Indicator Lamps

Indicator lights - sense and purpose

Again and again you hear from hobbyists: for decades Harleys had no indicator lights, so why should I need any? That, dear community, is only half the truth. Although the standard indicator lights came only in 1938 (last "Skull" speedometer cover series), but with the very first alternators around 1915 came pretty quickly also ammeters. First as accessories, then as standard. These are not lights, but control devices. It was simply important to know whether the electrical system was functioning in a reasonably balanced manner or whether the battery was constantly supplying current and discharging to such an extent that the motorcycle would eventually stop. And that is exactly the function of indicator lights today: to let the driver know when something is not working so that he can remedy the situation in good time. In the meantime, the number of electrically controlled functions has increased to such an extent that it is no longer reasonable to do without indicator lights.

In the driver's field of vision

It makes sense to group indicator lamps near the speedometer. This way, they are alway within the field of vision, do not interfere with concentration on the road, but are also noticed when they light up.

What kind of indicator lights are there?

Lamps for 6 V or 12 V fit into the classic bulb sockets. The lamp base - the "plug-in" part of the bulb - depends on the socket. However, you also have the option of using LEDs. These are available as single lamps or as ready-made units from Daytona or motogadget. All LEDs are ready to install with series resistor, but only for 12 V electrics.