Check Your Brake Lights
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 44
From: Out West
Check Your Brake Lights
2014 SGS - I have CD LEDs, their Strobe Module & the HD Run/Brake Light Chevron on the bottom. It lights up the back nicely.
Took the bike out yesterday, came up on a red light, stopped when another bike ( Sportbike rider) rolled up to me & told me I didn't have brake lights. So I pull over in a shopping center, did the checking & found I only had brake lights with the rear brake pedal. Ran the code check per the book & got nothing. So I head over to Reno HD & right before I pulled in, I got a Code Light on the dash. They checked it & saw several codes including the Handlebar Brake Light Switch was not operating. In our discussion, he told me that they have replaced multiples of the front switch on 14-16 Models. On the ride home, the Code Light went back out.
I learned that the new design 14 & up models do not have the old style switch to replace & now the entire module has to be replaced. Old switch was about $25.00 but retail on the new module is $220.00. Fortunately I still have warranty left.
I'm good about maintaining my bike & check things over regularly. The brake lights were working a few days earlier. So... take the 5 mins & check yours.
Took the bike out yesterday, came up on a red light, stopped when another bike ( Sportbike rider) rolled up to me & told me I didn't have brake lights. So I pull over in a shopping center, did the checking & found I only had brake lights with the rear brake pedal. Ran the code check per the book & got nothing. So I head over to Reno HD & right before I pulled in, I got a Code Light on the dash. They checked it & saw several codes including the Handlebar Brake Light Switch was not operating. In our discussion, he told me that they have replaced multiples of the front switch on 14-16 Models. On the ride home, the Code Light went back out.
I learned that the new design 14 & up models do not have the old style switch to replace & now the entire module has to be replaced. Old switch was about $25.00 but retail on the new module is $220.00. Fortunately I still have warranty left.
I'm good about maintaining my bike & check things over regularly. The brake lights were working a few days earlier. So... take the 5 mins & check yours.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
2014 SGS - I have CD LEDs, their Strobe Module & the HD Run/Brake Light Chevron on the bottom. It lights up the back nicely.
Took the bike out yesterday, came up on a red light, stopped when another bike ( Sportbike rider) rolled up to me & told me I didn't have brake lights. So I pull over in a shopping center, did the checking & found I only had brake lights with the rear brake pedal. Ran the code check per the book & got nothing. So I head over to Reno HD & right before I pulled in, I got a Code Light on the dash. They checked it & saw several codes including the Handlebar Brake Light Switch was not operating. In our discussion, he told me that they have replaced multiples of the front switch on 14-16 Models. On the ride home, the Code Light went back out.
I learned that the new design 14 & up models do not have the old style switch to replace & now the entire module has to be replaced. Old switch was about $25.00 but retail on the new module is $220.00. Fortunately I still have warranty left.
I'm good about maintaining my bike & check things over regularly. The brake lights were working a few days earlier. So... take the 5 mins & check yours.
Took the bike out yesterday, came up on a red light, stopped when another bike ( Sportbike rider) rolled up to me & told me I didn't have brake lights. So I pull over in a shopping center, did the checking & found I only had brake lights with the rear brake pedal. Ran the code check per the book & got nothing. So I head over to Reno HD & right before I pulled in, I got a Code Light on the dash. They checked it & saw several codes including the Handlebar Brake Light Switch was not operating. In our discussion, he told me that they have replaced multiples of the front switch on 14-16 Models. On the ride home, the Code Light went back out.
I learned that the new design 14 & up models do not have the old style switch to replace & now the entire module has to be replaced. Old switch was about $25.00 but retail on the new module is $220.00. Fortunately I still have warranty left.
I'm good about maintaining my bike & check things over regularly. The brake lights were working a few days earlier. So... take the 5 mins & check yours.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 386
Likes: 155
From: Englewood, CO
I use the front of the cars behind me to check. I run through all signals & brake lights at long stops. Cagers behind me must think I'm nuts lol
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 52
From: Utah
I'm having the same problem. Not 100% failure tho, maybe 1 in 3 or 4 times I start it the front brake light doesn't work. Sometimes I can just cycle the power on and off and it works. When it works, it works until I power off. I guess I'll order the part and change it when the weathers crap. Its still under warranty but I don't trust my local dealer so I'll pay for it myself. What the hell is wrong with that?
This is the first real problem I've had with this bike in 18k miles. Not the end of the world but still kinda annoying.
This is the first real problem I've had with this bike in 18k miles. Not the end of the world but still kinda annoying.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Gainesville, VA
The switch for the front brake and clutch switch cluster on the handlebar. It's included in all one part, there's really no servicing the individual switches. Example instructions for the lighted switches.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I have a 14 sgs and I think my front brake switch is starting to fail. The brakes are already applied before the lights even come on. Is the switch built in with the master cylinder or is there a part I can replace. I've had the dealer look at it already and they say everything is fine. The back brake switch works as it should. My old bike I could barely squeeze the handle and they were on. Bike is still under warranty and I think that is the reason they keep saying its fine. I have the brake strobe module from custom dynamics and have even taken that out to see if it was a difference. (no difference of course) Any help would be appreciated. I am at the point if I have to spend the money to get it right no problem even if it is under warranty.