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 Rectifying Regulator CE-210 - 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson XL Models
1 review $166.85 $178.60

Cycle Electric LeBeef CE-500-CP Replacement Regulator for DGV-5000 Generator
$274.66 $294.02

Cycle Electric LeBeef CE-540-CP Regulator for use on 65a 12v Harley-Davidson Generators
$275.98 $295.43

Drag Specialties Points & Condenser Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson XL With Magneto
$25.63

Dynatek Performance Electronics Programing Kit for Dynatek 2000I PC Programmable Ignitions
$184.14

Colony #3701-5 Ignition Coil Mounting Plate Kit 1949-1959 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1952-1970 K/XL - Chrome Plated
$9.90

Colony #3727-11 Battery Box Mounting Kit 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL - Parkerized
$20.90

Colony #3716-2 Battery Mat Set 1915-1964 Harley-Davidson 6 Volt Battery Models
1 review $11.00

Martian Machine Sideways Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - M8
$45.00

Martian Machine Sideways Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Twin Cam
2 reviews $45.00

Martian Machine Sideways Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Veritcal
$45.00

Martian Machine Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - M8
1 review $45.00

Martian Machine Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Twin Cam
3 reviews $45.00

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

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Veritcal
1 review $45.00

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - M8
$45.00

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

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000-LH 12 Volt Low Voltage - 1936-1964 Harley-Davidsons w/Heli Coils
$557.87 $597.17

Cycle Standard Transmission Neutral Switch 2000-05 Harley-Davidson FXST FLST FLT 2000-04 FXD
$18.41

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

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

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

Colony #3607-13 Horn Mounting Kit 1946-1948 Harley-Davidson All Models
$17.05

Drag Specialties Dual-Fire Ignition Coil - 2007-21 Harley-Davidson XL 2015-20 XG500/750
$117.65

Dynatek Performance Electronics Single Fire Ignition and Coil Kit - 1971-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1970-99 Big Twins
$364.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1994-97 Harley-Davidson XL 1994-99 FX FL Models
$296.65

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1990-93 Harley-Davidson XL 1991-95 FX Models
1 review $296.65

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1991-1993 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
2 reviews $249.95

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Wire Separators - Aluminum
$23.16

Cycle Standard Chrome 6V Coil 1947 & Up Harley-Davidson
2 reviews $58.18

Cycle Standard Chrome 6V Square Coil 1948-60 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$82.06

Drag Specialties High Performance Battery 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softails 99-17 FXD/FXDWG/FLD
$158.95

Colony #3346-1 Horn Power Pack Rubber Mount 1954-1964 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH/XL/XLH
$22.00

Blue Streak High-Performance Points - 1970-79 Harley-Davidson
3 reviews $19.95

Drag Specialties Replacement Starter - 1986-2020 Harley-Davidson Sportsters - Black
2 reviews $500.10

Mooneyes MOONEYES Spark Plug Wire Kits - Yellow
3 reviews $35.00

Colony #3540-1 Circuit Breaker Timer Wire Cable Clip 1941-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$6.05

Colony #3538-4 Magneto Vent Cover Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson XLCH/Fairbank Morris/Joe Hunt Magnetos
$20.57

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

Colony #3444-2 Control Coil Clamp - Left 1926-1934 Harley-Davidson Singles 1929-1950 45s - Parkerized
$7.87

Colony #3378-1 Timer Wire & Control Coil Clip 1930-1933 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$32.99

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
12 reviews $249.95

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

Colony #3404-4 Battery Box Wing Nuts1/4-20 Harley-Davidson OEM #4409-24/66387-24 - Chrome Plated
$7.87

Colony #3348-12 Ignition Switch Mounting Kit 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson All Twins - CAD Plated
1 review $8.71

Colony #3362-1 Battery Upper Bolt Lock Plate 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL 74/80 Twins - Parkerized
$15.72

Colony #3313-6 Battery Terminal Screws All 6 Volt 1923-1965 Harley-Davidsons
$16.34

Cycle Standard 5 Post Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71500-36T - Black Bezel
10 reviews $51.91

Colony #3259-1 Wire Clip 1924-1929 Harley-Davidson J/JD/DH 1930 VL/VC 1931-1932 Singles - Parkerized
1 review $18.15

Colony #3222-1 Spark Plug Cable Bracket 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Zinc Plated
1 review $18.15

Gasbox Stock Coil Mount for 1971 - 1994 Harley-Davidson Ironhead and Evo Sportster OEM #31723-71
2 reviews $28.50

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

Colony #3214-4 Generator Pole Screw Kit 1951 - 1957 Harley-Davidson Twins — Colony #3214-4 Generator Pole Screw Kit 1951-1957 Harley-Davidson All Twins - Parkerized
$6.96

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

Colony #3146-1 Breaker Point Eccentric Screw 1947-70 Harley Davidson — Colony #3146-1 Breaker Point Eccentric Screw Harley-Davidson OEM #30507-47A
$9.68

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 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
3 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 Morris M-5 Magneto for Harley Davidson Big Twin 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

Boyer Bransden Electronic Ignition Replacement Black Box Triumph BSA Norton Twins
11 reviews $142.28

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 #2991-2 Generator Screw Kit Special 5/16 inch case holes Harley Big Twins 36-57 — Colony #2991-2 Special Generator Screw Kit 5/16 inch Case Holes 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$12.10

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