When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So, my ignition switch went out just before Memorial Day weekend... and of course Harley Davidson takes their sweet time sending out a new one because.. well.. because they are Harley Davidson and customer service never entered their business model concept.
The local shop is amazing.. but they're hamstrung by of course.. waiting on Harley Davidson to ship out the $145 ignition switch/key.
We're waiting on it to arrive.. but I got to thinking. I'm going to get the new switch and have it installed and start riding again because my idea I have would lower the resale value.
My idea:
1. Remove the new ignition switch and put it on the shelf. If I resell the bike down the road it will have a new ignition switch I can put in it, new buyer would like that.
2. Install a toggle system/hidden kill-switch. Would look pretty wicked-rad.
I'm thinking on the battery cover (I'd buy a new cover again for resale reasons) I could cut out a rectangle and have the below (picture) switch installed. Toggle the power switch up, push the button to start.
I'd have a hidden kill-switch elsewhere on the bike of course.. but I really like the idea.
Comments? Improvements?
Last edited by Delnorin; May 29, 2016 at 12:58 PM.
For an entirely different reason (a bad front end accident,) I rebuilt the bike and put the Dakota Digital speedo where the fork lock / ignition switch used to be and installed an ignition toggle where the running lamp switch used to be.
Keep it OEM stock. 99% of the problem on here are not stock.
You are probably absolutely correct.
My issue is.. they don't sell a stock bike that I like. I want new bars, new exhaust, new intake, new seat.... pretty much everything. There isn't anything on the showroom floor I'd want to keep stock and be seen riding.
That's a cool looking switch but with that flip-up red cover over the switch I would think the side cover location would be awkward and might even get flicked off by your leg while riding.
Also you would have to do some more rewiring to relocate the wires for the start switch if you use that one.
That's a cool looking switch but with that flip-up red cover over the switch I would think the side cover location would be awkward and might even get flicked off by your leg while riding.
Also you would have to do some more rewiring to relocate the wires for the start switch if you use that one.
All very good points. I've decided not to go so elaborate, etc. Still super cool looking.
All very good points. I've decided not to go so elaborate, etc. Still super cool looking.
delnorin i really need your help man. I have the same prob rite now, i have a 2015 iron 883, with the relocation to left side of bike along with the coil. Well, my key broke off in it. My local shop said exact same thing, to bring in bike as soon as the $148 new ignition arrives. 1st off, i really dont wanna tow/bring my bike to them at all. Ive been wanting to get rid of the ignition from the beginning, when i got the bike, & go with a toggle. My question to you is, since the bikes stock ignition is a 2 pole, in other words 2 wires only going to it, but its a 3 position ignition, what kind of toggle switch would work for this? Just a simple 2 way toggle? Rite now ive just got the 2 ignition wires sticking out of the side of the bike rite now lol, theres not even the original little plastic plug on them that plugs into the back of the stock ignition, we took off the lil plug cuz my brother thought that simply connecting those 2 ignition wires together should turn the bike on, but no, i see it doesnt work that way lol.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Remove Ignition Switch: Replace with Toggle
