Thanks for offering the help with the directional stop light module. I’m making a new harness and will put in provisions for a separate rear turn signal.
@2fltc will have a better idea that is Harley specific for turning the brake light into a brake/turn light, but here is an example of the module for automotive use.
I don't like the wire colors they chose for this module, as they are not correct. In our world the wire colors are as follows:
- Green = Right Turn signal power and right Brake lamp (Notice the word Green and Right have an "R" in them)
- Yellow = Left Turn signal Power and Left Brake lamp (Notice the word Yellow and Left have an "L" in them)
- Brown = Running lamp
- White = Ground (negative lead)
The module is required so that the brake signal doesn't back feed into the turn signal circuit, and the turn signal does not back feed into the brake circuit.
Fine strand copper with a silicon jacket would be awesome if you decide to build your own harness. Also, some nice water proof connectors (I like Deutsch connectors) would make for a very durable automotive style harness. Something like this is a reasonable starter kit:
Wiring can seem intimidating at first, but it is more tedious, and focus related than it is hard. In the end it is all just a bunch of electrons doing the Conga.
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
I’ve got a harness coming that will plug into and out of the rear fender light harness and give me six leads. Those will be pinned and go into a plug that matches the Harley 2009 sidecar harness which will be here Saturday. From that harness I’ll go to the front direct directional that mounts to the bottom of the front spotlight on the tub in front of the door. I’m not sure harness will allow me to power that spotlight? That harness also has provisions for the rear directional, running and brake lights.
I’m still not sold on the module and may use a rear directional mounted on top of the shock tower, time will tell. For some reason I get a mental block with anything other than basic wiring.
The front spotlights on the bike are wired to a switch on the tank console. What are your thoughts on wiring the side car spotlight to the front spotlights
on the bike or should they be kept separate?
I’m going to the AMCA meet in Oley Pennsylvania this weekend and sure to see many old sidecars there.
I would run a relay it puts less strain on your electrical system. Custom Dynamics and Namz as well as others have what you need.
Love "plug and play" harness kits, like the one in your post. Also, I really like what @2FLTC noted in the post above regarding adding a relay to power the light on the sidecar.
I don't have any personal experience with Harley Davidson wiring. Like 2FLTC noted there are companies that make kits specifically for this type of modification on H-D bikes. Which also means they probably have tech support if you have any questions during the install. I'd choose that path, because these guys eat, breath and sleep H-D accessories.
In the end I'm a huge fan of "You Do You". So whatever you are most comfortable with is going to raise your confidence level, and provide the best chance for success. That wrote, you have friends here, who are happy to help out. 🍻
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Also, contact Lewis Prescott, owner of Electrical Connection....in Tennessee. They always have the Electrical items I want, most is Plug 'n Play.
He is theeeee motorcycle Electrical supply source.
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
I watched a video called relays for dummies. Now that I understand how they work, I will definitely include one for the spotlight. Not sure why by wiring gives me the same uneasy feeling calculus did, but it does.
thank you all for your ideas, expertise and resources/references. It’s been a huge help.
So today is my LUCKY day.
I wanted to have the project done before the grass started growing because we have a small farm with lots of “pets” and related projects. I’m mowing now so less time on the sidecar project.
I researched as much as I could on the wiring, wanting to keep it simple and as many factory connections as possible. I ended up getting a Harley sidecar harness that according to the part number hasn’t been updated since 1999. It seemed to have all the wires I needed and the connectors were similar to my rear fender wiring harness on the bike. The adapter I previously purchased from Namz was not correct. Today I disconnected the rear fender harness on the bike and tried the Harley sidecar harness. Both connections had the same number of pins and the correct color wiring. They went together with a solid click.
I used a test light and tried all the functions and the harness was perfect. Everything worked. 1999 FLH and 2009 softail were the same, thankfully Harley doesn’t update things often or at least in this case!
There is one extra wire that I may be able to use for the spotlight if it’s currently on a relay. I’ll be checking that out next.
Next week I’ll be changing the exhaust system as the bike side mounts won’t fit with the current exhaust configuration. After that I’ll mount the frame to the bike and finish putting everything back together. When it’s back together, I think I’ll put a few miles on it in primer and then pull it all apart to do the finish bodywork and painting.
Whoa....back up Farmer Boyer...
We need a little more info on your "small farm with lots of pets".
Because we have planned all this traveling, we had to whittle down our number farm pets, and finally had a friend of my wife adopt our last 5 chicken hens.
Over the past 19 years on our farm, really a mini ranch, we have had Llamas, Alpacas, a variety of Goats, and many Chickens.
Spill the beans, Farmer Boyer
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
When doing any changers to the exhaust or air cleaner you should have the bike remap for the parts being change. Especially that you are putting more of a load with the sidecar.
Great news on the wiring! 👍
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Great point, is that a dealer related correction? Just curious…… any sense of how much the sidecar affects mileage/range?
103 motor w/ 6 speed, don’t imagine I’ll use 6th gear much.
7 acres mostly pasture, down to two horses, two goats, 30? chickens and two labs. So far our granddaughter (8) hasn’t gotten into farm life. If she does my wife will have a petting farm here in no time.
We do it for fun and I’m sure my wife will take a chicken with her in the sidecar at some point
no cows, llamas, sheep, pigs or on real farm animals here…just pets
First do you know if it has a tuner and if so which one.
