and started with the new and improved module per the bulletin. Then a year later it happened again. Tried another module. Then a few months after that got the DESS message again. So I know its not the module ..right?
Per the bulletin I replaced the antenna. Now time will tell if that solves my issue.

The switch has nothing to do with the DESS. The antenna reads the key , sends that message to the DESS Module , then the module tell the ECM to start or not start.

NOTE: D.E.S.S. is not linked to CAN, it communicates via radio wave signal with the key antenna

 

[UtahPete]

......Per the bulletin I replaced the antenna. Now time will tell if that solves my issue.

The switch has nothing to do with the DESS. The antenna reads the key , sends that message to the DESS Module , then the module tell the ECM to start or not start.

NOTE: D.E.S.S. is not linked to CAN, it communicates via radio wave signal with the key antenna

That's the impression I'm getting also. It's not the module but something else that affects some bikes and not others. Still researching on the forum threads....

 

[Deanna777]

That's the impression I'm getting also. It's not the module but something else that affects some bikes and not others. Still researching on the forum threads....

UtahPete,

Look at the Thread that I started( KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

The above thread has a lot of excellent info about the DESS.

Deanna

 

[UtahPete]

Navydad, I have had my DESS replaced twice, and both times under warranty. I have a 2014RTS-SE6. Deanna

Any issues since, Deanna? Maybe the gremlin got scared off by your new dashboard treatment ... :2thumbs:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Great bunch of folks on here and no disrespect meant, but if you think an ignition disabler system like DESS will stop a determined thief from stealing your Spyder, Harley, Ford, or Kenworth then some of you may have a surprise coming. These systems are just like the lock on you back door. It keeps honest folks honest and does nothing to deter thieves. I spent 25 years working with electronic systems in vehicles. ABS, Traction control, security systems, etc. #1 these systems aren't as complicated as folks think and #2 Security is a word used in the sales brochure. Disabled or not DESS does nothing to reassure me against theft of my Spyder. Now, if my DESS hadn't crapped out twice I wouldn't have it turned off, but I wasn't going for third times a charm. It is a possibility that without DESS someone will swipe my Spyder, but in my mind it is a certainty that I would be stranded if I hadn't turned it off. Man I love a good back and forth Now let's have a go at oil or car tires.

RIGHT ON ......JMHO ....Mike :thumbup:

 

[2dogs]

That's pretty much my reasoning at this point. Glad to see someone else thinks similarly.

That's why I bought a trailer. LOL Sooner or later..........................well you know. It can happen to anyone at any time anywhere. AAA can do the initial tow and a bus/airline ticket can get you home then another trip to get the spyder. Always try to preplan. Don't stress out!

 

[old Timer]

BMW had a similar problem with their motorcycles several years back. Turns out that the problem was with the antenna ring around the bikes key socket. Replaced them under warranty. The antenna ring picks up the signal in the key and sends the go-no go signal to the module. I personally on all my bikes, ATV's cars, trucks etc. do not have any of the Chipped Keys on any type of Key Ring. No other keys are with the required Key or module.