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Complete Harley Davidson Headlight Problems Overview

by

Chase Manhattan

Chase Manhattan Avatar
Owner and Editor at The Wrench Network

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Hey y’all, it’s Chase Manhattan! I’m a life-long automotive and motorcycle enthusiast with a knack for diagnostics that I hope to share with you! Lately, I’ve been running my own motorcycle rental business, which you can read about here, and it has been a great experience that has allowed me to own numerous bikes that I probably couldn’t justify otherwise. Plus, it’s been a great way to experience new places while on vacation. If you haven’t heard of them before, I definitely recommend checking out the Riders-Share platform if you get the itch to ride while away from home, or if you want to explore a cheaper way to own and ride motorcycles!

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Harley Davidson, an iconic motorcycle manufacturer, has been producing high-quality bikes since its inception in 1903. However, no product is without its flaws. Among the various issues that Harley Davidson motorcycles have faced, one stands out – Harley Davidson headlight problems. This issue has been particularly prevalent in models from the 2010s and 2020s. So what else do you need to know? Keep reading and let’s get to finding out!

What’s This Harley Davidson Headlight Problem Nonsense?

Here's a stand-alone Harley Davidson headlight that has been removed from a bike.
How much trouble does this little guy cause, really?

The most common issue with the headlights on Harley Davidson motorcycles is that they fail to illuminate. In some cases, the headlights may also flicker intermittently. This can pose a serious safety risk, especially when riding at night or in poor visibility conditions.

Why Did Harley Issue A Recall For This?

Harley Davidson issued a recall for a number of their models due to the common headlight issue. The models affected include the XL1200CX (2019-2020), XL1200C (2019), XL1200NS (2019-2021), XL1200XS (2019), XL1200X (2019-2021), XL883L (2019), and XL883N (2019-2021). The recall was issued because the headlight units on these models did not comply with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) standards.

Another affected model, and its related issues: Dreaded Harley Tri Glide Problems To Be Aware Of Revealed

What Were All The Indicators of A Harley Davidson Headlight Problems?

The main indicator of a headlight problem in a Harley Davidson motorcycle is the failure of the headlights to come on or a flickering beam. However, there could be other signs as well:

Weak Headlight Beam

A weak or dim headlight beam could indicate a problem with the headlight unit. This could be due to a faulty bulb, wiring issues, or a problem with the power supply.

Sometimes an aftermarket headlight is necessary – but many riders opt for this out of preference anyway. Here’s a video detailing one of the more popular upgrades for these Harley headlights.

Intermittent Signal Operation (and Sporadic Operations)

If the headlights or turn signals on your Harley Davidson motorcycle operate intermittently or sporadically, this could indicate a headlight problem. This could be due to a faulty relay, fuse, or wiring issues.

You’ll need this: Harley Davidson Wiring Color Codes Completely Explained

Other Reported Indications Of An Issue

Other indicators of a headlight problem could include the high beam indicator failing to work, the headlights failing to switch between high and low beam, or the headlights failing to come on when the motorcycle is started.

What Models Were Affected By These Headlight Problems?

Here's a Harley Davidson Sportster (XL1200), a popular model, but one that frequently suffers headlight problems.
While other models (like the Street series) were affected, the Sportster (XL series) was more prominently affected by these headlight problems.

The most prominent models affected by the headlight problems include:

  • XL1200CX (2019-2020)
  • XL1200C (2019)
  • XL1200NS (2019-2021)
  • XL1200XS (2019)
  • XL1200X (2019-2021)
  • XL883L (2019)
  • XL883N (2019-2021)


Related: Sportster Years To Avoid (If You Know What’s Good For You)

Which Models Were The Worst?

Among the models listed above, the XL1200CX (2019-2020), XL1200NS (2019-2021), and XL1200X (2019-2021) were reported to have the most severe headlight problems.

On exactly the topic, here’s a video of a Sportster (XL series) suffering the same issue we’re talking about.

What Did Harley Do About The Issue?

In response to the headlight problems, Harley Davidson issued a recall for the affected models. The company promised to replace the faulty headlight units on these models with new units that comply with NHTSA standards.

Read More: Are Harley Davidsons Reliable? Yes and No (Here’s Why)

Will They Fix It For Free?

Yes, as part of the recall, Harley Davidson has committed to fixing the headlight problems on the affected models at no cost to the owners.

Wrapping Up

While Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their quality and performance, they are not without their issues. The headlight problems on some models are a serious concern, but the company’s swift recall and commitment to fixing the problem should reassure owners. If you own a Harley Davidson motorcycle and are experiencing headlight problems, it is recommended to contact the company or a professional motorcycle mechanic to have the issue addressed.

Read next:
– What Is High Mileage For A Harley Davidson? (Surprising)
– Red Light on Harley Speedometer: Causes and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common headlight problems on Harley Davidson motorcycles?

Harley Davidson motorcycle owners sometimes report issues such as dimming lights, flickering, or complete headlight failure. These problems can often be traced back to electrical issues, a blown fuse, a malfunctioning headlight bulb, or a faulty wiring connection.

How can I troubleshoot a Harley Davidson headlight that’s not working?

To troubleshoot a non-functioning headlight, start by checking the headlight fuse and replacing it if necessary. Next, inspect the headlight bulb; if it’s burnt out, replace it. Also, check for any loose or damaged wiring and ensure that the headlight connector is securely fastened.

Is it common for Harley Davidson headlights to have electrical issues?

While not extremely common, electrical issues can occur with Harley Davidson headlights, often due to loose connections, corroded wires, or a malfunctioning voltage regulator. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems.

Can vibration cause Harley Davidson headlight problems?

Yes, the vibration from the engine and regular riding can sometimes loosen the headlight bulb or wiring connections. It’s a good idea to check these connections periodically, especially before long rides.

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