Anyone install your own chrome hand controls?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Anyone install your own chrome hand controls?
I just order a complete set of HD chrome hand controls with levers, switch housing and buttons. Has anyone install your own? How difficult is it and how long does it take?
Novice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Hesperia CA
As above, take your time. Make notes of how you disassembled the unit and keep an eye on the tiny little screws you will be removing. Big thing on installing the chrome pieces. Tape off all of the exteriors of the housing with blue painters tape to protect chrome. The chrome switch covers come with a small piece of clear plastic, but I replaced it with blue tape. The old switch caps come off fairly easy with a small screwdriver, but be careful when putting on the chrome ones (also plastic POS). Follow the instructions to the "T". I used a little lithium grease to ease installation. If your housings have the stereo/cruise control/vol thumb switches, make sure that you have them inserted correctly. This is the biggest installation mistake. They fit into slots, then get held into place with a small flat plate that is a bitch to keep in place, and screw down. It is the same on both sides. When pressing the thumb caps back on, make sure you do not apply to much pressure, and press them strait on. If you break the internal pin switch, you have to buy a whole new wiring harness ($175.00).
So as he mentioned above, grab a few beers, make sure you DO NOT have a hammer within arms reach, and try not to have any kids around when you start yelling four letter words.
Good Luck!
So as he mentioned above, grab a few beers, make sure you DO NOT have a hammer within arms reach, and try not to have any kids around when you start yelling four letter words.
Good Luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So. California
Installed the chrome switches on my 2009 SG. One word of caution; they are brittle. Due to the chroming process, the plastic is not that flexiable. I got all of the switches installed and then broke the last one!!!!!!!! Of course it had to be the starter switch!!!!!
I had to purchase a second set of switches just for the starter switch. Take your time and you should be ok. FWIW, when I went to the dealer to purchase my second set of chrome switches, the guy behind the counter told me that this happens with some regularity, and the even the techs don't like to install them!!!!!!
I had to purchase a second set of switches just for the starter switch. Take your time and you should be ok. FWIW, when I went to the dealer to purchase my second set of chrome switches, the guy behind the counter told me that this happens with some regularity, and the even the techs don't like to install them!!!!!!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: Worth, Illinois
I did mine a few years ago. take your time definatly and follow the instructions. It is a tight fit and make sure to get the brake lever switch in contact with the part of the lever that makes contact with it. Don't ask me how I know this.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Tucson
I did a set a few years ago. The job was not difficult.
The subsequent short circuit -- due to pinched wires -- was a real PITA.
So, be extra, extra, extra careful about not pinching any of the MANY wires that have to fit within the switch covers.
If you know someone who's done this job a number of times -- like the tech at your dealership, perhaps -- it might be best to ask them to do the job.
The subsequent short circuit -- due to pinched wires -- was a real PITA.
So, be extra, extra, extra careful about not pinching any of the MANY wires that have to fit within the switch covers.
If you know someone who's done this job a number of times -- like the tech at your dealership, perhaps -- it might be best to ask them to do the job.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
All I have done is a cable and brake line change as I swapped to longer bars, bad enough just moving the equipment let alone replacing.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 331
Likes: 2
From: New Mexico
Another vote for this being a PITA upgrade. Like others have said, take your time. When you get pissed then stop and count to 50. (10 will not make you feel better)
It really is not technically difficult, just not too easy to make everything go back together, if that makes any since. I did it and I am glad I did not pay someone to do it but while I was doing it, I wished I had paid someone
It really is not technically difficult, just not too easy to make everything go back together, if that makes any since. I did it and I am glad I did not pay someone to do it but while I was doing it, I wished I had paid someone
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: West MI
I agree with the 50 count idea. The "no kids" one is good also. I'm sure they would have learned a few new phrases had there been any around!
It took me at least a couple of tedious hours to get everything lined up & screwed back into place. I didn't do the chrome switch covers, though. (Sounds like I missed a lot of "fun"!) The chrome housings with black switches match my Kuryayn Iso grips perfectly.
It took me at least a couple of tedious hours to get everything lined up & screwed back into place. I didn't do the chrome switch covers, though. (Sounds like I missed a lot of "fun"!) The chrome housings with black switches match my Kuryayn Iso grips perfectly.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
PIA! Did it a few years ago, and really wouldn't want to do it again. I consider myself mechanically inclined, but man is this a tedious job! Partly because it seems so simple, and partly because of the smallness of it all.
Word of advice: Clean your garage floor in a wide area. Makes it way easier to find the f'ng screws that you WILL drop!
Word of advice: Clean your garage floor in a wide area. Makes it way easier to find the f'ng screws that you WILL drop!