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.

Motorcycle Electrical & Wiring

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Cannonball Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit Rigid Frame 3 & 4 Speed Harley-Davidson Big Twins
3 reviews $3,894.96

Cannonball Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit Swingarm Frame 4 Speed 1958-1985 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
1 review $4,260.63

Antigravity Batteries Antigravity Lithium Small Case Battery - 12 Cell - AG-1201
38 reviews $219.99

Dynatek Performance Electronics Dyna S Ignition Complete Kit - Dual Fire for Harley Davidson
19 reviews $264.29

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1999-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
37 reviews $249.95

Cycle Electric Stator CE-8012 for 2006 - 2016 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT Models
39 reviews $165.80 $177.48

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit 32 amp CE-32AR for Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twins
4 reviews $367.45 $393.34

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons
9 reviews $320.27

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44 reviews $543.94 $582.26

Lowbrow Customs Cloth Covered Wire - 16 gauge - sold by the foot - Assorted Colors Available
161 reviews From $9.46 $18.92

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

Cannonball Lion Battery Box for Li-Ion Batteries 1936-1964 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twin 1937-1948 SV Big Twin
$463.52

Lowbrow Customs Weatherproof Starter Ignition Key Switch - Chrome Bezel
94 reviews $70.10

Cycle Electric DGV-5000 12V Generator for Harley-Davidson 1965-1984
57 reviews $543.94 $582.26

Cycle Electric CE-8010-08 Stator Replacement for 2008-2017 Harley Dyna & Softail OEM #30017-08
22 reviews $163.88 $175.43

Morris Magneto MM2 Magneto for 1971-1980 Harley-Davidson XL - Brushed Finish
$1,295.00

Cycle Electric LeBeef Generator DGV-5000-L-CP 12 Volt - Low Voltage - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson
$638.37 $683.35

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

Pazon Ignitions Pazon Electronic Ignition for Triumph / BSA / Norton Twin 12v Motorcycles
57 reviews $216.43

S&S Cycle HI-4N Ignition Module Kit - 1970-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1971-1990 XL
1 review $550.04 $599.95

Drag Specialties 5 ohm Dual Fire Coil - for Points Ignition
16 reviews $80.20

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000-L-BLK 12 Volt - Low Voltage - 1965-84 Harley-Davidson - Blacked Out
2 reviews $535.58 $573.32

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-83T 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail
1 review $708.47 $758.39

Gremlin Wiring Builders Box Custom Wiring Harness Kit - Motorcycles With Points And After Market Electronic Ignitions
1 review $259.95

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1994-1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
15 reviews $249.95

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

Tri-Spark Tri-Spark Classic Twin Electronic Ignition System for Triumph BSA Norton Twins And SIngles
17 reviews $327.06

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-208 - 1994-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
12 reviews $166.04 $177.74

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-94T-14 90 Series 56 Amp 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT - Air Cooled
$593.97 $635.83

Gasbox Universal Battery Box for YTZ-12S Electric Start Motorcycle Battery
11 reviews $69.95

Lowbrow Customs Complete Chopper Wiring Harness 2007-2013 EFI Harley-Davidson Sportster
1 review $579.99

American Prime Mfg. Comp Master Ignition Advance Unit - 1970-Up Harley-Davidson Replaces OEM #3251770T
6 reviews $88.21

Cycle Electric CE-84T-99 Stator Rotor and Regulator Kit for 1999 - 2003 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT Models
21 reviews $545.16 $583.57

Antigravity Batteries Antigravity Lithium Small Case Battery - 8 Cell - AG-801
28 reviews $161.99

Antigravity Batteries Antigravity Lithium Small Case Battery - 4 Cell - AG-401
36 reviews $119.99

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
8 reviews $259.95

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and DC-6-5 Twin Fire II Mini Coil
2 reviews $557.00

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit 32 amp CE-32AL - 1988-1999 Harley-Davidson Softail
$367.45 $393.34

Cycle Electric Stator CE-8999 for 1989-1999 Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twins with 32 amp Alternator
27 reviews $109.29 $116.99

Cycle Electric Stator CE-9100 for 1991-2006 Harley-Davidsons Sportster - OEM #29967-89
4 reviews $117.54 $125.82

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-84T-07 2007-2008 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT
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Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-320L - 1989-1999 Harley-Davidson Softails
13 reviews $162.71 $174.17

EMGO 6 volt Ignition Coils - Pair - Lucas style Triumph / BSA / Norton OEM #45275
41 reviews $110.21

Lowbrow Customs Cloth Covered Wire - 12 gauge - sold by the foot - Assorted Colors Available
32 reviews From $15.62 $31.24

Drag Specialties Complete Advance Unit Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
6 reviews $44.45

Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set For Use With Gasbox 1986-2003 Sportster Top Motor Mounts with Coil Relocation
$25.29

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-71AR 1980-1988 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT/FXR With 5 Speed Rubber Mount Motors
$571.48 $611.75

Lowbrow Customs Weatherproof Starter Ignition Switch - Brass Bezel
18 reviews $75.94

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-320 - 1989-1996 Harley-Davidson FL 1989-1998 FXD FXR
23 reviews $162.71 $174.17

Gremlin Wiring Gremlin Wiring Harness Kit for 1989-1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Models
$359.95

Cycle Standard 3 position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71425-77 - Chrome Bezel
84 reviews $34.64

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-84T-06R 2006 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT
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Dynatek Performance Electronics 3 Ohm Dual Output HD - For Use With Dyna Electronic Ignitions
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Cycle Electric Stator CE-3845-02 for 2002 - 2005 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT Models
11 reviews $143.49 $153.60

Gremlin Wiring Gremlin Wiring Harness Kit for 1949-1999 Kick-Only Shovelhead & Big Twin Models
1 review $199.99

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount for Crank Start Key Switch - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evolution
1 review $74.95

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-60AR for 1970-1984 Harley-Davidson 4 Speed Solid Mount Motors
$470.33 $503.46

Cycle Standard 3 position Universal Quick-Start Ignition Key Switch - Chrome Bezel
10 reviews $42.16

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-62AR for 1991-1998 Harley-Davidson Dyna 1984-1999 Softail Models
$457.86 $490.13

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-67TR 1999-2003 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna - Upgrade to 3 Phase
$451.28 $483.08

Bates BattBoy Battery Box for Modern Gel or Li-Ion Batteries fits OEM-style Harley-Davidson Horseshoe Oil Tanks
26 reviews $149.09

Antigravity Batteries Antigravity Lithium Small Case Battery - 16 Cell - AG-1601
2 reviews $289.99

Wassell Wassell 200 Watt High Output Stator - fits 500/650/750c.c. Triumph / BSA / Norton
17 reviews $178.06

Bates Bates Kill Bill Motorcycle Battery Disconnect Switch - Brass Knob
33 reviews $33.74

Bates BattBoy 65 Battery Box 1965-84 Harley-Davidson FL FLH and 1967-78 XL
9 reviews $119.81

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount with Coil Mount - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evolution
$74.95

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2569 65A 12v for 1936-1984 Harley-Davidsons
13 reviews $408.86 $437.67

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-203 - 1976-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
12 reviews $162.21 $173.64

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1986-2003 Sportster - Stainless Steel - With Ignition Coil Relocation
11 reviews $39.95

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-22ANBR for 1970-1998 Harley-Davidson Big Twins With No Battery
$388.34 $415.70

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-445-02 - 2002-2003 Harley-Davidson FLT/FLH
$254.36 $272.28

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