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 Sportster Motorcycle Electrical & Wiring

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Morris Magneto MM3 Magneto for Harley Davidson Sportster 1957 - 1970 and 45 and 80 Flatheads - Brushed Finish
2 reviews $1,359.75

Dynatek Performance Electronics Dyna S Ignition Complete Kit - Dual Fire for Harley Davidson
17 reviews $233.32

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000L 12 Volt - Low Voltage - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson
41 reviews $533.87 $571.48

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons
5 reviews $288.88

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
8 reviews $259.95

Cycle Electric DGV-5000 12V Generator for Harley-Davidson 1965-1984
52 reviews $529.22 $566.51

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000-BLK 12 Volt - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson - Blacked Out
2 reviews $520.87 $557.57

Drag Specialties 5 ohm Dual Fire Coil - for Points Ignition
15 reviews $77.95

Lowbrow Customs Complete Chopper Wiring Harness 2007-2013 EFI Harley-Davidson Sportster
$579.99

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-5000-L-BLK 12 Volt - Low Voltage - 1965-84 Harley-Davidson - Blacked Out
$525.51 $562.54

Dynatek Performance Electronics 2000I PC Programmable Electronic Ignition Kit for Harley-Davidsons - Includes Module and DC-6-5 Twin Fire II Mini Coil
1 review $499.99

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
2 reviews $249.95

Drag Specialties Complete Advance Unit Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
3 reviews $64.43

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-208 - 1994-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
12 reviews $164.23 $175.80

Cycle Electric Stator CE-9100 for 1991-2006 Harley-Davidsons Sportster - OEM# 29967-89
$114.91 $123.01

Lowbrow Customs Bolt-On Battery Box & Fender Mount for 1982-2003 Sportster Weld-On Hardtail
11 reviews $32.75

Cycle Standard 3 position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71425-77 - Chrome Body / Chrome Bezel
16 reviews $36.00

Cycle Electric Generator DGV-2569 65A 12v for 1936-1984 Harley-Davidsons
12 reviews $391.21 $418.78

American Prime Mfg. Comp Master Ignition Advance Unit - 1970-Up Harley-Davidson Replaces OEM# 3251770T
4 reviews $88.21

Gasbox Battery Box Adapter Plate for Gasbox Full Frames
6 reviews $29.95

Cycle Electric LeBeef Generator DGV-5000-L-CP 12 Volt - Low Voltage - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson
$628.30 $672.57

Cycle Electric LeBeef Generator DGV-5000-CP 12 Volt - 1965-1984 Harley-Davidsons
$623.66 $667.60

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

Cycle Standard Ignition Advance Unit - Stainless Steel - 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 3251770T
$50.85

Cycle Standard Ignition Advance Unit WIth Bolt 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 3251770T
$34.13

Dynatek Performance Electronics Twin Fire II Single Fire Miniature 3 Ohm Coil
$177.77

Cycle Standard 3 position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71425-77 - Chrome Bezel
79 reviews $29.99

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

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1999-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
32 reviews $249.95

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1986-2003 Sportster - With Coil and Stock Ignition Switch Mounts
6 reviews $49.95

Dynatek Performance Electronics 3 Ohm Dual Output HD - For Use With Dyna Electronic Ignitions
$122.21

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1986-2003 Sportster - With Ignition Coil Relocation
6 reviews $39.95

Drag Specialties Replacement Starter - 1986-2020 Harley-Davidson Sportsters - Chrome
$431.55

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 1997-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
2 reviews $107.94

Cycle Standard 3 position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71425-77 - Black Body / Black Bezel
14 reviews $35.92

Cycle Standard 2 Position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71428-90A
20 reviews $36.38

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
6 reviews $20.75

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

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
6 reviews $249.95

Gremlin Wiring The Sportster Treatment Custom Wiring Harness Kit 1994-1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
14 reviews $249.95

Cycle Standard Domed Points Cover OEM# 32588-70A for Harley-Davdison 1970 & Up XL 1970 - 1999 Big Twin
18 reviews $16.55

Lowbrow Customs Primary Mount 13/16 inch Ignition Key Switch Bracket for Harley-Davidson Sportster 1991-2003
40 reviews $22.45

Blue Streak High-Performance Points & Condenser Kit for 1970-1979 Harley-Davidson
6 reviews $29.95

Drag Specialties AGM Maintenance Free Battery 1986-1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $113.94

Cycle Standard Ignition Coil 4 ohm for Electronic Ignition
5 reviews $67.55

Autolite Spark Plug- Harley Davidson Sportster / Twin Cam Models - Manufacturer Part #4164
20 reviews $7.70

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

Drag Specialties Breaker Plate Assembly 1970-1999 Harley Davidson Big Twin 1971-2003 XL Points Ignition (Except Single Fire Ignition)
$24.91

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-210 - 2004-2006 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$165.26 $176.91

Cycle Electric Rectifying Regulator CE-212 - 2009-2013 Harley-Davidson XL Models 2008 XR1200
$163.73 $175.27

Drag Specialties Single-Fire Ignition Coil - 1999-06 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 2004-06 XL
1 review $69.63

Cycle Electric Regulator CE-102 - 1965-77 Harley-Davidson XL XLH XLCH 1965-69 FL FLH
9 reviews $139.22 $149.03

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

Cycle Standard Ignition Advance Unit Circuit Breaker Base Assembly 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 32577-70
$17.01

Cycle Standard Flat Points Cover OEM# 32588-70A for Harley-Davdison 1970 & Up XL 1970 - 1999 Big Twin
3 reviews $9.88

Cycle Electric Stator CE-8590 for 1984-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster OEM# 29967-84A
$111.93 $119.82

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

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

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

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

Standard Motorcycle Products Points & Condenser Kit 1970-E1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead (L1978-1984 Big Twin if converted to points) 1971-E1978 XL
$17.95

Drag Specialties Points & Condenser Kit 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1957-1970 XL
1 review $16.59

Gasbox 2007-2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster EFI Coil Adapter for Gasbox Top Motor Mounts
$24.00

Gasbox Top Motor Mount 2007-Up Harley Sportster Models - with EFI Ignition Coil Relocation
4 reviews $39.95

Gasbox Battery Box Adapters - Ironhead Sportster with Lowbrow Customs Hardtail
6 reviews $19.95

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

Cycle Standard Chrome Distributor Cover 1936-64 Harley-Davidson Big Twins K KH Sportster and 45 inch Twins
$8.60 $11.75

Blue Streak High-Performance Condenser - 1970-79 Harley-Davidson
$10.95

Cycle Standard Cycle Standard 24"" Handlebar Wiring Extension Kit for 1996-2006 Harley Models
10 reviews $40.64

Colony #8765-2 Point Cover Allen Head Screws 1979-Up All Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $4.38

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