Chrome Switch Housing

bharvey60 · #1 06-21-2008, 01:44 PM

I bought the kit to add the chrome switch housings to an 05 Sportster...I'm having second thoughts about doing it myself after reading the directions...Definately more complicated than previous upgrades I've tackled...I hate to pay the dealer to do this, but also don't want to trailer the bike to the dealer after screwing something up...Any advice on level of difficulty, what to look out for, tips, etc?

I'd consider myself a higher-level novice when it comes to mechanics...Thanks for the help...

stro1965 · #2 06-21-2008, 09:31 PM

I haven't done a Sportster, but I've done a Fatboy, a Heritage and my Ultra.&nbsp\\; Take your time, it's not too bad.&nbsp\\; More time consuming than anything.

hardhead · #3 06-22-2008, 09:42 PM

I&nbsp\\;did my own switches on my heritage. It's not that bad. I would definately put a towel or sme other cover over the tank. Do one side at a time. I think it's a good idea to do the housings, levers, switches and master cylinder in one shot. Invest in a pair of snap ring pliers if you're doing the levers. It is time consuming, but definately worth doing. I probably spent three hours chroming out my handlebars, but I took my time and didn't rush. On a difficulty scale from 1 to 10, 1 being checking the oil and 10 being an engine rebuild, I would say the switches and all are about a 3 or 4. Have fun and enjoy your machine.

Agentorange · #4 06-23-2008, 12:24 AM

If you can change a light bulb you can swap out your switch housings. Take your time and you'll be proud to have done it yourself.

rh8234 · #5 06-23-2008, 11:14 AM

It is not difficult at all.&nbsp\\; Just be very careful routing the wires so none of them get pinched in the switch housing or between the housing and the handlebars.

bharvey60 · #6 06-23-2008, 10:28 PM

Thanks for the info and encouragement...I'll take it on and report back...

bharvey60 · #7 06-26-2008, 03:13 PM

Finished the switch housing this morning and was surprised at how easy it was to upgrade...Couple of thoughts...

- The directions make this seem much more difficult than it really is, since it provides instructions for bikes w/cruise, radios, etc...Much simpler on a Sportster.

- Make sure you cover the tank and front fender to protect them

- No need to disconnect the battery unless you plan on turning on the ignition while working on the switches

- Brass ends to throttle and idle cables are as big a pain as everyone says...These things are tiny...Assume you will drop them...I did four times...A solid-color sheet on ground below the bike made finding them easy

- Screw slack adjusters on throttle and idle cables in to get them as loose as possible...Makes it easy to get them on and off.

- Replacement chrome switches can be a pain to install...Get one side on a post first and then use a small screwdriver to pry onto the other post.

- Test the switches for movement before you assemble upper and lower housing...I had one turn signal that didn't quite seat correctly and had to take it apart again and reseat...Dumb mistake that cost 20 minutes.

- Total install time was 3:20...2:00 for right grip (throttle)...1:20 for left grip (including 20 for reassembly)...Could do it again in 2:30.

Switches/housings look great...Hmmm...wonder what it would look like with chrome levers???

hardhead · #8 06-26-2008, 11:19 PM

now you're talkin!

rh8234 · #9 06-27-2008, 07:43 AM

I did the right side switch housing, switch caps, master cylinder and brake lever on my girlfriends Sportster yesterday.&nbsp\\; Doing the left side today.&nbsp\\; I figured that since I have to take it all apart anyway, why not just change all the parts at the same time.&nbsp\\; Already dit this on my Dyna and on my Ultra.&nbsp\\; Only part that takes a little time is bleeding the brakes, and that isn't too bad either.