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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Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-85T 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna
$702.44 $751.94

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-84T-10 2009-2010 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT With Oil Cooler
$700.75 $750.13

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-84T-09 2009-2010 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Without Oil Cooler
$703.89 $753.49

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-84T-04R 2004-2005 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT
$552.75 $591.70

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-81A-97R 1997-1998 Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT/FXR
$543.97 $582.29

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-74TR 1999-2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Models
$537.91 $575.81

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-69S-04 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster - Upgrade to Three Phase
$641.57 $686.78

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-63T for 2001-2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Models
$446.89 $478.38

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-24S-07 for 2007-2008 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportsters
$527.62 $564.79

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-24S-04 for 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportsters
$541.41 $579.56

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-23S-07 for 2007-2008 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportsters
$527.62 $564.79

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit CE-23S-04 for 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportsters
$541.41 $579.56

Gasbox Replacement Hardware for Gasbox Universal Battery Box - Antigravity 12 Cell
$3.03

Gasbox Replacement Hardware for Gasbox Universal Battery Box - YTZ-12S / RTX5L-BS Batteries
$3.08

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-602-06 - 2006-2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Models
$231.04 $247.32

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-602 - 2004-2005 Harley-Davidson Dyna Models
$232.89 $249.30

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-601 - 2001-2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Models
$220.61 $236.16

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-207 - 1992-1993 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$165.98 $177.68

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-206 - 1991 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$159.82 $171.09

Cycle Electric CE-506 Replacement Regulator for DGV-5006 Generator
$200.46 $214.59

Cycle Electric CE-101 Replacement Regulator 1958-1964 Harley-Davidson XL/XLH/XLCH/FL/FLH 6 Volt 2 Brush Generators
$140.51 $150.41

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5006 6 Volt for 1936-1964 Harley-Davidsons with 5/16-24 mounting bolts
$555.08 $594.19

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2578 6 Volt for 1958-1964 Harley-Davidsons with 5/16-24 mounting bolts
$420.00 $449.60

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2569H 65A 12v for 1936-1957 Harley-Davidsons with 1/4-24 mounting bolts
$422.79 $438.66

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2569M 65A 12v for 1936-1957 Harley-Davidsons with 5/16-24 mounting bolts
$395.86 $423.75

Axel Co. Nobody's 'Ol Lady Points Cover - Black - 1971-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportsters/Ironheads
$60.00

Axel Co. Nobody's 'Ol Lady Points Cover - Polished - 1971-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportsters/Ironheads
$60.00

Colony #3787-16 Battery Box Mounting Kit CP Bolts 1929-1952 Harley-Davidson 45s - CAD Plated
$35.00

Colony #3786-16 Battery Box Mounting Kit CP Bolts 1929-1952 Harley-Davidson 45s - Parkerized
$35.00

Colony #3802-5 Stoplight Switch Gasket 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson - 5 Pack
$12.38

Hawg Supply Swirl Points Cover For Harley Davidson Big Twin & Sportser - Polished
$59.99

Morris Magneto Replacement Bakelite Magneto Cap - Red
$49.39

Colony #7113-2 Acorn Head Generator Screw Set - 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson 74's - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #3613-1 Horn Bracket Spring Plate 1942-1954 Harley-Davidson All Models
$8.80

Colony #3611-2 Horn Bracket Spring Plate 1936-1941 Harley-Davidson All Models
$12.10

Colony #3610-2 Horn Bracket Spring Plate 1936-1941 Harley-Davidson All Models
$14.85

Colony #3615-1 Horn Bracket Reinforcement 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1940-1957 45's
$14.85

Colony #3614-2 Horn Bracket Lockwasher 1949-1954 Harley-Davidson All Models
$14.85

Colony #3604-52 Horn Mounting Kit 1931-1936 Harley-Davidson VL 1931-1939 RL
$135.00

Colony #3606-15 Horn Mounting Kit 1942-1945 Harley-Davidson All Models
$18.70

Colony #3454-2 Control Coil Clamp - Right 1926-1934 Harley-Davidson Singles 1929-1941 45s - Parkerized
$7.87

Colony #7130-2 Acorn Head Generator Screw Kit - 1957-1970 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #7114-2 Acorn Head Generator Screw Set - 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson 74's - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #9757-2 Generator Chrome Allen Screw Kit 1957-1970 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$12.74

Colony #9108-2 Generator Screws 1930-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Sidevalves OEM# 1523-30 - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #8877-2 Generator Screw Kit 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson K/XL - Chrome Plated
$12.74

Colony #2098-2 Generator Phillips Screw Kit 1950-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
$8.47

Colony #2097-2 Generator Phillips Screw Kit 1950-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
$11.40

Colony #2047-4 Voltage Regulator Mounting Acorn Kit 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softail - Chrome Plated
$11.96

Colony #2562-2 Panel Switch Knob and Screw Kit 1939-E1943 Harley-Davidson Big Twins & 45s - Chrome Plated
$14.85

Colony #2561-2 Panel Switch Knob and Screw Kit L1943-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twin & 45s - Parkerized
$13.20

Colony #2478-2 Control Coil Adjusting Sleeve 1929-1933 Harley-Davidson DR/RL/VL - Parkerized
$13.92

Colony #2046-8-P Voltage Regulator Mounting Kit Smooth Allen 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softail - Chrome Plated
1 review $7.17

Colony #2884-6 Magneto Adapter Plate Screw 1958-1962 Harley-Davidson XLCH - CAD Plated
$18.15

Colony #9948-8-P Electrical Panel Cover Smooth Chrome Allen Mounting Kit Harley Dyna 91-up
$8.56

Colony #8458-2 Generator Chrome Cap Style Screw Kit Harley Sportster 1971-85
$14.74

Colony #8446-10 Circuit Breaker Relay Chrome Cap Screw Kit Harley Big Twins 1936-57 Knuckle Pan
$17.14

Colony #8443-2 Generator Chrome Cap Screw Set Harley Davidson 1958-69 Pan Shovel
$13.94

Colony #2996-1 Spark Plug Cable Clip Front 1936-1940 Harley-Davidson OHV - CAD Plated
$5.57

Colony #2977-2 Generator Screws 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL - CAD Plated
$10.37

Colony #2960-1 Spark Plug Cable Clip Front 1936-1940 Harley-Davidson OHV - Parkerized
$5.57

Colony #3347-12 Ignition Switch Mounting Kit 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$8.71

Colony #3315-2 Control Coil End Plug 1937-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1940-1948 45 Solo/Servi-car
$16.50

Colony #3290-1 Control Coil Clamp 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson V/VL 1930-1931 D/DL/DLD 1932-1936 R/RL/RLD 1937-1940 WL/G - Parkerized
$21.78

Colony #3184-4 Battery Wing Nuts 1/4-20 OEM #4409-24 - CAD Plated
$4.84

Lowbrow Customs ECM Fender Mount Box for 2007-2013 Harley-Davidson Sportsters
$58.41

Cycle Standard Lucas Non-Resistor Type Spark Plug Cap
1 review $12.38

Colony #3763-5 Generator Strap Rebuild Kit 1930-1957 Harley-Davidson 45's/VL/Knucklehead/Panhead
$23.00

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 1997-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 91-99 FXST/FLST 91-98 FXD/FXDWG 00-23 Softail 99-17 FXD/FXDWG/FLD
$190.99

Cycle Electric LeBeef Generator DGV-5000-LH-CP 12 Volt Low Voltage - 1936-1964 Harley-Davidsons w/Heli Coils
2 reviews $652.30 $698.26

Cycle Electric LeBeef Generator DGV-5000-CP 12 Volt - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidsons
$638.37 $683.35

Boyer Bransden Boyer Bransden Dual Lead 12V Coil British Twins with Electronic Ignition
$147.61

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