Switch Caps
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland
Switch Caps
I was thinking of replacing my black plastic switch caps to the chrome ones.
I see they sell a Chrome Switch Cap Kit, Part #71804-03.
Are they easy to replace? Do I need to take the handlebar assy apart or do the old caps just pop off and the new ones pop on?
Thanks for the help!
I see they sell a Chrome Switch Cap Kit, Part #71804-03.
Are they easy to replace? Do I need to take the handlebar assy apart or do the old caps just pop off and the new ones pop on?
Thanks for the help!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
The Chrome ones are plastic too. Chrome plated plastic. You will need to take the switch assemblies off. The switch caps do NOT pop off. You need to get at them from the inside. It is not a difficult job at all, but you will be dealing with tiny springs and working in a small space. Just be careful putting the switch housings back on - do not pinch any wires between the housings and the handle bars. If you do, your next post will be "why do I keep blowing fuses".
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
To answer all of your questions - kind of... 
Easy? Kind of. The first time, it's not a 5 minute operation like it looks like. But once you're done, you'll say it was pretty easy.
Handle bar assy apart? Kind of. There's only a few screws holding the switch housings together and that's all you need to take apart.
Pop off/pop on? Kind of. Because they are plastic, you need to go easy on install so you don't break the little tabs. But it takes a decent amount of pressure to snap them on.
Easy? Kind of. The first time, it's not a 5 minute operation like it looks like. But once you're done, you'll say it was pretty easy.
Handle bar assy apart? Kind of. There's only a few screws holding the switch housings together and that's all you need to take apart.
Pop off/pop on? Kind of. Because they are plastic, you need to go easy on install so you don't break the little tabs. But it takes a decent amount of pressure to snap them on.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
The prior owner of the 2010 RG I bought switched to the chrome switch caps (and the chrome housing). I guess I'm getting used to it, but I think I prefer the look of the black caps, especially with the chrome housing. Post up some pics when you finish the job.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Northwest territories
It's quite easy to do. Just undo the few screws holding the housing together. There should be one small screw holding the switches in place if they are not held in with pressure. The new caps just snap down over the existing caps. Takes a bit of pressure and placement, but after the first couple, the rest get easier.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 235
Likes: 2
From: PA
IMO they were a pita but i did em in the cold. My advice, heat up the chrome switchcaps with a heat gun or blow dryer before trying to install them, makes em abit more pliable, learned this the hard way after breaking my starter switch cover. Also be careful not to break the tiny nub off of the front brake switch when putting everything back together, if the front brake lever won't give after its all back together DON'T force it as it will snap said nub.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
It's quite easy to do. Just undo the few screws holding the housing together. There should be one small screw holding the switches in place if they are not held in with pressure. The new caps just snap down over the existing caps. Takes a bit of pressure and placement, but after the first couple, the rest get easier.
Last edited by rh8234; Feb 20, 2012 at 11:55 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Cullman, Al
I had HELL getting my chrome caps on. The plastic is much harder than the black ones. The tabs are thicker too. I broke one tab. Use vaseline or something on the tabs. A jewelers flathead screw driver helps. Make sure you align then correctly or you'll be redoing them. They have little splines on them.
