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

Sort by

Goodridge Brake Light Switch Banjo Bolt 7/16-24 inch Thread - Chrome
3 reviews $20.95

FNA Custom Cycle Spark Plug Wire Kits - Blue Explosion
$62.00

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Wire Separators - Black
$16.76

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

Lowbrow Customs Bolt On 13/16 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab / Bracket - Tumbled Stainless
8 reviews $11.97

Autolite Spark Plug- 1957-1978 Sportster XL - Manufacturer Part #4316
14 reviews $4.95

Cycle Standard 2 Position Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM #71428-90A
19 reviews $31.93

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Chrome
25 reviews $21.29

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Black with Red tracers
1 review $27.49

Cycle Standard Deluxe Chrome Motorcycle Brake Light Switch Harley-Davidson 1937-57 Knucklehead Panhead Flathead OEM #72004-39
13 reviews $23.95

Lowbrow Customs Weld On 13/16 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab / Bracket
12 reviews $7.98

Cycle Standard High Tension Spring Terminals for your Spark Plug Wires - 6 Pack
15 reviews $7.33

Cycle Standard 6 Post Ignition Key Switch Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM # 71501-73A - Chrome Bezel
7 reviews $38.59

Cycle Standard Chrome 12V Coil 1947 & Up Harley-Davidson
2 reviews $50.59

Martian Machine Sideways Can 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 - Veritcal
$45.00

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Horizontal
$45.00

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

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Oak with Red and Black tracers
$27.49

Cycle Standard 7MM Universal Spark Plug Wire Set - 20 inch
1 review $21.29

Cycle Standard Universal Mini Horn 2.5 inch diameter - Black
$21.29

Bates Kill Bill Battery Switch - Black Knob
8 reviews $18.93

Conflict Machine Wooden Magneto Cover - Fits Morris/Joe Hunt/Stock Harley-Davidson Magnetos
1 review $75.00

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

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

Cycle Standard Magneto or Coil Rubber Boots - Set of 6 - For 7mm or 8mm Plug Wire
8 reviews $10.99

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

British Standard Condenser for Triumph / BSA / Norton 1968 - 72 Lucas type OEM #54420128
4 reviews $22.55

Cycle Standard 24 inch Handlebar Wiring Extension Kit - Fits All 1996 - 2006 Harley-Davidson Models
10 reviews $35.93

Cycle Standard Chrome 6V Square Coil 1948-60 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$60.76

Cycle Standard Black 6V Square Coil 1948-60 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$60.76

EMGO Universal Chrome Dimmer Switch and Horn Button 7/8 inch Bars
8 reviews $30.31

British Standard Coil Bracket for 40mm 6 or 12 Volt Coils - Triumph / BSA / Norton
3 reviews $11.75

Lowbrow Customs Weld On 3/4 inch Ignition Switch Mounting Tab Bracket
10 reviews $7.98

Colony #8154-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
2 reviews $9.56

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

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

Lowbrow Customs 8mm Cloth Straight Spark Plug Wire Sets - Black with Orange Tracers
2 reviews $27.49

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

Colony #8824-8 Coil Mounting Stud Kit 1956-1982 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM# 72341-56A - CAD Plated
$13.40

Cycle Standard Flat Points Cover OEM# 32588-70A for Harley-Davdison 1970 & Up XL 1970 - 1999 Big Twin
2 reviews $8.99

Cycle Standard Slotted Universal Motorcycle Horn - Chrome
11 reviews $26.35

Autolite Spark Plug- 1979-1985 Sportster XL - Manufacturer Part #4123
3 reviews $5.95

Goodridge Replacement Brake light Banjo Bolt Boot
2 reviews $3.95

Colony #3362-1 Battery Upper Bolt Lock Plate 1930-36 Harley-Davidson VL 74 and 80 Twins
$15.72

Colony #3531-9 Horn Face Screw and Nut Kit 1931-57 Harley-Davidson Springer
$11.50

Cycle Standard Spark Plug Wire Separators - Chrome
$16.76

Colony #2281-18 Spark Coil Mounting Kit 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$47.38

Martian Machine Sideways Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - M8
$45.00

Martian Machine Spiral Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Twin Cam
$45.00

Martian Machine Heart Cast Aluminum Points Cover - Twin Cam
$45.00

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

Martian Machine Can Cast Aluminum Points Cover - M8
1 review $45.00

Gasbox Crank Start Key Tab - Coil Mount - Tumbled Stainless
3 reviews $14.95

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

Lowbrow Customs 7mm Cloth 90 Degree Spark Plug Wire Sets - Green w/ Yellow Tracers
1 review $21.99

Lowbrow Customs 7mm Cloth 90 Degree Spark Plug Wire Sets - Oak w/ Red and Black Tracers
3 reviews $21.99

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 Battery Hold Down Rod - Chrome - Early Harley-Davidson 6 Volt Big Twins
$13.19

Colony #8153-2 Generator Mounting Screws 1958-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $12.74

Gasbox Starter Block Off Plate with Ignition Switch Mount for 1970 - 1985 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportsters
6 reviews $34.95

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

British Standard Points Cover Gasket Triumph Twins and Singles
8 reviews $4.83

Standard Motorcycle Products Points & Condenser Kit 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1970 XL
$15.95

Namz Custom Cycle Products ATO-Style Fuse Holder - 14 Gauge Wire
$7.95

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

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