Fixed the clutch switch issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I've seen that single switch for sale on eBay, quite often, for anywhere from $8-15, for various years and models. It LOOKS like it's a singularly replaceable part, though it may be mounted in the switch housing WITH the other switches, to make it seem as though you have to replace the whole thing, so the MoCo can get more for replacing it all ($285 at my local "stealer", including the half hour labor to install it). Seems to me, that if it's so easy the techs can do it all in less than half an hour, it probably shouldn't be that difficult to replace just that switch.
The good news is the left hand switch-pak has one small connector and the right hand switch-pak has two small connectors. You can replace them both in under 30 minutes...
I know this because on my 2016 bagger, I had a broken switch on the left side switch-pak. Boardtracker wanted $176.00 for one OEM switch-pak. I found a kit that has both switch-paks, with lighted buttons, for $206 from Boardtracker (#71500248B). I got the lighted switches. That fixed a problem and upgraded to lighted switches at the same time...
On my 2012 bagger, I could change individual switches....
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 28, 2018 at 10:07 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
In the canbus bikes, the handlebar switches are all part of a 1-piece Switch-pak. The individual switch buttons are replaceable, but he switches cannot be separated from the switch-pak..... it's all or nothing ....
The good news is the left hand switch-pak has one small connector and the right hand switch-pak has two small connectors. You can replace them both in under 30 minutes...
I know this because on my 2016 bagger, I had a broken switch on the left side switch-pak. Boardtracker wanted $176.00 for one OEM switch-pak. I found a kit that has both switch-paks, with lighted buttons, for $206 from Boardtracker (#71500248B). I got the lighted switches. That fixed a problem and upgraded to lighted switches at the same time...
On my 2012 bagger, I could change individual switches....
The good news is the left hand switch-pak has one small connector and the right hand switch-pak has two small connectors. You can replace them both in under 30 minutes...
I know this because on my 2016 bagger, I had a broken switch on the left side switch-pak. Boardtracker wanted $176.00 for one OEM switch-pak. I found a kit that has both switch-paks, with lighted buttons, for $206 from Boardtracker (#71500248B). I got the lighted switches. That fixed a problem and upgraded to lighted switches at the same time...
On my 2012 bagger, I could change individual switches....
IMO, the MoCo shoulda left well enough alone and not tried to "fix" what wasn't broke, especially since essentially every time they try to do that, it ends in disaster!
Last edited by jpooch00; Mar 29, 2018 at 07:13 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 4,759
From: Albuquerque, NM
In the canbus bikes, the handlebar switches are all part of a 1-piece Switch-pak. The individual switch buttons are replaceable, but he switches cannot be separated from the switch-pak..... it's all or nothing ....
The good news is the left hand switch-pak has one small connector and the right hand switch-pak has two small connectors. You can replace them both in under 30 minutes...
I know this because on my 2016 bagger, I had a broken switch on the left side switch-pak. Boardtracker wanted $176.00 for one OEM switch-pak. I found a kit that has both switch-paks, with lighted buttons, for $206 from Boardtracker (#71500248B). I got the lighted switches. That fixed a problem and upgraded to lighted switches at the same time...
On my 2012 bagger, I could change individual switches....
The good news is the left hand switch-pak has one small connector and the right hand switch-pak has two small connectors. You can replace them both in under 30 minutes...
I know this because on my 2016 bagger, I had a broken switch on the left side switch-pak. Boardtracker wanted $176.00 for one OEM switch-pak. I found a kit that has both switch-paks, with lighted buttons, for $206 from Boardtracker (#71500248B). I got the lighted switches. That fixed a problem and upgraded to lighted switches at the same time...
On my 2012 bagger, I could change individual switches....
Thanks for the info.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 4,759
From: Albuquerque, NM
Correct. And ain't that just SO much better and infinitely more cool than a simple, cheap on-off switch with a wire going to it?
IMO, the MoCo shoulda left well enough alone and not tried to "fix" what wasn't broke, especially since essentially every time they try to do that, it ends in disaster!
IMO, the MoCo shoulda left well enough alone and not tried to "fix" what wasn't broke, especially since essentially every time they try to do that, it ends in disaster!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Now, if only their "techs" were bright enough to fix 'em when something out of the ordinary comes up, then they'd really have somethin' goin'.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 8
From: Arvada, CO
I just had my switch pack replaced because I could not start the bike unless it was in neutral. The switch was replaces then the bike would not disengage from 1st gear when starting. I took it back in and they said it had air in the hydraulic line. Now I am back to the original issue cant start bike unless in neutral. It will be going back in again. My patience is wearing thin.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 522
Likes: 204
From: dunedin, fl
tech bulletin on clutch switch
I had 3 switches replaced before dealer finally installed redesigned clutch switch assembly. bike purrs like a kitten now, returns to 850 @ idle and starts in all gears. lots of guys put up with erratic idle since they dont start their bike in gear and think it is normal. idle loping and reaching in traffic is NOT normal.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
I just had my switch pack replaced because I could not start the bike unless it was in neutral. The switch was replaces then the bike would not disengage from 1st gear when starting. I took it back in and they said it had air in the hydraulic line. Now I am back to the original issue can’t start bike unless in neutral. It will be going back in again. My patience is wearing thin.
Give 'em another decade or two and they'll have them all figured out (maybe).
Last edited by jpooch00; Apr 11, 2018 at 07:08 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 4,759
From: Albuquerque, NM
I had 3 switches replaced before dealer finally installed redesigned clutch switch assembly. bike purrs like a kitten now, returns to 850 @ idle and starts in all gears. lots of guys put up with erratic idle since they dont start their bike in gear and think it is normal. idle loping and reaching in traffic is NOT normal.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 515
Likes: 191
From: Sugar Hill, Ga
I did the WD 40 thing and it fixed it for a while. Then it came back and I couldn't get it working again. Told HD and as it turns out, there is a TSB about it.
They replaced the entire clutch caliper and lever. A guy behind me heard me talking about it at the service desk and asked why he was not notified and they said, you have to ask.
They replaced the entire clutch caliper and lever. A guy behind me heard me talking about it at the service desk and asked why he was not notified and they said, you have to ask.