A friend and I rode from lower Alabama to Maggie Valley this past week. We rode hard through Atlanta to NC and spent the next couple of days riding all over WNC. My friend usually led since he knew his way around. However, on the way back he was following me and at a gas stop he asked me why I never used my brakes but only geared down. I said I always use my brakes and we quickly determined my brake lights were not working. I also have the module that makes my turn signals work as brake lights as well. Fortunately, the service dept. of the dealership I use was open on Saturday (H-D of Montgomery) and we had to go by there on the way home. The tech I always use said that it was most likely the brake relay but after checking that was not the issue. After completely testing the wiring, bulbs, etc. he said, "I've never seen this before but the only logical conclusion is that both the front and rear brake switches had gone out. I've seen one or the other but not both at the same time." For all I know they have been out for quite a while and most likely not at the same time as (like a dumb a$$) I rarely check the brake lights. Anyway, he switched them both out (front more complicated than the back) and now the lights work fine. He said he found no other problems that would cause this and if the wiring was a problem, the fuse or relay should trip. Anyway, that was an added expense to the trip I didn't enjoy but all's well that ends well.

Have any one had both go out at the same time or close to each other? We rode hard for over 700 miles going and coming and an additional 300 in the WNC area. The tech also found I had lost a bolt in the front True-Track and a cosmetic head bolt cover on rocker box (which he took care of for nothing). I guess my Dyna (05' FXDLI) vibrates a little more than I thought. Actually it runs pretty smooth with the exception of some vibration in the handlebars at around the 55-60 mph/2700 rpm range which puts my left hand to sleep if I ride at that speed for any length of time.

Finally, for any of you who haven't been to Maggie Valley, NC, it is a very biker friendly town (IMO). The motel we stayed at even put out old (but clean) rags/towels during the day for bikers to clean their rides. The only thing I didn't like was riding through the "twisties" in a rain storm--but my friend thought that was a hoot.

 

Sounds like the front switch or actually the plastic tab on that switch. The switch actually lights the brakes when disengaged and is normally engaged by the brake lever until the lever is pulled. If the plastic tab on the switch breaks off the brake lights will always be on if because that little tab is what comes in contact with the brake lever. I've seen that problem before, the front switch is a bit delicate, did you or someone else change your bars or pull your controls recently? If so the tab on the switch could have been broken or weakened when that was done.

 

Damn, that sux. I've never had one go out at all, so I can't help, but thought I'd commiserate.

 

I check my lights before I pull it out of the garage every morning. i have had to many fail over the years.

 

I was riding down in the Tampa area a few years back and was stopped at a light,when a guy pulled up next to me only to tell me that I had no tail or brake light..Was thankful for the info,did not want to get rear ended..The bulb was blown ..

 

I had my headlight go on a moonless night on the Big Island. Rural road, twisty, no lights. It was like someone dropped a bag over my head. I promptly rewired the headlight to run both filaments when the high beam is on, and I always ran the high beam when in that situation.
I'm currently working on a set of lights for the Dyna I keep over on the Big Island. Simple bar that clamps to the forks above the bottom clamp and allows the mounting of HD 1" bar clamp on driving lights. Ends will be drilled to accommodate the turn signals. Centralize the wiring bundle.

 

Thanks--the sux's part was the $185 to get them fixed. But, after wanting the tech take the front assembly apart, splice in the new switch, and realign everything back just like it was, I didn't feel I got totally hosed. He damn sure knew what he was doing. Actually, the cost of the two switches is what got me.