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(Possibly stupid) tailamp question for 2014 Sportster 1200C.

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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 06:38 PM
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Default (Possibly stupid) tailamp question for 2014 Sportster 1200C.

I have a 2014 HD Sportster 1200C. The only rear running light that illuminates is the "white" license plate light on the rear fender. The brake light works as expected. Is there supposed to be a constant on rear red light as a running light for night operation? If so, does this frequently fail even though the brake light works?
 

Last edited by hdpunk; Aug 28, 2024 at 06:48 PM.
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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 06:51 PM
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Welcome to the forum.
 
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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 07:01 PM
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Welcome to the forum from the UK.

Have you tried replacing the bulb, it might be as simple as the tail light filament has blown. but the brake light filament hasn't?
 
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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 07:50 PM
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Yes, you should have a taillight. Replace the bulb. Check your owners manual for type.

And welcome to the HDFORUM for sure. Only as a suggestion by me as a USER, make another new thread over in the newmember welcome area to say hello
 
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 05:34 AM
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Isn't the 2014 Custom the one that comes with that atrocious LED lamp? No bulbs to replace.

If any part of that has failed you will need a complete new lamp.

Genuine Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200c Tail light 11-20 69352-11a | eBay
 

Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Aug 29, 2024 at 05:36 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 06:10 AM
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I have a 2014 1200C and yes, the there should be a rear running light illuminated when the bike is running. As @Andy from Sandy says, you need to replace the entire assembly, unless you're gifted in electronics and can figure out a way to fix the one you have.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 06:36 AM
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Once upon time I felt bored and wanted to get a flasher for my brake light. I did my research and ended up buying a whole taillight assembly, LED lights and built in flasher. My riding buddy tells me it is super noticeable, it flashes 3 times, then stays on. Cost me all 20 bucks from eBay.
Of course, if you feel all parts must be H-D original then its different.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 06:43 AM
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If the aftermarket part fits exactly in place where the HD part goes then fine. The 5 3/4" headlamp is an example of plug and play.

If you had to change anything then plenty are not in a position to do that.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 07:59 AM
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What stupid about this is designing something the cost $150 to replace a light bulb.


 
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Andy from Sandy
If the aftermarket part fits exactly in place where the HD part goes then fine. The 5 3/4" headlamp is an example of plug and play.

If you had to change anything then plenty are not in a position to do that.
It was sold as H-D part and it was a direct replacement. It also had built-in yellow LED-s to duplicate turn signals. Instead of connecting wires to turn lights I did something to make them flash constantly when brake light is on, just to make it even more eye-catching. You can leave them disconnected, I really do not remember what I did, it came with a little manual, I read it and figured it out at the time.
 
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