Motorcycle enthusiasts often expect the same diagnostic ease as car owners, especially with systems like OBD2 becoming standard. For 2017 motorcycle models, the reality of OBD2 compatibility can be surprising. While cars in the US have mandated OBD2 for years, the motorcycle industry hasn’t followed the exact same path. Many hoped for a universal diagnostic connection, but manufacturers like Honda use their own “DLC” connectors which aren’t directly OBD2 compatible, nor do they always use standard OBD2 protocols.
Unlike some brands, like Triumph, which adopted the ISO9141-2 OBD2 protocol and a standard 16-pin DLC, Honda and others often require specialized tools. Solutions like the Healtech OBD Tool, while effective, can be costly, pushing affordability and portability into question for the average rider wanting to monitor their 2017 motorcycle. For simple tasks, like temperature monitoring, riders explore workarounds using sensors like the MM5, originally intended as an OAT sensor, potentially adapted for engine oil temperature by attaching it to the oil cooler.
Finding affordable and user-friendly OBD2 diagnostic solutions for 2017 motorcycles remains a key challenge. While progress is being made, the plug-and-play simplicity of automotive OBD2 is not yet universally available for bikes.
