Replacing Front Brake Light Switch
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Wichita, KS
Replacing Front Brake Light Switch
I'll tell ya', Boys and Girls, I didn't know how the right side handlebar controls came apart and went back together.....but, I do NOW!!!
You gotta put the switch in with the wires pointing down. Don't try to rotate the switch after it's in place.
3 times apart, and together for a brake light switch that I, admittedly, broke while changing the levers. Also, $60 for that switch!!! WTF!
Oh well, the manual was minimal help at best. Trial and Error proved to be the solution, finally.
Live and Learn,
You gotta put the switch in with the wires pointing down. Don't try to rotate the switch after it's in place.
3 times apart, and together for a brake light switch that I, admittedly, broke while changing the levers. Also, $60 for that switch!!! WTF!
Oh well, the manual was minimal help at best. Trial and Error proved to be the solution, finally.
Live and Learn,
Last edited by ckgdrums; May 7, 2009 at 01:56 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
If Topeka Harley-Davidson or Riverfront Harley-Davidson are close to you then you could've bought 71590-96A for $24 instead of the superseded 71621-08 for $60! Anywho, glad ya got it fixed. It is a bugger rotating the switch in there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 223
From: Northern California
Also, whenever you split the switch housings, or remove the front brake master cylinder, always install a washer or something between the brake lever and cylinder housing, to hold the lever off the switch or you'll break the switch everytime. It's real easy to do.......Putt
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
Also, whenever you split the switch housings, or remove the front brake master cylinder, always install a washer or something between the brake lever and cylinder housing, to hold the lever off the switch or you'll break the switch everytime. It's real easy to do.......Putt
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
That is a $60.00 reason for reading and following instructions. Dang I hate to do that. But I also hate paying $60.00 for switch and the PAI to install it. They should add switch to all new brake levers.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Wichita, KS
Oh, and Alefs' H-D, right here in river city only had the $60 switch in stock...go figure.
Oh, thanks for the heads up Dawg. I'll remember that part number just in case it happens again...[fingers crossed].
Last edited by ckgdrums; May 8, 2009 at 08:08 AM. Reason: add info
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
They are a PITA to install, I had to fix mine on a trip in a parking lot in July in Charlotte. Hotter than hell in my leathers trying to fix it with minimal tools.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Wichita, KS
You're right, that would have been a major PITA!!! I always carry my tools with me, but in a parking lot...no thanks.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 791
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From: Edmonton, AB
I'll tell ya', Boys and Girls, I didn't know how the right side handlebar controls came apart and went back together.....but, I do NOW!!!
You gotta put the switch in with the wires pointing down. Don't try to rotate the switch after it's in place.
3 times apart, and together for a brake light switch that I, admittedly, broke while changing the levers. Also, $60 for that switch!!! WTF!
Oh well, the manual was minimal help at best. Trial and Error proved to be the solution, finally.
Live and Learn,
You gotta put the switch in with the wires pointing down. Don't try to rotate the switch after it's in place.
3 times apart, and together for a brake light switch that I, admittedly, broke while changing the levers. Also, $60 for that switch!!! WTF!
Oh well, the manual was minimal help at best. Trial and Error proved to be the solution, finally.
Live and Learn,
Just kidding of course! No matter how satisfying it is to work on our bikes, there are some jobs that frustrate the be-jeebers out of us. The last one for me was installing the headlight visor trim ring.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Wichita, KS
You know, I seriously thought about taking pictures and doing a "play by play" of the switch install. I'm glad I chose not too...may have been some pictures of me standing there cussing at my switch housing taken by my thoughtful wife...
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