Turn signals ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 9
From: Northwest Arkansas
My '90 Softail Custom came from the factory with buttons you had to hold down to make the turn signals stay on. Like everyone else said, what a PITA to ride.
My dealer switched them out for the older style switches that when you turn them on they stay on, then you have to turn them off.
He did that for me 20 years ago when I bought the bike new. I still have the original switches in the tool box. I probably have the part numbers of the switches put in if that would be helpful.
My dealer switched them out for the older style switches that when you turn them on they stay on, then you have to turn them off.
He did that for me 20 years ago when I bought the bike new. I still have the original switches in the tool box. I probably have the part numbers of the switches put in if that would be helpful.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: eastern ky
I would rather have switches that I have to turn off as to have switches that I have to hold on. I would love the part numbers. I really appreciate everyones input.
Last edited by ronnie41653; Aug 19, 2010 at 10:31 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
My 86 FXSTC came with the signals that required another push to cancel.
The old school rider/owner of the dealer I dealt with hated them.
He would forget to cancel them. He said a guy dropped his bike off because one signal switch was broken and wouldn't work unless held in.
The dealer wanted to see what was broken so he could break it on his bike.
The old school rider/owner of the dealer I dealt with hated them.
He would forget to cancel them. He said a guy dropped his bike off because one signal switch was broken and wouldn't work unless held in.
The dealer wanted to see what was broken so he could break it on his bike.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I appreciate the fact that my 89 Heritage doesn't require anything other than releasing my thumb from the switch to cancel the signal flash. I've never "forgotten" to cancel the signal. The purpose of the signal flash is to alert those around you of your intentions and doesn't IMO necessarily need to flash all the way though the completion of the turn. I will normally hit the switch and hold it for 5 - 6 flashes prior to my turn and then release it to focus on other things.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
I can't believe the number of people here that think the module is bad because the turn signal button has to be held down for the signals to work. Lot of youngsters I guess. 
I am like FLST rider in that I think that old system is the best. I never had to look down to see if my turn signals were on or off. Always put them on and took them off at the correct time. Ah, for the good ole days.
Of course, I always liked having an optional kick starter and being able to ride during the day without burning my headlight, and being able to ride all day without seeing another motorcycle and knowing when I did see one that we had something in common. Waving meant something back then. It's tough getting old.
I am like FLST rider in that I think that old system is the best. I never had to look down to see if my turn signals were on or off. Always put them on and took them off at the correct time. Ah, for the good ole days.
Of course, I always liked having an optional kick starter and being able to ride during the day without burning my headlight, and being able to ride all day without seeing another motorcycle and knowing when I did see one that we had something in common. Waving meant something back then. It's tough getting old.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 159
Likes: 2
From: Southern Idaho
Yep, my 90 Softail has the push and hold signals, my 93 Fatboy has the read switch and the module under the speedo. That's just the way it was at that time, and I've had my Softail since then and there isn't anything wrong with it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
you have to hold the button on my 87 softail as well... i like it that way...
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 8
From: Beaverton, Oregon
Not to hijack this thread or anything, but speaking of turn signals...My old Harleys (a 95 and a 2000) had self cancelling turn signals that canceled upon going some distance. My 2010 FX has that as well, but in addition to that, they cancel after a lean, as in making the turn. So I can turn on the signal just before making a turn, make the turn, then the signal will flash three more times then cancel, way before it would cancel if it was just based on distance. When did they add this feature? Anyone else noticed this?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 20
From: Driftless Area
Had my daughter on the back on one ride, she asked why I used blinkers and hand signals, I said cause I want folks to know whats going on. I kinda would like to have push to start, push to stop blinkers. 90 fxrs-sp.