Ditto. That's what I did and they went on easy enough. Still a PITA install, don't get me wrong...but I'd tackle another set for $200 bones, it's not THAT difficult!

 

I did mine without problems. I'll try to post a picture of my completed project. I kept the stock (black) shells and added HD grips, Kuryakyn mirrors and trigger type chrome levers. I like the black & chrome contrast. All chrome controls pick up too many finger prints. Maybe I should wash my handz...

 

have done several swaps to chrome switches and never had a problem. the screws are a PITA because their so small but the magnetic screwdriver advice given above takes some of the frustration away. also, sweep the floor clean, or better yet put some carpeting down first so when you drop a screw, it won't bounce away and get lost. I've also found on occasion that you may have to tinker with the switch buttons a little to make them work once in the housing because they sometimes bind if the tolerances aren't right. other than that, just take your time. walk away and come back later if necessary.

 

That is the best advice. I did mine last Friday. The right side was frustrating because of the wiring on the two lower switches. You have to remove a plate inside of the housing to get the turn signla to slide out easier, and then the lower switches moved on me. From my experience last week:
1. clean the floor and lay carpet or some kid of mat down to catch screws, they will fall out.
2. take pictures after each step, especially of the routing of the wires (this will help tremendously when putting it backtogether).
3. Use a magnetic screwdriver, this will help, but will not eliminate falling screws.
4. Take your time, and pay attention to the position of the black caps as they come off. I had to pop two of the caps back off because I didn't and the switch was in the wrong position when I got the chrome one on. One side is shaped like a gear, and you will see what I am talking about.
5. ON the turn signal switches pay attention how the spring fits inside of the switch cap. it lays on the inside, and if you dont get it to lay flat as you snap the cap down it will bind and will not push the switch back out.
6. on the starter and horn buttons there is a small spring that clips into the switch and the button. After you take a pic or memorize how the spring goes into both, take it out and set it in a safe place on the side. It can fall out while removing and replacing the caps. It is pretty small and will get lost.
7. Get a small (very small) flat blade screwdriver to use as a pry bar. The tolerance between the caps and the switches is pretty tight and I found I did have to pry a little bit.
8. Lastly I found it easier to get the peg side of the cap (the other side is geared) on first and then snap over the gear side. ....


OK this is the last thing: The audio and Cruise control caps are a pain to get back on. I had to hold both sides, with both hands, gripping the entire unit and press them against the housing with alot of pressure to get them to go on all the way. BE VERY CAREFUL DOING THIS! I have heard I have heard alot of people ruined these caps putting them on. DO NOT LET THEM TILT in any direction while putting them on. Take your time and make sure you push them on straight.

Hope that helps!!Good Luck and walk away if you get frustrated.

 

Good write-up! And I agree, the stupid audio and cruise switches gave me more trouble than anything else. Should be the simplest part but nooooo. This is where soaking them in HOT water comes in handy.

 

Good advice on the carpet and water but put a large towel? down the side of the bike as well. My screw bounced off of something metal on the way down and it took me 30 minutes to find the damn thing 6 feet away and 3 feet in under the work bench. Had the towel on there the second time and it landed on the carpet. Think they are some kind of new rubber metal, not very good magnetic properties. Really nice color match to the concrete though. I was using a really good magnetic screwdriver and it barely held. Good contact to the housing though. Took a little over an hour once I found the screw under the turn signal switch.

 

I'm not scared to tackle anything, it's breaking the stuff that does. If it's that easy to break the switches then I'll let the dealer do it. I have no patience when it comes to tedious things like that. I can see it sitting in the garage for weeks not finished. Lets see how I feel. Thanks for the advice!

Wally

 

That's a great tip...........never thought of doing that, but the next set I do will try that out for sure.

Steve

 

Okay, thanks! After all, I think black housings AND caps look just fine... ;-)

 

Thanks alot guys, I just got a set of chrome controls for my apes and now this thread has got me a bit nervous. I thought it would be a piece of cake but with my sausage fingers you all got me thinking . But I refuse to take it to the stealer. Even if I cost me multiple sets of caps.

I should film it. I'm heard I'm really funny when I'm pissed off