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

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

Cycle Standard Cycle Standard 24"" Handlebar Wiring Extension Kit for 1996-2006 Harley Models
10 reviews $46.94

Lowbrow Customs Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson XL 1999-2008 FLH/FLT
$22.99

Lowbrow Customs Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set 2007-2021 Harley-Davidson XL 1999-2006 FLH/FLT
$25.29

Morris Magneto Lightning Bolt Magneto Kill Lever
$15.00

Martian Machine Sideways Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
1 review $45.00

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Twin Cam
$45.00

Morris Magneto Replacement Magneto Cap AFM Cometic Gasket Harley-Davidson OEM# 29550-55
$10.91

Colony #2810-13 Instrument Panel Light Switch Kit 1937-1938 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$40.70

Colony #7804-6 Spark Plug Cable Packing Nut Kit 1927-1959 Harley-Davidson Coils
1 review $19.93

Cycle Standard Ignition Advance Unit Circuit Breaker Base Assembly 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 32577-70
$20.58

Colony #8153-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $12.74

Morris Magneto Replacement Magneto P5L OEM Point Set - Counter Clockwise
$37.89

Cycle Standard Chrome Distributor Cover 1936-64 Harley-Davidson Big Twins K KH Sportster and 45 inch Twins
2 reviews $9.46 $12.93

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Black with Orange Tracers
2 reviews $36.03

Colony #3788-16 Battery Box Mounting Kit 1929-1952 Harley-Davidson 45s - Parkerized
$35.00

British Standard Coil Bracket for 40mm 6 or 12 Volt Coils - Triumph / BSA / Norton
4 reviews $15.69

British Standard Points Cover Gasket Triumph Twins and Singles
9 reviews $6.41

British Standard Condenser for Triumph / BSA / Norton 1968-1972 Lucas type OEM #54420128
5 reviews $28.93

Colony #8154-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
2 reviews $9.56

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 $14.30

Colony #8824-8 Coil Mounting Stud Kit 1956-1982 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM #72341-56A - CAD Plated
$13.40

Colony #8823-10 Coil Mounting Stud Kit 1948-1955 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1948-1955 45s OEM #72341-48 - CAD Plated
3 reviews $13.40

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Chrome
26 reviews $29.35

Colony #3646-5 Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Zinc Plated
$6.60

Lowbrow Customs Lowbrow Customs Spark Plug Wire Set 1999-2017 Harley-Davidson FXD 2000-2017 FXST/FXST
$25.29

Gasbox 2007-2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster EFI Coil Adapter for Gasbox Top Motor Mounts
$24.00

Cycle Standard Rubber Battery Strap 1991-17 Harley-Davidson FXST FLST 80-92 FLT 78 XLCR 79 XL
2 reviews $6.14

Cycle Standard Lucas 5K Resisitor Type Spark Plug Cap
1 review $12.44

Colony #3377-1 Control Coil Bracket 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson 45"/74"/80" Twins - Parkerized
$22.00

Colony #3700-5 Ignition Coil Mount Plate 1985-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1994-2001 Touring 1991-1999 Softail 1991-1994 Dyna - Chrome Plated
1 review $11.00

Colony #3640-2 Generator Brush Cover Strap/Spring Kit 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson FL/XL/Servi-Car
$22.00

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Wire Separators - Chrome
$23.35

Colony #2172-16 Alternator Cover/Derby Cover Allen Screw Kit 2002-Up Harley-Davidson VRSC - Chrome Plated
1 review $21.22

Morris Magneto Replacement Magneto Cap Screws - Set of 4
$10.52

V-Twin Manufacturing Distributor Hold Down Clamp 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson XL 1936-1973 WL
$20.45

Cycle Standard Transmission Neutral Switch 1999-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
2 reviews $21.95

Colony #3529-7 Horn Trumpet Mount 1954-1964 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1957-1964 Sportster
$19.67

Colony #2126-12 Generator Brush Positive Terminal Screws/Fittings 1932-1957 Harley-Davidson All Models
$18.15

Colony #9681-7 Generator Mounting Hardware Kit 1930-1957 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$18.15

Colony #8765-2 Point Cover Allen Head Screws 1979-Up All Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $4.38

Cycle Standard Battery Hold Down Rod - Chrome - Early Harley-Davidson 6 Volt Big Twins
3 reviews $18.44

Cycle Standard Battery Bottom Plate Bracket - Chrome - Early Harley-Davidson 6 Volt Big Twins
$14.99

Colony #8152-2 Generator Screw Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
3 reviews $7.17

Colony #8754-2 Generator Allen Screw Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $12.74

British Standard Stator Lock Tab Washer Triumph BSA Twins and Singles
6 reviews $7.00

James Gaskets Generator Mounting Gasket 1958-1983 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$1.14

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

James Gaskets Points Cover Gasket 1971-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
1 review $1.34

Colony #3406-2 Generator Terminal Bolt Clip and Insulator Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH 1958-65 Servi-car 1958-1981 Sportster
$11.50

Colony #3531-9 Horn Face Screw & Nut Kit 1931-1957 Harley-Davidson Springer Models - CAD Plated
$11.50

Colony #2961-3 Timer Clamp Kit 1966-1970 Harley-Davidson XLH 1970 XLCH - Zinc Plated
$10.89

Colony #9109-2 Generator Screws 1930-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Sidevalves OEM #1523-30 - CAD Plated
2 reviews $10.37

James Gaskets Generator Mounting Gasket 1940-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$1.14

Colony #8146-10 Circuit Breaker & Voltage Regulator Screws 1936-1964 Harley-Davidson OHV Twins - CAD Plated
$10.04

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

Colony #3172-1 Ignition Switch Contact Roller Harley Davidson 1936-1984 Big Twins — Colony #3172-1 Ignition Switch Contact Roller 1936-1984 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$8.47

Colony #3359-10 Magneto Ground Terminal Assembly 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson XLCH
$7.87

Colony #3645-5 Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1985-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1994-2001 Touring 1991-1999 Softail 1991-1994 Dyna - Zinc Plated
$7.70

Colony #9520-4 Generator Pole Screw Kit 1918-1957 Harley-Davidson Twins OEM #30280-18 - Parkerized
$6.78

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Lock Washer for Starter Clutch #01881J
$3.36

Colony #3280-2 Light Switch Contact Pin and Spring 1929-1969 OEM #71859-29, 71861-29
$6.05

Colony #3249-4 Battery Box Wing Nuts 1/4-20 OEM #66387-24 - Chrome Plated
$4.84

Colony #8764-2 Point Cover Allen Head Screws 1970-1978 All Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
$4.38

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Starter Motor #01881U
$269.27

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Sealing Ring #01881Q
$1.58

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Stud #01881I
$4.09

Cannonball Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit for Rigid Frame Harley-Davidson Big Twins with Baker 6-in-4 Gearboxes
$4,454.00

Cannonball StealthStarter Replacement Drive Gear #01881G
$283.81

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-94T-15 90 Series 56 Amp 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT - Water Cooled
$599.97 $642.25

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-86T 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Softail
$699.49 $748.78

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

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