Just wanted to share my latest problem with the forum. I live in western Texas where the wind blows and dirt, prairie dogs, snakes and tumbleweeds fly past. I ride to work everyday and my FXD is parked outside. On really bad windy days when the grit gets everywhere, the d@$% dirt gets into the barrel style ignition switch and keeps me from being able to start my scooter.

I have to blow the dirt out and work the key back and forth, sometimes for 10 minutes or more until it finally will turn to the start/run position.

My solution....a 2 inch strip of electrical tape placed over the switch and no more gritty dirt to keep me from going home. I cut 5-6 two inch strips and wrap them around one of my pens.(I teach school, so I always have a couple of pens in my pocket) That way it is readily available.

Just a quick, easy, inexpensive fix for anyone having similar problems.

Ride safe!

 

The barrel key ignition switch on my FXD would stick or lock on me for no apparent reason. I finally just cut into and ran both ends of the red wire to a switch that I mounted above my horn. I then ground off the protruding nub on the key, turned it to the "Run" position, pulled the key out and will never need it again, just my key fob will be needed from now on. Even then, I'll still be able to over ride the fob with my security code should my fob ever cease to function.

My bike starting procedure now just has me jumping on the bike, flipping the switch up, hitting the starter button and riding away.

Should I ever want to lock the forks or use the "ACC" or whatever, I can just pull out my key and do so. I'll just need to use my slightly modified key.