I am trying to get my 81 FLT running. Have parts on order to get things going. In the mean time, i am neeing to get a handle on the hand controls. At the moment they are the stock controls with no wires.
I would like to get something that looks better since the bike will not have any of the fairings. I will have to rewire anything that i get so please keep that in mind.
Also, keep in mind that i am use to dirtbikes and streetbikes.
here is a pic of what it looked like when i got it.
Welcome, first thing you need to do is get the factory service manual and parts manual. Without those you are just wasting your time. It's important to be able to correctly identify a part if you ask a question.
to me it has 84 to 95 controls and it has 81 calipers not only do they use different type brake fluid but the master bore is 3/4 for those calipers - yes they make a 3/4 master in that type but the normal one would be 5/8 - does it stop ok or
Those are the switches and master cylinder first used on the 72 FLH. They modified the switches housings somewhat in later years but it was basically the same. They were used I believe up to about 81. The parts manual will give you the range. The service manual will give you the wiring diagrams. You can use the later switches if you desire or aftermarket but you will also have to use the matching master cylinder.
Ebay is your friend for shiny goodies any controls to fit 1" handlebars will work but you need the bigger 11/16" or 3/4" bore master cylinder to run the early dual front calipers on that front end, only thing you need to watch most later stuff uses 5/8" bore.
Get yerself a Manual with a Wiring diagram in it...O.E. is best.
Then get just about any old Chiwanese set of wired switches for a '73 to '81 Big twin...
Wire the thing up...Done.
Get yerself a Manual with a Wiring diagram in it...O.E. is best.
Then get just about any old Chiwanese set of wired switches for a '73 to '81 Big twin...
Wire the thing up...Done.
06-23-2015, 10:41 PM
Hand Controls
