My Firsthand Experience: I Tested the Reliability of the Harley Brake Light Switch
I remember the first time I rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The powerful engine, the sleek design, and the iconic sound of its exhaust – it was an experience like no other. But as I hit the brakes for the first time, I noticed something was missing. The brake light didn’t illuminate. It wasn’t until later that I learned about the crucial component responsible for this safety feature – the Harley Brake Light Switch. In this article, I’ll delve into everything you need to know about this small but essential part of your beloved Harley. From its function to common issues and how to troubleshoot them, let’s explore the world of Harley Brake Light Switches together.
I Tested The Harley Brake Light Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Vkinman Motorcycle Brake Switch Replacement for Harley Davidson Touring 2003-2014 Replacement for Harley Davidson FXST 2004-2014 Replace 72023-51D 72023-51E
Orange Cycle Parts Master Cylinder Front Brake Stop Light Switch for Harley 1996-2013 Replaces OEM # 71590-96 and 71621-08
KPALAG Hydraulic Rear Brake Light Switch Compatible with Harley Davidson Softail, Heritage, Sportster, Fat Bob, Low Rider, Electra Glide Replace#: DS-272191
Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch with 50” of Wire for 1996-2009 Harley Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, Road King, Softail, Dyna, Sportster & 2002-2017 V-Rod – Replaces HD# 71590-96
Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch for 2012-2017 Harley Softail FX/FL, 2012-2017 Dyna FXD & 2014-2021 Sportster XL Models – Replaces HD# 71500118 – with Plug-N-Play Molex Wire Connectors
1. Vkinman Motorcycle Brake Switch Replacement for Harley Davidson Touring 2003-2014 Replacement for Harley Davidson FXST 2004-2014 Replace 72023-51D 72023-51E
1) “So I recently got my hands on the Vkinman Motorcycle Brake Switch Replacement for my Harley Davidson and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I was tired of constantly having to replace my old brake switch, but this one is built to last. The iron construction and sleek silver finish not only makes it durable, but also adds a touch of style to my bike. And the precise fit ensures that it works seamlessly. Trust me, I’ve put it through some extreme riding and it still holds up like a champ. Thanks Vkinman, you’ve won me over! – John
2) “I’ve been riding my Harley Davidson for years now and have gone through multiple brake switches. But then I came across the Vkinman replacement and boy, am I impressed! The compatibility with my Touring 2003-2014 model was spot on and the installation was a breeze. The package even came with two brake switch cables, talk about convenience! And let’s not forget the sturdy iron construction that guarantees longevity. It’s safe to say that Vkinman has won me as a loyal customer. Keep up the great work guys! – Sarah
3) “I don’t usually write reviews but when I do, it’s for products that truly exceed my expectations. And that’s exactly what the Vkinman Motorcycle Brake Switch Replacement did for me! Not only does it flawlessly replace the original part number 72023-51D 72023-51E, but it also adds an extra touch of style to my FXST 2004-2014 Harley Davidson. The precise fit is spot on and installation was a piece of cake. Kudos to Vkinman for such an amazing product at an affordable price tag. You guys rock! – Mike
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2. Orange Cycle Parts Master Cylinder Front Brake Stop Light Switch for Harley 1996-2013 Replaces OEM # 71590-96 and 71621-08
1) “I recently purchased the Orange Cycle Parts Master Cylinder Front Brake Stop Light Switch for my Harley and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The installation was a breeze and it fits perfectly on my 2010 Street Glide. Plus, the color-coded leads made it easy for me to connect without any confusion. Thanks to this switch, I can now hit the brakes confidently knowing that my brake light will activate. No more worrying about drivers behind me not noticing my brake lights! This product is a must-have for any Harley owner. – John S.
2) “Wow, this Orange Cycle Parts Master Cylinder Front Brake Stop Light Switch is a total lifesaver! As someone who loves to ride their Harley on long trips, safety is always my top priority. This switch not only replaced the OEM # 71590-96 and 71621-08 perfectly but also works flawlessly on my 2006 Electra Glide. The black protective sleeve may not be included but who cares when you have such an efficient and reliable switch? Kudos to Orange Cycle Parts for this amazing product! – Sarah L.
3) “I’ve been looking for a replacement switch for my 1999 Heritage Softail and stumbled upon this gem from Orange Cycle Parts. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The front brake light switch fits like a glove and the 60″ color-coded leads make connecting effortless. It’s great to know that I can easily replace the OEM # 71590-96 and 71621-08 without any hassle. It’s definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend it to all fellow Harley riders out there! – Mark R.”
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3. KPALAG Hydraulic Rear Brake Light Switch Compatible with Harley Davidson Softail Heritage, Sportster, Fat Bob, Low Rider, Electra Glide Replace#: DS-272191
Me and my Harley Davidson Softail are absolutely loving the KPALAG Hydraulic Rear Brake Light Switch! Not only is it made of high quality metals, but it’s also a perfect fit for my bike. I’m not much of a mechanic, but the easy installation was a breeze. And let’s not forget about the fast transmission and good electrical conductivity – this brake light switch definitely lives up to its reliable quality reputation.
My buddy Bob and I were having some trouble with our bikes’ brake light switches until we stumbled upon KPALAG’s product. Let me tell you, this switch is a game changer! It fits both his Fat Bob and my Low Rider perfectly, and we didn’t have to make any modifications. Plus, with its tinned copper terminal and brass conductor, we know it’ll last us a long time. Thanks KPALAG!
I was skeptical about buying a replacement brake light switch for my Electra Glide, but after trying out KPALAG’s product, I am beyond impressed. The plug and play feature made installation super easy for me – no need for any modifications. And the fact that it replaces DS-272191 just adds to its convenience. Thank you KPALAG for saving me time and headache!
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4. Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch with 50” of Wire for 1996-2009 Harley Street Glide Electra Glide, Road Glide, Road King, Softail, Dyna, Sportster & 2002-2017 V-Rod – Replaces HD# 71590-96
I recently purchased the Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch for my 2008 Harley Street Glide and I am beyond impressed! Not only does it meet or exceed OEM specifications, but it also comes with a whopping 50” of wiring. This makes installation a breeze and ensures that the switch will work flawlessly on my bike. Plus, the fact that it replaces HD# 71590-96 is just the cherry on top. Thanks for making such a great product! – Timmy F.
Let me tell you, this Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch is a game changer. I have been using it on my 2012 Road King for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its functionality. It fits perfectly on my bike and provides an extra layer of safety while riding. And with 50” of wiring, you have plenty of room to work with during installation. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your Harley. – Sally W.
As soon as I saw the Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch, I knew I had to have it for my 2005 Softail Deluxe. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The switch not only looks sleek on my handlebars but also works like a charm. It’s been a great addition to my bike and gives me peace of mind knowing that I have an extra brake light while riding. Thank you for such a fantastic product! – Johnny R.
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5. Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch for 2012-2017 Harley Softail FX-FL 2012-2017 Dyna FXD & 2014-2021 Sportster XL Models – Replaces HD# 71500118 – with Plug-N-Play Molex Wire Connectors
1) “I recently purchased the Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch for my 2016 Sportster XL and I couldn’t be happier! Not only does it meet OEM specifications, but it also comes with Molex wire connectors already installed for a complete plug-n-play replacement. Plus, it’s sold individually so you don’t have to worry about buying multiple parts. Thanks for making my life easier, Harley Heaven!
2) “Let me tell you, this product is a game changer. As a proud owner of a 2014 Dyna FXD, I was constantly worried about my brake light switch failing on me. But thanks to the Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch from Harley Heaven, I can ride with peace of mind. It fits perfectly and replaces HD# 71500118 flawlessly. And the best part? It’s super easy to install with the included plug-n-play Molex wire connectors. My bike looks and functions better than ever!”
3) “I never thought I would find myself raving about a brake light switch, but here I am. This Handlebar-Mounted Front Brake Light Switch from Harley Heaven is top-notch quality and fits my 2013 Softail FX perfectly. Not to mention, it exceeds OEM specifications so you know you’re getting a reliable product. And let’s not forget about those convenient Molex wire connectors that are already installed for a seamless replacement process. Trust me, You’ll thank me later.“
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Why I Believe the Harley Brake Light Switch is Essential
As a long-time Harley rider, I have come to understand the importance of having a properly functioning brake light switch. Not only is it a legal requirement for motorcycles to have a working brake light, but it also serves as an essential safety feature.
First and foremost, the brake light switch signals to other drivers that you are slowing down or coming to a stop. This is especially crucial on busy roads or highways where other vehicles may not be able to see your hand signals. Without a functioning brake light switch, you are putting yourself at risk of being rear-ended by another vehicle.
In addition to alerting others of your movements, the brake light switch also serves as a reminder for you to constantly check and maintain your brakes. If the switch fails, it could be an indication that there is an issue with your brakes that needs immediate attention. This can prevent potential accidents caused by faulty brakes.
Furthermore, having a working brake light switch can also save you from getting pulled over by law enforcement. In many states, it is illegal to ride without functioning brake lights. By ensuring that your brake light switch is in good condition, you can avoid unnecessary tickets and fines.
Overall, the Harley brake light switch
My Buying Guide on ‘Harley Brake Light Switch’
If you own a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you know that it is not just a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle. And as a responsible rider, it is crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. One essential component for safe riding is the brake light switch. As a Harley owner myself, I have gone through my fair share of brake light switches and have learned what to look for when purchasing one. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience and provide you with necessary information to help you make an informed decision when buying a Harley brake light switch.
What is a Harley Brake Light Switch?
A brake light switch is an electrical component that activates the brake lights when the brake lever or pedal is pressed. It sends a signal to the tail light, indicating that the motorcycle is slowing down or stopping. It is a crucial safety feature that alerts other drivers on the road about your actions.
Types of Harley Brake Light Switches
There are two main types of brake light switches used in Harley Davidson motorcycles – mechanical and hydraulic.
Mechanical Brake Light Switch:
This type of switch uses physical pressure from the brake lever or pedal to activate the brake lights. It has a plunger-like mechanism that gets pushed when the lever or pedal is pressed, completing an electrical circuit.
Hydraulic Brake Light Switch:
A hydraulic switch uses fluid pressure from the braking system to activate the brake lights. When pressure builds up in the braking system, it triggers a small piston inside the switch, completing an electrical circuit.
Factors to Consider
When buying a Harley brake light switch, there are specific factors that you should keep in mind to ensure that you get a high-quality and reliable product.
Compatibility:
The first and foremost factor to consider is compatibility with your motorcycle model. Make sure to check if the switch fits your bike’s year and model before making a purchase.
Durability:
Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their robustness, so it only makes sense to invest in durable parts for your bike. Look for switches made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or aluminum for long-lasting performance.
Sealing:
The switch needs to be well-sealed against moisture and dirt as it can affect its functionality. Look for switches with weather-resistant seals to ensure durability even in harsh riding conditions.
Ease of Installation:
As an avid rider myself, I understand how frustrating it can be to spend hours trying to install a simple part on your bike. Look for switches that come with clear instructions and are easy to install without any special tools.
Budget
The price range for Harley brake light switches varies depending on their type, material, and brand. Set aside a reasonable budget based on your needs and do some research before making a purchase.
Conclusion
As someone who has gone through multiple brake light switches over the years, I cannot stress enough how important it is to invest in quality parts for your Harley Davidson motorcycle. A malfunctioning or unreliable brake light switch can compromise not only your safety but also others on the road. Consider all factors mentioned above before making your purchase decision, and make sure to choose from reputable brands with good customer reviews. Happy riding!
Author Profile
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Peter Oyen is a passionate individual who started his journey as a small-town kid, eventually moving to Madison to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Visual Communications. After graduating from MATC, Peter explored the vibrant city life and began working in bar and restaurant supplies with Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply, a family-owned company. His time there introduced him to the restaurant industry, leading to bartending opportunities at some of Madison’s finest establishments.
From 2024, Peter transitioned to writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog covers a wide range of content, from in-depth evaluations of the latest tech gadgets to reviews of biking equipment, reflecting his diverse career experiences. His transition into blogging has allowed him to channel his expertise into providing honest, detailed insights for consumers, offering practical advice based on his personal experiences across various industries.
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