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

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

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Black
2 reviews $26.62

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Chrome
26 reviews $26.68

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cycle Standard Slotted Universal Motorcycle Horn - Chrome
12 reviews $32.28

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