Chrome Hand Switch Housings
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
What's the process in changing the actual switch caps, what needs to be done? When I purchased my '09 SG 2 months ago I ordered the chrome switch housings and specifically told the dealer that I wanted to retain the stock black switches, that I did not want chrome caps. Well guess what it had on it when I went to pick it up....... IMHO, chrome housings with the stock black caps looks much better, more contrast that just all chrome up there...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
What's the process in changing the actual switch caps, what needs to be done? When I purchased my '09 SG 2 months ago I ordered the chrome switch housings and specifically told the dealer that I wanted to retain the stock black switches, that I did not want chrome caps. Well guess what it had on it when I went to pick it up....... IMHO, chrome housings with the stock black caps looks much better, more contrast that just all chrome up there...
Very similar to changing out the housings actually. You have to disassemble them and the switch caps just (carefully) pry off. I changed the switch caps and left the housings black.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Do you have a pic of the chrome switches in the black housing? I like the chrome with black switch look but I am thinking on the vivid black bike the combo you did might look better? (won't be the first time I changed my mind and put something I thought I wanted on the for-sale forum! LOL)
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 951
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Canada
That's one thing I did myself and I am very proud of that. I also installed a master cylinder & clutch covers at the same time. When I had everything taken apart on my garage floor, I realized that I might as well change the brake and clutch levers so I ran to he dealer to buy them.
After putting everything back together, I was left with a little "extra" copper clip. I took my bike for a test run and realized that my brake light was always on.... hmmmm..... I went on the internet (I don't have the service manual yet) and found the placement for that little clip....
All in all, it depends how much you enjoy working on your bike. For me, it's not about money: it's about the pride I take when I look at my work.
Changing the switch caps is as much work as changing the housings. I did both and not at the same time. But I'm learning
.
After putting everything back together, I was left with a little "extra" copper clip. I took my bike for a test run and realized that my brake light was always on.... hmmmm..... I went on the internet (I don't have the service manual yet) and found the placement for that little clip....
All in all, it depends how much you enjoy working on your bike. For me, it's not about money: it's about the pride I take when I look at my work.
Changing the switch caps is as much work as changing the housings. I did both and not at the same time. But I'm learning
.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
After putting everything back together, I was left with a little "extra" copper clip. I took my bike for a test run and realized that my brake light was always on.... hmmmm..... I went on the internet (I don't have the service manual yet) and found the placement for that little clip.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
stro1965
Do you have a pic of the chrome switches in the black housing? I like the chrome with black switch look but I am thinking on the vivid black bike the combo you did might look better? (won't be the first time I changed my mind and put something I thought I wanted on the for-sale forum! LOL)
Do you have a pic of the chrome switches in the black housing? I like the chrome with black switch look but I am thinking on the vivid black bike the combo you did might look better? (won't be the first time I changed my mind and put something I thought I wanted on the for-sale forum! LOL)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 951
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Canada
Last edited by Softail Girl; Dec 14, 2008 at 10:11 AM. Reason: bad html
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 2
From: canada
Easy to change the switch caps. You can use a screwdriver to take the old ones off, but don't use one to put the chrome ones on - they're not as flexible as the stock ones.
Ask me how I know.
It's easy to do. Follow the instructions & you'll be fine. There's two different "posts" that the switches mount to - a star-shaped one, and a cylinder-shaped one. Put the switch over the round one, and then it just pops over the star-shaped one.
Cnnon
Ask me how I know.
It's easy to do. Follow the instructions & you'll be fine. There's two different "posts" that the switches mount to - a star-shaped one, and a cylinder-shaped one. Put the switch over the round one, and then it just pops over the star-shaped one.
Cnnon