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 Drag Specialties Motorcycle Electrical & Wiring

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Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons
4 reviews $256.66 $264.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics Dyna S Ignition Complete Kit - Dual Fire for Harley Davidsons
15 reviews $204.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics 3 Ohm Dual Output HD - For Use With Dyna Electronic Ignitions
$112.21

Drag Specialties 5 ohm Dual Fire Coil - for Points Ignition
13 reviews $67.95

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

Drag Specialties Hydraulic Brake Light Switch 1984-99 Harley-Davidson FLST/FX/FXST/FXR 79-85 XL 91-98 Dyna 71-84 FX 80-98 FLT 82-83 FXR
5 reviews $18.95

S&S Cycle HI-4N Ignition Module Kit - 1970-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$510.26 $566.95

Dynatek Performance Electronics Programing Kit for Dynatek 2000I PC Programmable Ignitions
$167.76

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

Drag Specialties Replacement Starter - 1990-2006 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/Twin Cam - Black
1 review $319.95

Autolite Spark Plug- 1975-1981 Shovelhead & Evo Big Twins - Manufacturer Part #4265
14 reviews $5.95

Drag Specialties High Performance Battery 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softails 99-17 FXD/FXDWG/FLD
$147.95

Drag Specialties Complete Advance Unit Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
$46.95

Autolite Spark Plug- Harley Davidson Sportster / Twin Cam Models - Manufacturer Part #4164
19 reviews $4.86

Drag Specialties Points Style Distributor - 1965-69 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Single Hold Down
2 reviews $219.95

Autolite Spark Plug- 1966-1974 Shovelhead/ 1948-1968 Panhead - Manufacturer Part #4275
5 reviews $4.95

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softails 99-17 FXD/FXDWG/FLD
1 review $102.95

Standard Motorcycle Products Ignition Sensor Assembly - 1995-97 Harley-Davidson XL 1998-03 XL1200S
2 reviews $56.66 $62.95

Drag Specialties Points & Condenser Kit 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1957-1970 XL
$14.95

Drag Specialties Breaker Plate Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
$16.95

Standard Motorcycle Products Ignition Sensor Assembly - 1980-94 Harley-Davidson XL 1980-84 Big Twin
1 review $56.66 $62.95

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

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

Standard Motorcycle Products Points & Condenser Kit 1970-E1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead (L1978-1984 Big Twin if converted to points) 1971-E1978 XL
$16.95

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and Pair DC3-1 Coils
$456.65

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and DC-6-5 Twin Fire II Mini Coil
$456.65

S&S Cycle Ignition Rotor - 1970-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$21.95

Dynatek Performance Electronics Single Fire Ignition and Coil Kit - 1971-2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1970-99 Big Twins
$325.54

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1994-97 Harley-Davidson XL 1994-99 FX FL Models
$264.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000-HDE PC-Programmable Digital Ignition Module - Single or Dual Fire 1990-93 Harley-Davidson XL 1991-95 FX Models
$264.43

Dynatek Performance Electronics 5 ohm Single Coils - Pair
$198.88

Drag Specialties 5 ohm Dual Outlet Coil Single-Fire for Dual Plug Heads
$68.95

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