Wide Glide Fork Mount Turn Signals
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
Wide Glide Fork Mount Turn Signals
I just completed my first project on my recently acquired '02 FXDWG - moving the turn signals from the handle bars to the fork. After looking at different options, I decided I liked the Harley kit the best.
One reason I'm posting this is to let others know you can save a *lot* of time and hassle by NOT following the directions. They had me pull the seat and the tank - supposedly so I could disconnect the turn signal wires. After draining the tank, removing the dash, and getting everything off the bike, I discovered the wires run through the frame. As I worked through the project, I discovered there was no need to disconnect the wires, even if it had been possible.
I finally got everything wrapped up and back together and got the tools put away at 2 am (I started around 9). To get the tank off, I had to cut off a couple of those garbage HD crimp type hose clamps. I thought I had some on hand, but I don't. So, the project is done, but my bike is down until I get to the store tomorrow to pick up a couple new hose clamps so I can put the fuel lines back on.
My advice to anyone installing this kit would be to remove your turn signals, pop the wires out of whatever clamps are holding them in place, attache them to the brackets and bolt the brackets onto the fork. *Then*, when you're routing and tidying the wires, you can determine if you need to go through pulling the tank off. Chances are you can skip all that and get this kit on your bike in maybe 15-30 minutes, rather than a few hours.
I'll post some before & after pics when I get a chance.
One reason I'm posting this is to let others know you can save a *lot* of time and hassle by NOT following the directions. They had me pull the seat and the tank - supposedly so I could disconnect the turn signal wires. After draining the tank, removing the dash, and getting everything off the bike, I discovered the wires run through the frame. As I worked through the project, I discovered there was no need to disconnect the wires, even if it had been possible.
I finally got everything wrapped up and back together and got the tools put away at 2 am (I started around 9). To get the tank off, I had to cut off a couple of those garbage HD crimp type hose clamps. I thought I had some on hand, but I don't. So, the project is done, but my bike is down until I get to the store tomorrow to pick up a couple new hose clamps so I can put the fuel lines back on.
My advice to anyone installing this kit would be to remove your turn signals, pop the wires out of whatever clamps are holding them in place, attache them to the brackets and bolt the brackets onto the fork. *Then*, when you're routing and tidying the wires, you can determine if you need to go through pulling the tank off. Chances are you can skip all that and get this kit on your bike in maybe 15-30 minutes, rather than a few hours.
I'll post some before & after pics when I get a chance.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
I would think youneed to disconnect the wires so to be able to get them from running through the top triple tree...also no need to remove tank to get wires out but will need to remove seat to push the wiring through the frame on our older models.
I have to do a push /pull to get my wires out then back in.
I have to do a push /pull to get my wires out then back in.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
They're still running through the top of the triple tree. It would be nice to get them out, but I don't see it being worth the hassle to disconnect them in back, pull them through the frame, then pull them back through the frame. Before I did all that, I'd just hack the wires up front and put some connectors in.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Are you talking about the kit that has the turn signals sticking out into nowhere, like 3-4 inches from the forks? You could have used the existing hardware to move them to the pinch bolts and they'd be functional and nicely tucked up against the forks like this...
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 8
From: Aurora, IL
Well, I will say thanks for posting about it. I recently did mine and did it the same way as you.....Weeks later I put new bars on and had to pull the harness...It sucked, hardly went back in and wouldnt have been worth the hassle just to relocate the turn signals.
The guy is just trying to save someone a little time and aggravation, dont give him a hard time for that.
The guy is just trying to save someone a little time and aggravation, dont give him a hard time for that.
Last edited by redrubicon2004; Aug 26, 2008 at 02:54 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
The reason you disconnect the wires from the deutsch (I think that's what it's called) coupling is because it's a bugger to pull back through the protective sleeve and near impossible to get through the bars...I tried disconnecting the wires from the turn signals and pulling the wires backwards but I just couldn't figure out a way to get the signals apart whence disconnect them from the connectors and pull them out, then re-route once moved.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
Are you talking about the kit that has the turn signals sticking out into nowhere, like 3-4 inches from the forks? You could have used the existing hardware to move them to the pinch bolts and they'd be functional and nicely tucked up against the forks like this...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
They're still running through the top of the triple tree. It would be nice to get them out, but I don't see it being worth the hassle to disconnect them in back, pull them through the frame, then pull them back through the frame. Before I did all that, I'd just hack the wires up front and put some connectors in.
ok ... I would have just pulled the wires... not that big of deal IMHO.
BTW there is a access panel in back fender to make this so easy to do...
pull the access and you can get wiring harness straighter to ease the pull out of the wires from top of neck. 5 min job to get to wires at most...
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
That is a wide glide.