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

Sort by

Autolite Spark Plug for 1957-1978 Harley Sportster XL - Manufacturer Part #4316
15 reviews $6.27

Morris Magneto Replacement Bakelite Magneto Cap - Clear
1 review $49.39

Drag Specialties 12 Volt Mini Dual-Fire Ignition Coil - 5 ohm
$71.64

Lowbrow Customs 7mm Cloth 90 Degree Spark Plug Wire Sets - Black w/ Orange Tracers
9 reviews $30.02

Cycle Electric CE-105-13 Replacement Regulator 1982-E1984 Harley-Davidson XLH/XLS w/model 65B Hitati Generator
$141.76 $151.74

Cycle Electric CE-105-10 Replacement Regulator 1982-E1984 Harley-Davidson XLH/XLS w/model 65A Generator
$141.76 $151.74

Cycle Electric CE-102L Replacement Regulator 1936-1964 Harley-Davidson 12 Volt Conversion w/Battery in Oil Tank
$140.51 $150.41

S&S Cycle Ignition Rotor - 1970-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$19.95

Lowbrow Customs 7mm Cloth 90 Degree Spark Plug Wire Sets - Green w/ Yellow Tracers
5 reviews $30.02

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Blue Explosion
2 reviews $69.00

Mooneyes Finned Points Cover for Harley-Davdison 1999 & Up Twin Cam
4 reviews $67.67

Cycle Standard 7MM Universal Spark Plug Wire Set - 20 inch
2 reviews $29.07

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Boots and Terminals - 90 Degree Boots - For 8mm Plug Wire — Cycle Standard Spark Plug Boots and Terminals - 90 Degree Boots - For 7mm or 8mm Plug Wire
17 reviews $11.88

Standard Motorcycle Products Ignition Sensor Assembly - 1995-97 Harley-Davidson XL 1998-03 XL1200S
2 reviews $65.95

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

Cycle Standard Slotted Universal Motorcycle Horn - Chrome
12 reviews $35.51

Cycle Electric Stator CE-6010 for 2001-2005 Harley-Davidson Softail 2004-2005 Dyna OEM# 30017-01
$119.49 $127.90

Morris Magneto Replacement Magneto P6 Condenser
$19.49

LCFabrications Battery Box for Antigravity 8 Cell Batteries - Black
5 reviews $115.00

LCFabrications Battery Box for Antigravity 8 Cell Battery
5 reviews $115.00

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 1986-1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $113.94

Cycle Electric Shim Kit CE-8120 for CE-32A Alternators on Harley-Davidsons
2 reviews $24.84

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softails 99-17 FXD/FXDWG/FLD
3 reviews $107.94

Lowbrow Customs Bolt On 13/16 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab / Bracket - Tumbled Stainless
9 reviews $15.82

Morris Magneto Replacement Bakelite Magneto Cap - Black
$49.39

Blue Streak High-Performance Condenser - 1970-79 Harley-Davidson
$10.95

Lowbrow Customs Primary Mount 13/16 inch Ignition Key Switch Bracket For Harley-Davidson Sportster 2004-2022
$26.41

Cycle Standrad Spark Plug Boots and Terminals - Straight Style - 7mm or 8mm — Cycle Standard Spark Plug Boots and Terminals - Straight Style - for 7mm or 8mm Spark Plug Wire
13 reviews $25.56

Colony #2281-18 Spark Coil Mounting Kit 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$47.38

Lowbrow Customs Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1980-1989 FLH/FLT
$25.29

Hawthorn Co. Cycles Battery Box Antigravity 12 Cell w/ Breaker Mount & OEM Horseshoe Tank Adapter Plate
$90.00

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Veritcal
2 reviews $45.00

Cycle Standard High Tension Spring Terminals for your Spark Plug Wires - 6 Pack
18 reviews $9.69

Colony #3605-45 Horn Mounting Kit 1936-1941 Harley-Davidson All Models (except VL/RL)
$89.00

LCFabrications Battery Box for Antigravity 4 Cell Batteries - Black
11 reviews $85.00

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Black
2 reviews $29.28

Gasbox Top Motor Mount 2007-Up Harley Sportster Models - with EFI Ignition Coil Relocation
5 reviews $39.95

Autolite Spark Plug- 1979-1985 Sportster XL - Manufacturer Part #4123
4 reviews $7.70

Cycle Standard Black 6V Square Coil 1948-60 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$80.82

Hawthorn Co. Cycles Battery Box Antigravity 4 Cell w/ Breaker Mount & OEM Horseshoe Tank Adapter Plate
$75.00

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount With OEM #71425-77 Ignition Switch Mount 1948-1984 Harley Big Twins
2 reviews $74.95

Lowbrow Customs Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set 1989-1999 Harley-Davidson FXST/FLST 1991-1998 FXD
1 review $25.29

Colony #8214-7 Generator Mounting Hardware Kit 1930-1957 Harley-Davidson Twins - CAD Plated
1 review $18.15

Drag Specialties Single-Fire Ignition Coil - 1999-06 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 2004-06 XL
2 reviews $71.64

EMGO Universal Chrome Dimmer Switch and Horn Button 7/8 inch Bars
8 reviews $38.89

Drag Specialties 8.8 mm Spark Plug Wire Set - Universal
5 reviews $35.26

Fiorucci Fabrications Harley Big Twin Rigid Oil Tank 12V Battery Box for RTX5L-BS Battery
1 review $69.95

Gasbox Starter Block Off Plate with Ignition Switch Mount for 1970 - 1985 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportsters
6 reviews $34.95

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Pink/Purple Explosion
1 review $69.00

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Ice Explosion
$69.00

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Brown/Yellow/Orange Explosion
$69.00

Goodridge Replacement Brake light Banjo Bolt Boot
4 reviews $3.95

Cycle Standard Magneto or Coil Rubber Boots - Set of 6 - For 7mm or 8mm Plug Wire
9 reviews $14.52

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Starter Relay #01-595
$65.53

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Oak with Red and Black tracers
1 review $36.03

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Black with Red tracers
3 reviews $36.03

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Red with Black and Yellow tracers
4 reviews $36.03

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

Standard Motorcycle Products Points & Condenser Kit 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1970 XL
$15.95

Namz Custom Cycle Products ATO-Style Fuse Holder - 14 Gauge Wire
$7.95

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Wire Separators - Black
$15.35 $21.15

Lowbrow Customs Weld On 13/16 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab / Bracket
15 reviews $10.55

Gasbox Battery Box Adapters - Ironhead Sportster with Lowbrow Customs Hardtail
6 reviews $19.95

Lowbrow Customs 7mm Cloth 90 Degree Spark Plug Wire Sets - Oak w/ Red and Black Tracers
4 reviews $30.02

Colony #8151-2 Generator Screw Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
1 review $10.37

Drag Specialties Breaker Plate Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
$17.12

Lowbrow Customs Weld On 3/4 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab Bracket
13 reviews $10.55

Standard Motorcycle Products Points & Condenser Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson XL With Magneto
$23.95

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

NO SPAM, EVER. JUST GREAT STUFF. YOUR INFO IS NEVER SHARED.