What are the signs of a bad ignition switch?

There are a couple of indicators of a bad ignition switch. The first indicator is if your bike will not start, and you know your battery and connections are good. This seems pretty obvious, but there are other things that can cause your ignition system to fail. If you have a neutral light, you can check to see if it is lighting when you turn your key on. If the neutral light does not come on, it may mean your motorcycle ignition switch is bad. Other indicators would include a loose-fitting key or the bike stalling when riding down the road.

How often should spark plugs be replaced?

This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Harley recommends changing your motorcycle spark plugs every 10,000 miles. This is not because the spark plugs have gone bad, it is simply because they are not as efficient as they were when they were new. Spark plugs wear over time. The edges of the electrodes will eventually burn down. Spending a few dollars to keep your motorcycle running like it should is a good idea. Check your manufacturer recommendations to determine when is best to change your spark plugs.

How do you know if your brake light switch is bad?

It depends on which switch you are trying to diagnose. The brake light switch actuated by your hand brake lever is a tiny momentary switch. If you listen carefully, you can hear it “click” when you apply your hand brake. If your brake light is not coming on, and you do not hear that “click”, it is a good indicator that your switch may be bad. Rear brake pedals typically use plunger mechanical switches. If your brake light is not working when you apply your rear brake pedal, locate the wires to the rear brake switch. Turn off the ignition. Unplug the two wires and jump the circuit with a small piece of wire. If you turn on the ignition and the rear brake light is on, your switch is bad.

What is the average life of a motorcycle battery?

There are a variety of variables that you need to consider when determining the average life-span of a motorcycle battery. AGM lead acid batteries will not last as long as some of the newer lithium batteries. Most lead acid AGM batteries have a 4 year service life span. If you live in a cold climate and do not maintain your battery during the winter months you will greatly reduce the life span of your battery. This applies to Conventional, AGM, and Lithium batteries. During those winter months it is a good practice to keep those batteries charged and in a warm storage area.

What gauge wire is used on motorcycles?

Most motorcycles use 16 to 18 gauge wire for the controls and lights. Items like starters and battery connections use ticker gauge wire typically 12 to 14 gauge.

Yes Motorcycle Electrical & Wiring

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Colony #3444-2 Control Coil Clamp - Left 1926-34 Harley-Davidson Singles 29-50 45s
$7.87

Colony #2503-4 Brake Light Switch Mounting Kit 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $7.57

Colony #3183-4 Battery Wing Nuts CAD 5/16-18 — Colony #3183-4 Battery Wing Nuts 5/16-18 Harley-Davidson OEM# 554A - Parkerized
$7.26

Colony #3147-2 Air Horn Cover Mount Screws 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - CAD Plated
$7.26

Colony #9712-2 Generator Screw Kit 1937-1957 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$6.78

Colony #3646-5 Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1965-84 Harley-Davidson FL FX XL
$6.60

Colony #3174-4 Battery Wing Nuts Parkerized 5/16-18 — Colony #3174-4 Battery Wing Nuts 5/16-18 Thread OEM# 66387-26 - Parkerized
$4.84

Colony #3749-2 Magneto To Crankase Seal Kit 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson XLCH
$4.40

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and Pair DC3-1 Coils
$456.65

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and DC-6-5 Twin Fire II Mini Coil
$456.65

Colony #3701-5 Chrome Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1949-1959 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 52-70 K XL
$9.90

Colony #3716-2 Battery Mat Set 1915-64 Harley-Davidson 6 Volt Battery Models
$11.00

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000-LH 12 Volt Low Voltage - 1936-1964 Harley-Davidsons w/Heli Coils
$503.03 $536.22

FNA Custom Cycle Goodone Cast Aluminum Magneto Cover
1 review $190.00

Colony #3645-5 Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1985-03 Harley-Davidson XL 94-01 Touring 91-99 Softail 91-94 Dyna
$7.70

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2578-H 6 Volt for 1936-1957 Harley-Davidsons w/Heli Coils
$384.01 $411.07

Colony #3608-9 Horn Mounting Kit 1949-1951 Harley-Davidson All Models
$37.50

Colony #3609-9 Horn Mounting Kit 1952-1954 Harley-Davidson All Models
$37.50

Colony #3616-1 Horn Mount Flexible Connection 1936-1941 Harley-Davidson All Models (except VL)
$8.80

Dynatek Performance Electronics Single Fire Ignition and Coil Kit - 1971-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1970-99 Big Twins
$325.54

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1994-97 Harley-Davidson XL 1994-99 FX FL Models
$264.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1990-93 Harley-Davidson XL 1991-95 FX Models
$264.43

Rawhide Cycles Electronic Ignition for 1970-1984 Yamaha XS650 - Dual Pickup
$289.00

Rawhide Cycles Electronic Ignition for 1970-1984 Yamaha XS650 - Single Pickup
$289.00

Rawhide Cycles Electronic Ignition for 1970-1999 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Evolution and Sportsters
$219.00

Dynatek Performance Electronics 5 ohm Single Coils - Pair
$198.88

Colony #3538-4 Magneto Vent Cover Kit 1958-69 Harley-Davidson XLCH
$18.70

Colony #3540-1 Circuit Breaker Timer Wire Cable Clip 1941-48 Harley-Davidson Windshields
$6.05

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Brown/Yellow/Orange Explosion
$62.00

Colony #3378-1 Timer Wire and Control Coil Clip 1930-33 Harley-Davidson Twins
$32.99

Colony #3529-7 Horn Trumpet Mount 1954-64 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1957-64 Sportster
$17.88

Colony #3491-2 Horn Adjusting Screw Kit 1931-1957 Delco-Remy Horns
$9.68

Colony #3405-4 Chrome Plated Battery Box Wing Nuts 5/16-18 OEM# 66387-26 4409-26
$7.87

Colony #3404-4 Chrome Plated Battery Box Wing Nuts 1/4-20 OEM# 4409-24 66387-24
$7.87

Colony #3359-10 Magneto Ground Terminal Assembly 1958-69 Harley-Davidson XLCH
$7.87

Colony #3348-12 CAD Plated Ignition Switch Mounting Kit 1939-46 Harley-Davidson Twins
$8.71

Colony #3313-6 Battery Terminal Screws All 6 V. 1923 - 1965 Harley-Davidson
$16.34

Colony #3259-1 Wire Clip 1924-1929 Harley-Davidson J/JD/DH 1930 VL/VC 1931-1932 Singles - Parkerized
1 review $16.50

Colony #3222-1 Spark Plug Cable Bracket 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Zinc Plated
$13.92

Gasbox Stock Coil Mount for 1971 - 1994 Harley-Davidson Ironhead and Evo Sportster OEM # 31723-71
1 review $19.95

Colony #3225-2 Delco-Remy Horn Diaphram Screw and Nut Kit 1931 - 1957 Harley-Davidson — Colony #3225-2 Delco-Remy Horn Diaphram Screw & Nut Kit 1931-1957 Harley-Davidson - Parkerized
$10.89

Gasbox Tumbled Stainless Steel Points Cover for Harley-Davidson Sportsters and 1970 - 1999 Big Twins
2 reviews $21.95

Colony #3185-4 Battery Wing Nuts Parkerized 1/4-20 — Colony #3185-4 Battery Wing Nuts 1/4-20 Harley-Davidson OEM# 4409-24 - Parkerized
$4.84

Colony #3160-3 Starter Gear Bump Plate Screw 1936-78 Harley Davidson — Colony #3160-3 Starter Gear Bump Plate Screw 1936-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
3 reviews $11.13

Morris Magneto X5 Magneto for Generator Model Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportsters and 45 Flat Heads
$2,221.77

Morris Magneto G5 Magneto for Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1936 - 1969 - Brushed Finish
1 review $2,195.00

Morris Magneto T5 Magneto for Harley Davidson Twin Cam Motors - Brushed Finish
$2,453.41

Morris Magneto 74LDMD Dual Magneto Setup for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons - Brushed Finish
$3,101.96

Morris Magneto MM74L Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons with Aftermarket Cases - Brushed Finish
$1,942.38

Morris Magneto MM74L Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1993 - 1999 - Brushed Finish
$1,942.38

Morris Magneto MM74L Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1974 - 1992 - Brushed Finish
2 reviews $1,942.38

Morris Magneto MM74L Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1970 - 1973 - Brushed Finish
$1,942.38

Morris Magneto MM3 Magneto for Harley Davidson Sportster 1957 - 1970 and 45 and 80 Flatheads - Brushed Finish
2 reviews $1,359.75

Morris Magneto Morris M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons with Aftermarket Cases - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

Morris Magneto M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1993 - 1999 - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

Morris Magneto M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1974 - 1992 - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

#3100-4 Battery Box Lid Wing Nuts Harley-Davidson 66387-26 — Colony #3100-4 Battery Box Lid Wing Nuts Harley-Davidson OEM# 66387-26
1 review $4.84

LCFabrications Battery Box for Antigravity 8 Cell Batteries - Black
4 reviews $69.95

Colony #8754-2-P Generator Smooth Allen Screws 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Panhead & Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$13.55

Colony #8444-2 Generator Cap Screw Set Harley-Davidson 1936-57 Knuckle Pan - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #2990-2 Generator Screw Kit CAD Special 5/16 inch case holes Harley Big Twins 36-57 — Colony #2990-2 Special Generator Screw Kit 5/16 inch Case Holes 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
2 reviews $12.10

Morris Magneto M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1970 - 1973 - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

Colony #2656-8 Spark Coil and Cover Mounting Kit 1955-1966 Harley-Davidson KH/Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $33.00

Colony #2618-12 Ignition Switch Mounting Spacer Kit 1940-1945 Harley-Davidson WLA - CAD Plated
$9.68

Colony #2327-23 Coil Mounting Kit 1929-1947 Harley-Davidson 45s 1929-1947 VL
1 review $64.97

Colony #2331-20 Battery Box Mounting Kit 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson FX/FL
$15.73

Colony #2476-2 Generator Pole Shoe Screws Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1958-1981 XL - Parkerized
$15.31

Colony #2560-2 Panel Switch Knob And Screw Kit 1939-1943 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45s - Chrome Plated
$12.53

Colony #2563-2 Panel Switch Knob And Screw Kit 1939-1943 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45s - Parkerized
1 review $11.13

Colony #2329-9 Voltage Regulator Mounting Kit 1965-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH
$8.20

Colony #2127-11 Generator Brush Positive Terminal Screws/Fittings 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH 1958-1981 XL 1958-1965 Servi-Car
3 reviews $17.60

Colony #2126-12 Generator Brush Positive Terminal Screws/Fittings 1932-1957 Harley-Davidson All Models
$16.50

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