Stock vs lighted hand controls
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
Stock vs lighted hand controls
Left hand controls are is $275. The lighted switches are $324 per set. Are the lighted controls that inferior to the stock controls?
I found a set of the lighted controls, new in the box, locally on Marketplace. Just no need to replace the stock police controls, yet.
I found a set of the lighted controls, new in the box, locally on Marketplace. Just no need to replace the stock police controls, yet.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 55
From: Sugar Hill GA
No, That's the wisdom of Harley marketing. When I needed to replace the left switch pack on my 2018 FLHTK I upgraded both sides to the lighted ones for a few dollars more. They are definitely an upgrade.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
I agree with psgrimes 100% - the lighted are much better. In fact, there have been a lot of failures for the stock units. I am not aware of any failures for the lighted units.
In addition, to get the CB switch on the right hand side, you have to go lighted.
I have a set of stock in my basement
In addition, to get the CB switch on the right hand side, you have to go lighted.
I have a set of stock in my basement
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,102
Likes: 2,108
From: NoVA
I've had a set if lighted controls on my 22, they're nice, not overly bright like in your face but still very distinguishable. I think I still might have original take-offs somewhere on the shelf 
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 377
Likes: 291
From: Canada
I put lighted switches on as well, older eyes harder to see at night. Even though we should know where all the buttons are - illumination helps. It's ridiculous HD don't put them on as standard equipment, anyone here have a car that doesn't have illuminated dash buttons? didn't think so - no idea why MOCO did that other than to try to cash in on us buying them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,163
Likes: 11,253
From: San Diego, CA
The same was true of the Twin Cams....
Back in 2018, one of the switches on my 2016 Ultra Classic's left side switch pack broke.
The left side switch pack was $175, I got the pair of lighted switch packs for 212.00...
It was a no brainer...
8 years and 40K miles later both lighted switch packs are working well....
And, as my eyes have gotten old during that time, the lighted switch feature really helps sometimes...
Back in 2018, one of the switches on my 2016 Ultra Classic's left side switch pack broke.
The left side switch pack was $175, I got the pair of lighted switch packs for 212.00...
It was a no brainer...
8 years and 40K miles later both lighted switch packs are working well....
And, as my eyes have gotten old during that time, the lighted switch feature really helps sometimes...
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 26, 2026 at 08:57 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 384
Likes: 145
From: Hamlin, NY
I like the idea of lighted switches and I think they look cool but I dont think I really look at them that much. Its pretty much muscle memory at this point. Been riding the same style tourer for about 7 years now and all the switches are in the same places.
I dunno, maybe if I find a good deal on a set Ill upgrade.
I dunno, maybe if I find a good deal on a set Ill upgrade.
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,767
Likes: 22,986
From: North Carolina
Would I spend the money just to get the light? NO
I have owned 2 CVO's with the back lighted controls and five without. I ride at night, but not much anymore and realy never found it to be an advantage or disadvantage.
The key is muscle memory, especially the horn button.
I strive to not have to look down or think about which switch is which.
I have owned 2 CVO's with the back lighted controls and five without. I ride at night, but not much anymore and realy never found it to be an advantage or disadvantage.
The key is muscle memory, especially the horn button.
I strive to not have to look down or think about which switch is which.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 965
Likes: 848
From: Hudson, CO
I swapped mine to the lighted version. No regrets at all. One of the better upgrades I did. The switches I uses a hundred times every time I go out are pretty well committed to muscle memory. But others like the horn and the TC switch for rain mode rarely get used and it's nice to be able to see them at night on a back road when they are needed.