Topdon TopScan Moto Review: Powerful, Pocket-Sized Code Reader
The TopScan Moto scans every Harley module for trouble codes, accesses Live Data, and performs dealer-level functions & tests.
Full disclosure: Topdon is an HDForums sponsor.
In an era where modern motorcycles have never been more complicated, maintaining and repairing your ride requires a diagnostic code scanner that can talk to your bike’s various computers via the data link connector (DLC) or On Board Diagnostic 2 (OBD2) port. But when you’re crossing the country with only a couple of saddlebags for storage, what scanner should you buy? Topdon’s TopScan Moto is a compact, yet powerful diagnostic tool and OBD2 scanner that’s small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Or tuck into a jacket pocket.
Why so small? The TopScan Moto trades the bulk of a traditional scanner device — with a built-in screen and cumbersome cabling — for a smartphone app to act as a screen and user interface. You know, the one item most riders never leave home without. Eager to explore the diagnostic tool’s capabilities and features, Topdon sent us a TopScan Moto for review, which we tested on a friend’s 2020 Harley Davidson CVO Limited. Here is everything we learned, along with our first impressions of the form, functionality, and value.
TopScan Moto Specs
For a full list of features, click HERE to download the TopScan Moto Product Profile.
- AutoVIN automatic vehicle identification
- Phone Compatibility: Android 7.0 / iOS 11.0 or above
- 3 Makes Available Now: Harley-Davidson, BMW, Ducati,
- Coming Soon: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM, PIAGIO (Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Moto, Guzzi, Aprilia, Mash, RBS, Rieju), Bombardier
- Size: 3.31″ x 1.98″ x 1.07″
- Weight: 2.7 ounces
- 18 Languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, Turkish, Finnish, Slovak, Serbian, Croatian
Harley-Davidson Controls
- Idle speed adjustment
- Servomotor Exhaust flap
- Air Cleaner Intake Valve
- Automatic Compression Release
- Side Stand Switch
- EITMS
- Oil Cooler Fan
- Chassis fan cooler
- Cruise control
- Side stand switch
All System Diagnostics
- ENG-Engine
- ABS-Antilock braking system
- Turn Signal Modul
- BCM – Body Control Module
- SCM – Security Control Module
- Instrument Modul
- Speedo Module
- Tacho Module
- Radio Module
- Left Hand Control
- Right Hand Control
Bi-directional control
- Lamps
- Relays
- Fans
- Tachometer
- Brake lights
- Fuel pump
DLC Location
Don’t know where your OBD2 port (or DLC) is located on a particular motorcycle? No problem, just put in the make and engine size of the bike, and the TopScan Moto will direct you.
Pricing
The Topdon TopScan Moto is currently for sale HERE on Topdon’s website for $154.99. It requires a smartphone app — TopGuru for iOS devices; TopScan for Android devices. To connect the TopScan Moto to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you’ll also need either a 4-pin or 6-pin OBD2 port adaptor, which is based on your particular model and year. (The transition was circa 2012-2013.) Topdon’s Harley-Davidson adaptor accessory (part # M013) features both connection types and is included with the TopScan Moto when purchasing directly from Topdon.
Each TopScan Moto purchase includes a ONE-YEAR subscription to access all available motorcycle brand diagnostics on as many motorcycles as you wish. At this time, Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Ducati are included. (More are coming soon.) All software updates and firmware upgrades are included during an active subscription. After the first year, a $99/year subscription is required to continue using the device and the diagnostic features in the app. (Maintenance guidance remains regardless of subscription status.)
Topdon also told me they plan to offer access to automobile/truck diagnostic scanning for an additional price. But the exact details are currently unknown.
For those aware of the original, automobile/truck-focused TopScan scanner, which we reviewed HERE, you will note that it’s noticeably cheaper than the new Moto variant. The reason for this, according to Topdon, comes down to the extra research and development required to offer motorcycle products. Automobile and truck OBD2 systems are much more unified and standardized, whereas motorcycle manufacturers each use their own diagnostic interface. This added R&D resulted in a more expensive purchase price.
Setup
Each TopScan Moto includes a paper copy of the Quick User Guide, which you can download HERE directly from Topdon. A more in-depth TopScan Moto User Manual is available to download HERE.
Setup was quick and easy. Simply download TopGuru on iOS devices or TopScan on Android devices. Create a Topdon account. “Bind the VCI,” which means registering your TopScan Moto and its serial number. You can snag this directly from a QR code or by inputting the serial number manually. Then you need to download the correct software for the motorcycle manufacturer. (In this case, Harley.) Plug the TopScan Moto into your motorcycle’s OBD2 port (aka DLC). And turn your bike’s ignition to ON.
(Other features may require starting the motorcycle.)
At this point, the TopScan Moto will connect to your phone’s app via Bluetooth and scan the motorcycle. We also had to update the firmware on our app/Moto before we were able to download the Harley-Davidson-focused software.
FYI, on the 2020 Harley Davidson CVO Limited, accessing the OBD2 port (DLC) requires removing the left-side saddlebag.
Scanning & Live Data
The core function of any diagnostic tool is, of course, scanning. Sometimes modern motorcycles indicate a malfunction via a Check Engine Light (or Malfunction Indicator Lamp, MIL). Most of the time, though, you need a scanner to check for problems. The TopScan Moto slots above many scanners in that it can scan more than just the engine’s computer. In this case, and depending on your exact model, it can interface with the engine, antilock brakes, turn signal, board control, security control, instrument, speedometer, tachometer, radio, left-hand control, and right-hand control modules, and check them all for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
With DTCs present, a few taps on the app reveals added details and, sometimes, possible fixes and solutions. You can then send yourself a Report of a motorcycle’s current status/codes (which arrives via email). Also, as part of your diagnostic process, if you wish to erase any DTCs to see if they return, that’s easy to do as well.
Accessing Live Data is one of the most important ways professional mechanics and experienced DIYers approach diagnostics. Basically, if you know how a motorcycle SHOULD be running, Live Data allows you to see how it reacts to various conditions in real-time. You can also set up the app to view four separate data streams in one live graph. And, of course, send yourself a report after the fact.
In terms of performance and ease of use, the TopScan Moto with its TopGuru app feels like a much more expensive scanner. It’s quick to speak with modules and offer easy ways to find/assess a variety of live data points.
Active Tests & Special Functions
Along with scanning, the TopScan Moto offers dealership-level capabilities in the form of what’s called “bi-directional control.” In other words, the Moto can perform a variety of Active Tests and Special Functions on your motorcycles. For example, it can activate various parts like the chassis fan cooler or various solenoids to help you figure out if you’re having a software problem or a hardware problem.
Naturally, these functions all vary depending on the year, make, and model of your motorcycle. On our friend’s CVO Limited, the TopScan Moto offers a lot of professional-level access for approaching the diagnostic process. (Whether or not this benefits you depends fully on your experience level.)
First Impressions
At $$155, the TopScan Moto delivers the performance and features of a much more expensive OBD2 scanner. Thanks to its smartphone integration, the device itself — even with the addition of an adaptor — saves on space compared to traditional, bulky diagnostic tools. The app interface has a small learning curve at the beginning. But generally speaking, it’s cleanly designed and easy to navigate. The only potential drawback, as far as I can tell, is the subscription fee structure.
In that sense, the TopScan Moto is a bargain over the first, second, and maybe even third years. But for owners who plan to use this scanner long-term, the prices of $400-$600+ models with no additional fees could be considered. That said, for that $99/year of additional cost (after the first year), customers can know the TopScan Moto will continuously evolve and upgrade with access to more makes, models, years, and features.
Click HERE to purchase a TopScan Moto directly from Topdon!
