When you’re cruising down the open road on your Harley, you want your bike to look stylish and function flawlessly. One small issue that can ruin the aesthetic and safety of your ride is misaligned turn signals. Use this helpful guide to properly align your Harley’s turn signals so you never compromise your safety or the sleek look of your trusty ride.
Why Proper Turn Signal Alignment Matters
Safety First
Motorcycle turn signals help you communicate your intentions to other drivers. With rooked or off-angle turn signals, you increase your risk of accidents by impacting your ability to see and be seen.
Maintain That Classic Harley Look
Your Harley is more than just a bike; it’s an expression of your unique personality. Misaligned signals can break the smooth, polished lines of your machine, causing an unbalanced look. To keep your Harley’s iconic style intact, aligned turn signals are a must.
Avoid Legal Trouble
Many jurisdictions have laws that regulate motorcycle lighting, including turn signals. Misaligned or ineffective signals can lead to fines or failed inspections, so keeping them aligned helps you stay road-legal.
Tools You’ll Need for Turn Signal Alignment
Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, make sure you’ve got the right tools to make the job easy and efficient. Use this checklist to see what you need to complete the task:
- A screwdriver set (Philips and flathead)
- An adjustable wrench
- Allen wrenches
- Needle-nose pliers
- A level or straight-edge tool for alignment
- Thread locker (like Loctite) for securing adjustments
With these tools in your arsenal, you’re ready to start working.
Step-by-Step Guide to Aligning Your Harley’s Turn Signals
Step 1: Secure Your Harley on Level Ground
Park your Harley on a level surface, using a kickstand or jack stand to secure it. Stabilizing your bike before you start working ensures precise turn signal alignment.
Step 2: Inspect the Turn Signals
Take a good look at your turn signals; are they visibly crooked, loose, or uneven? Loose screws or brackets usually indicate that your signals are out of alignment. Take a moment to clean the housing and mounting points with a cloth, as dirt buildup can interfere with adjustments.
Step 3: Locate and Adjust the Mounting Screws
At the base of the signal housing, locate the screws that secure your turn signals to the body of your Harley. Using the appropriate screwdriver, loosen the screws just enough so the signals can move but don’t fall out of place.
Gently nudge the turn signal until it sits straight. Then, use a level or your straight-edge tool to line it up with the bike’s frame or another fixed reference point, like your handlebars. Once aligned, tighten the screws while holding the turn signal to prevent it from shifting out of place.
Step 4: Check the Horizontal Alignment
Step back a few paces and look at the turn signals from the front and back of your Harley. They should appear symmetrical and parallel to each other, so adjust them until both are perfectly aligned if one looks higher or if they appear uneven.
Working solo? Use a mirror or snap a quick photo from each angle to spot irregularities you missed.
Step 5: Secure the Adjustment With Thread Locker
Once you’re happy with the alignment, apply a small amount of thread locker to the screws so they don’t loosen from vibrations during a ride. Retighten the screws securely, taking care to avoid overtightening that could strip the threads or crack the housing.
Step 6: Test Your Turn Signals
After everything is properly aligned and secure, test your turn signals. For both the left and right indicators, verify that they blink at the correct intervals and angles. Walk around your bike to confirm the turn signals are visible from different directions. If you notice dimming or irregular flashing, you might have an unrelated wiring issue that may require professional help.
Troubleshooting Common Turn Signal Issues
Even with the best preparation, you might run into some challenges when aligning your Harley’s turn signals. Familiarize yourself with these quick fixes for common problems.
- Loose signal housing: If the housing won’t stay tight, double-check the mounting bracket for damage. If needed, replace the screws and/or brackets.
- Misaligned brackets: Sometimes, the alignment issue is with the bracket itself. Remove the bracket and properly realign it before remounting it to your turn signal.
- Old or damaged signals: Cracked or worn signal housings may shift out of place over time. In this case, consider upgrading to newer, more durable signals.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Maintenance
Regular Checks
Look for signs of wear, rust, or loosened components, and address these issues promptly to avoid bigger problems down the line. With regular maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your equipment and ensure optimal performance when you need it most.
Upgrade to LED Signals
Compared to traditional lighting, LED signals consume less energy, have a much longer lifespan, and provide superior visibility in all weather conditions. By switching to LED technology, you’re investing in a solution that reduces maintenance costs and elevates the performance of your motorcycle.
Always Carry Basic Tools
Having a basic toolkit can make all the difference in unexpected situations. Items like wrenches, screwdrivers, and spare bulbs can help you handle minor repairs or adjustments on the spot. You can save time and frustration by staying prepared.
Aligning Your Harley for the Road Ahead
There’s a certain pride that comes from maintaining your Harley. With this guide on how to properly align your Harley’s turn signals, you can keep yourself safe among your fellow bikers.
If you’re looking for a Harley upgrade, head over to Eagle Lights to explore the turn signals we have available. The next time you venture out onto the road, you’ll be grateful you took the time to care for your motorcycle.
