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.

Harley-Davidson Big Twin Raw Motorcycle Electrical & Wiring

Sort by

Cannonball Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit Rigid Frame 4 Speed Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$3,272.66

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit 32 amp CE-32A - Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twins
3 reviews $400.20 $458.99

Cannonball Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit Swingarm Frame 4 Speed 1958-1985 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$3,272.66

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

Accel Electronic Distributor fits Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1936 - 1969
1 review $756.95

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount With Crank Key Mount 1948-84 Harley Big Twins
4 reviews $74.95

Cycle Electric Stator CE-9902 for 1999 - 2003 Dyna and 2000 Softail Harley-Davidsons - OEM 29951-99
4 reviews $109.71 $115.95

American Prime Mfg. Comp Master Ignition Advance Unit - 1970-Up Harley-Davidson Replaces OEM# 3251770T
4 reviews $76.40

Blue Streak High-Performance Points and Condenser Kit - 1970-79 Harley-Davidson
6 reviews $29.95

Cycle Electric Alternator Kit 32 amp CE-32AL - 1988-1999 Harley-Davidson Softail
$375.26 $458.99

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount With Coil Mount 1948-84 Harley Big Twins
5 reviews $74.95

Lowbrow Customs Bolt On 3/4 inch Ignition Key Switch Bracket for Harley-Davidson Four Speed Transmissions - Tumbled Stainless
8 reviews $19.95

Cycle Electric Stator CE-8188 for 1981 - 1988 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Models - OEM 29965-81A
3 reviews $94.13 $97.71

Cycle Electric Shim Kit CE-8120 for CE-32A Alternators on Harley-Davidsons
1 review $28.37

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount With OEM 71425-77 Ignition Switch Mount 1948-84 Harley Big Twins
$74.95

Fiorucci Fabrications Harley Big Twin Rigid Oil Tank 12V Battery Box for RTX5L-BS Battery
1 review $69.95

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

Cycle Standard Ignition Advance Unit - Stainless Steel - 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 3251770T
$84.65

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Veritcal
$45.00

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

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

Lowbrow Customs Bolt On 13/16 inch Ignition Key Switch Bracket for Harley-Davidson 4 Speed Transmissions - Tumbled Stainless
8 reviews $19.95

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

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

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

Blue Streak High-Performance Condenser - 1970-79 Harley-Davidson
$9.95

Cycle Standard Rubber Battery Strap 1991-17 Harley-Davidson FXST FLST 80-92 FLT 78 XLCR 79 XL
$5.49

Colony #3346-1 Horn Power Pack Rubber Mount 1954-64 Harley-Davidson FL FLH XL XLH
$22.00

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

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

Gasbox Tumbled Stainless Steel Points Cover for Harley-Davidson Sportsters and 1970 - 1999 Big Twins
2 reviews $21.95

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 T5 Magneto for Harley Davidson Twin Cam Motors - Brushed Finish
$2,453.41

Morris Magneto 74LDMD Dual Magneto Setup for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons - Brushed Finish
$3,101.96

Morris Magneto MM74L Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons with Aftermarket Cases - Brushed Finish
$1,942.38

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 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 M-5 Magneto for Alternator Big Twin Harley Davidsons 1974 - 1992 - Brushed Finish
$2,395.00

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

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