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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Colony #2964-2 Generator Frame Screw Kit 1932-1957 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$17.42

Colony #8787-2-P Generator Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $11.14

Wassell Stator 12 volt 10 amp 120 watt for Triumph BSA Norton
16 reviews $127.89

Morris Magneto M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1970 - 1973 - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

Colony #2656-8 Spark Coil and Cover Mounting Kit 1955-1966 Harley-Davidson KH/Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $33.00

Colony #2618-12 Ignition Switch Mounting Spacer Kit 1940-1945 Harley-Davidson WLA - CAD Plated
$9.68

Colony #2476-2 Generator Pole Shoe Screws Kit 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1958-1981 XL - Parkerized
$15.31

Colony #2560-2 Panel Switch Knob And Screw Kit 1939-1943 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45s - Chrome Plated
$14.85

Colony #2563-2 Panel Switch Knob And Screw Kit 1939-1943 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45s - Parkerized
1 review $13.20

Colony #2329-9 Voltage Regulator Mounting Kit 1965-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH
$8.20

Colony #2503-4 Brake Light Switch Mounting Kit 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
2 reviews $7.57

Colony #2127-11 Generator Brush Positive Terminal Screws/Fittings 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH 1958-1981 XL 1958-1965 Servi-Car
3 reviews $19.36

Colony #9880-2 Generator Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$10.76

Colony #2046-8 Voltage Regulator Mounting Allen Kit 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softail - Chrome Plated
1 review $5.18

Colony #9678-2 Generator Screws 1930-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Sidevalve - Parkerized
$10.37

Colony #9679-2 Generator Screw Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
1 review $7.17

Colony #9712-2 Generator Screw Kit 1937-1957 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
1 review $6.78

Colony #8787-2 Generator Allen Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $10.76

Colony #8878-2 Generator Screw Kit 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson K/XL - CAD Plated
$9.16

Colony #8145-10 Circuit Breaker & Voltage Regulator Screws 1936-1964 Harley-Davidson OHV Twins - Chrome Plated
1 review $14.89

Colony #7155-4 Acorn Head Sprocket Cover Bolt Kit - 1971-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #7154-2 Acorn Head Generator Screw Kit - 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #8209-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's - Chrome Plated
$11.14

Colony #8207-2 Generator Screw Kit 1937-1957 Harley-Davidson 45's - Chrome Plated
$9.56

Colony #8210-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's - CAD Plated
$8.78

Colony #8208-2 Generator Screw Kit 1937-1957 Harley-Davidson 45's - CAD Plated
$6.78

Cycle Electric Regulator CE-540L for use on 12v Harley-Davidson Generators
22 reviews $181.55 $194.34

Cycle Standard Vintage Style Rajah Terminals for Custom Spark Plug Wires
7 reviews $19.33

Morris Magneto TPL Magento for Pre Unit Triumph Twins - Pre-1963 - Brushed Finish
1 review $1,359.75

Morris Magneto YXS Magneto for Yamaha XS650 - Brushed Finish
$1,295.00

Morris Magneto MM74e Magneto for Harley Davidson Big Twins 1936 - 1969 Pan / Shovel - Brushed Finish
6 reviews $1,359.75

Cycle Electric Regulator CE-102 - 1965-77 Harley-Davidson XL XLH XLCH 1965-69 FL FLH
10 reviews $140.51 $150.41

British Standard Condenser for Triumph 1963-1967 Lucas type OEM #425377
5 reviews $29.15

Cycle Electric Regulator CE-540 for use on 65a 12v Harley-Davidson Generators
28 reviews $181.55 $194.34

Mooneyes Finned Points Cover for Harley-Davidson Sportsters
23 reviews $67.67

EMGO Wassell Rotor Triumph / BSA / Norton OEM #54202299 TR6 T120 BSA A65 A50
9 reviews $194.21

British Standard Webco Ribbed aluminum Points Cover Triumph 650 750 Motorcycles # 70-8737 bobber
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