What a nightmare!
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
What a nightmare!
I bought the chrome switch caps a few months ago and decided to to tackle the job today. What I thought would be a simple job turned out to be a major headache. Not only was it a pain to replace the caps but when removing the volume control instead of pulling the cap off the whole switch came apart. I had to order a $60 switch and it won't be in for a week. I was able to get the right side done so even with all the frustration I do have to say it was well worth it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 53
From: Myrtle Beach,SC
I learned a long time ago never to take a perfectly good part off to replace it with a shinier part, Unless it adds function, I was at the HD dealer today buying an ESP (actually was very surprised to get one for $30 over Kutters OTD. )
Anyway I sat on a used bike with those chrome switch covers, The thing was sloppy and loose.
Anyway I sat on a used bike with those chrome switch covers, The thing was sloppy and loose.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
At the risk of getting ridiculed, this is one job I paid the dealer to do. I'd read too many similar stories here and elsewhere. I realize this doesn't help the OP, and I'm not bashing him for doing his own wrenching. I know my limitations and figured I'd screw this up and maybe cost myself even more money. Just a different perspective for anyone else thinking of taking this on.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 10
From: Monrovia, Ca
I helped my a buddy with his chrome switches, ( well I watched ) what he did was leave his bike out in the So.Ca sun for about an hour and he was able to remove the switches pretty easy. Try a blow drier or a heat gun. Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 477
Likes: 8
From: Kennedale,Tx
I've done 4 differant bikes. Getting the old covers isn't to bad because the black ones have a little more flex. The chrome ones don't flex quite so much. If you put the new switch cover in boiling water does help some what and follow instructions to the T makes the job alot easier. Still a PITA.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
I broke the same switch when I did mine. A 45 mile round trip to the dealer and a $65 switch is what my screw up cost me but at least I got it done.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 16
I only changed out the housing cover. I thought to myself that once I got it separated I would take a picture to remind me how all the little parts and brackets go back together. I opened it and SPROING...the open housing popped everything out once I took off the first internal bracket. I was able to stuff if all back together, eventually. It took all day and many attempts mainly because I stripped the insulation off (unknown to me) and shorted out more then one switch. The switch that allows the bike to start in gear (when the clutch is in) did not work until I got the dealer to fix it during another job six months later.
Moral is...just because it looks simple does not mean it is.
Moral is...just because it looks simple does not mean it is.