How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson Breakout (FXBRS — M8 117)

Harley-Davidson Breakout FXBRS · 2026 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Breakout (FXBRS — M8 117)

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson Breakout (FXBRS), the wide-tire Softail powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. Unlike the Sportster S, the Breakout uses traditional replaceable halogen bulbs — not sealed LED assemblies. The headlight uses an H4 halogen bulb, all turn signals use 1157NA bulbs, and the tail/brake light uses a 1157 dual-filament bulb. This makes the Breakout one of the most owner-serviceable lighting platforms in Harley-Davidson's current lineup, with bulbs that can be swapped individually for just a few dollars each.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Position	Bulb Type	Wattage	OEM Part Number	LED Upgrade Option
Headlight (Low/High Beam)	H4 12V Halogen (dual filament)	60/55W	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68168-08 (or H4-generic)	H4 LED conversion bulbs (see OEM & Alternatives section)
Front Left Turn Signal	1157NA (Amber)	32/3 CP	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68130-88T	1157NA LED replacement bulbs
Front Right Turn Signal	1157NA (Amber)	32/3 CP	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68130-88T	1157NA LED replacement bulbs
Rear Left Turn Signal	1157NA (Amber)	32/3 CP	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68130-88T	1157NA LED replacement bulbs
Rear Right Turn Signal	1157NA (Amber)	32/3 CP	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68130-88T	1157NA LED replacement bulbs
Tail / Brake Light	1157 (Dual Filament)	29/8.3W	HARLEY-DAVIDSON 68165-85	1157 LED replacement bulbs
Running Lights (Tail)	1157 low filament	8.3W	Same as tail/brake bulb	1157 LED replacement (same bulb)
License Plate Light	1157 low filament spill	—	Integrated with tail assembly	N/A — no separate license plate bulb on Breakout

Important Note: The 2026 Breakout uses replaceable halogen bulbs throughout — no sealed LED assemblies. Every bulb position listed above can be swapped individually. This is distinctly different from the LED-only Sportster S platform and makes the Breakout significantly more cost-effective to maintain.

Difficulty & Time Estimate

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 to 3 out of 5)
Estimated Time:
Turn signal bulb: 10-15 minutes per side
Tail/brake bulb: 15-25 minutes
Headlight bulb (H4): 20-35 minutes
Best Done: In a well-lit area with the bike on a stand or level surface, wheels blocked

Complete Tool List

Tool	Size or Type	Purpose
Torx socket / driver	T-25, T-27	Remove headlight bezel ring and mounting hardware
Torx socket / driver	T-27, T-30	Tail light and turn signal mounting hardware
Hex wrench set	Imperial (3/32", 1/8", 5/32")	Turn signal bezel and lens screws
Flathead screwdriver	Small (1/8")	Disconnecting electrical connector retaining clips
Needle-nose pliers	Standard	Handling small clips and bulb removal/installation
Socket wrench	3/8" drive, 7/16" socket	Turn signal bracket and mounting nuts
Torque wrench	ft-lb and in-lb range	Re-torque all fasteners to spec
Clean microfiber cloth	Any	Clean headlight reflector interior and lens surfaces
Cotton gloves	Clean	Handle halogen bulbs without contaminating glass
Dielectric grease	Tub or squeeze tube	Coat electrical connections to prevent corrosion
Compressed air	Canned	Blow debris from headlight housing before reassembly

OEM Part Numbers & Aftermarket Alternatives

Position	OEM Part	Aftermarket LED / Halogen	Notes
Headlight (H4)	Harley-Davidson 68168-08	Philips H4 12V 60/55W (OEM-equivalent halogen), Sylvania H4, Auxbeam H4 LED, Hitosino H4 LED 6000K	H4 bulbs are universal — any H4 12V dual-beam bulb fits. LED upgrades require checking for CANbus compatibility.
Front Turn Signals (1157NA)	Harley-Davidson 68130-88T	Sylvania 4157NA Amber, Philips 3157NALL, Diode Dynamics 3157NA LED, VLEDS 3157NA	1157NA and 3157NA are cross-compatible. Amber glass lenses must match amber bulb.
Rear Turn Signals (1157NA)	Harley-Davidson 68130-88T	Sylvania 4157NA Amber, Diode Dynamics 3157NA LED, JDM ASTAR 1157NA LED	Same bulb as front. LED upgrade may require load equalizer to prevent hyperflash.
Tail / Brake (1157)	Harley-Davidson 68165-85	Sylvania 1157 Long Life, Philips 1157 Standard, Auxbeam 1157 LED 300W	1157 is a dual-filament bulb: low filament = running light, high filament = brake.

Note: The Breakout uses a traditional 12V electrical system with standard automotive bulb bases. Any quality H4 headlight bulb, 1157NA turn signal bulb, or 1157 tail/brake bulb from any reputable brand will work. When upgrading to LED, note that LED bulbs draw significantly less current than halogen — this may cause the flasher module to hyperflash. A load equalizer or an LED-compatible flasher relay solves this.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Headlight (H4 Halogen — Dual Beam)

The Breakout uses a single H4 halogen bulb inside a classic round headlight shell. The H4 bulb provides both low and high beam through a single filament pair. Wear clean gloves when touching a new halogen bulb — skin oils on the glass will cause premature bulb failure from hot spots.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and position the bike on level ground. Use a motorcycle stand or have someone steady it. The engine should be off and the headlight cool before starting work.

Step 2: Locate the headlight mounting hardware. The Breakout's headlight shell is secured by a chrome bezel ring with three screws visible around the perimeter — these are T-25 or T-27 Torx fasteners.

Step 3: Remove the lower screw first (this prevents the lens/bezel from dropping), then remove the two upper screws. Keep track of all three screws. Support the bezel ring as you remove the last screw.

Step 4: Carefully swing the bezel ring forward and remove the headlight lens. Set the lens on a clean surface protected by a soft cloth.

Step 5: Locate the chrome retaining clip or wire clip that holds the H4 bulb in place at the rear of the shell. This is a single spring-loaded clip that swings open.

Step 6: Squeeze the retaining clip and swing it upward to release the bulb. The bulb will be loose — support it from falling.

Step 7: Disconnect the electrical connector from the rear of the H4 bulb. This is a three-prong plug with a locking latch — press the latch tab and pull straight back.

Step 8: Remove the old H4 bulb. Put on clean cotton or nitrile gloves before handling the new bulb. Do not touch the glass portion of the new halogen bulb with bare fingers. If you do accidentally touch it, clean it with rubbing alcohol.

Step 9: Connect the new H4 bulb to the electrical connector. Ensure the three prongs are fully seated and the latch clicks.

Step 10: Insert the bulb into the headlight shell, aligning the tabs. The H4 bulb has a specific orientation: the three prongs should be approximately at the 12 o'clock, 4 o'clock, and 8 o'clock positions. If it doesn't seat properly, rotate slightly — do not force it.

Step 11: Reinstall the spring retaining clip over the bulb and press it down into the locked position. Verify the bulb is held firmly and cannot wiggle.

Step 12: Clean the inside of the headlight shell and the lens with compressed air and a microfiber cloth. Any dust inside will cause dark shadows with the new bulb.

Step 13: Reinstall the headlight lens into the shell, making sure the rubber gasket is properly seated.

Step 14: Reattach the chrome bezel ring and install the three Torx screws. Start all three by hand, then tighten evenly in a star pattern. Tighten to approximately 15-20 in-lbs — snug but not excessive. Over-tightening will crack the lens or distort the bezel.

Step 15: Turn the ignition ON and test: - Verify low beam illuminates immediately - Toggle the high/low switch — verify high beam engages - Verify both beams project clear, even patterns

Step 16: Perform headlight beam alignment (see procedure below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA — Dual Contact Bayonet)

The Breakout front turn signals are mounted in chrome housings on the handlebar area or fork clamp brackets. They screw into place with a simple quarter-turn bayonet action.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF.

Step 2: Locate the front turn signal housing. Remove the lens cover by pulling it straight out — it is held in place by a rubber grommet and friction fit. Some models may have the lens held by small screws (3/32" hex) — check your specific unit.

Step 3: With the lens off, you will see the amber bulb base. Push the bulb in slightly and rotate counterclockwise (about 1/4 turn) to unlock it from the socket.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb. Note the orientation of the offset pins on the base — this ensures the bulb only installs one way.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb by aligning the offset pins, pushing in, and rotating clockwise until it stops (about 1/4 turn).

Step 6: Inspect the lens for cracks or cloudiness. Clean the lens with a damp microfiber cloth. Check the rubber grommet — replace if cracked or brittle.

Step 7: Reinstall the lens cover, pressing firmly until it seats evenly all around.

Step 8: Turn the ignition ON and test: - Activate the left turn signal — verify amber flash on the left front - Activate the right turn signal — verify amber flash on the right front - Check for hyperflash (rapid blinking) — if present with LED bulbs, install a load equalizer or compatible flasher relay

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA)

The Breakout rear turn signals are mounted on the rear fender struts. Access is from the rear of the motorcycle.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF.

Step 2: Locate the rear turn signal housing on the side of the fender you are servicing. The lens is removable by unscrewing it from the housing — turn the lens counterclockwise to remove.

Step 3: Once the lens is off, reach into the housing and locate the bulb base. Push the bulb in and rotate counterclockwise to remove it (quarter-turn bayonet action).

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb.

Step 5: Install the new amber 1157NA bulb by aligning the offset pins, pressing in, and rotating clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Check the rubber gasket inside the lens. If it is dried out, cracked, or missing, replace it before reassembly to prevent water intrusion.

Step 7: Reinstall the lens by turning clockwise. Hand-tighten only — do not overtighten the plastic lens thread.

Step 8: Test the rear turn signals with the ignition ON.

Tail / Brake Light (1157 — Dual Filament)

The Breakout tail light is a classic round unit mounted on the left side of the rear fender. The 1157 bulb inside provides both the tail light (low filament, 8.3W) and brake light (high filament, 29W) from a single bulb.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF.

Step 2: Remove the rear section of the seat or the passenger seat (if equipped) to gain access to the top of the tail light area. The Breakout solo/pillion seat is held by a single Torx bolt at the rear center — use a T-27 Torx driver.

Step 3: Unscrew the tail light lens by turning it counterclockwise. If it is stuck from weather sealing, a pair of rubber gripper gloves provides good grip without scratching the chrome.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157 bulb by pushing in and rotating counterclockwise (bayonet mount).

Step 5: Inspect the socket contacts. Look for corrosion, green build-up, or bent contacts. This is the most common cause of tail light failure on the Breakout — not the bulb itself. If contacts look dirty, clean them with a small flathead screwdriver and a wire brush.

Step 6: Clean the inside of the tail light housing with compressed air.

Step 7: Install the new 1157 bulb by aligning the offset pins, pushing in, and rotating clockwise to lock.

Step 8: Reinstall the lens by turning clockwise. Hand-tighten snug.

Step 9: Reinstall the seat and secure the mounting bolt to approximately 6-8 ft-lbs.

Step 10: Test all functions with the ignition ON: - Turn the ignition ON → tail light (low-intensity glow) should illuminate - Apply the front brake lever → tail light should brighten to full brake intensity - Apply the rear brake pedal → same brake intensity - Release the brake → light should return to dim tail-light level - Verify the dashboard brake warning lamp activates when either brake is applied

Headlight Beam Alignment

Alignment is required after any headlight bulb replacement, lens removal, or mounting disturbance.

Park the Breakout upright on level ground, exactly 25 feet from a flat wall or garage door. Use the side stand on level ground or have someone hold the bike upright.
Measure from the ground to the center of the H4 bulb (the center of the headlight opening). This is typically about 27-29 inches on the Breakout.
Using masking tape, draw a horizontal reference line on the wall at the measured center height. Draw a second horizontal line 2 inches below this center line.
With the low beam active, the top edge of the bright portion of the beam should hit at or slightly below the lower reference line (2 inches below center).
The beam should also be centered left-to-right on the motorcycle's centerline. Mark the wall's center and verify alignment.
On the Breakout, adjust the beam using the adjustment screws behind the headlight shell. There is typically a vertical adjustment screw (for up/down) and sometimes a horizontal one (for left/right). Use the appropriate hex or Phillips driver.
Make small adjustments (1/4 turn at a time), then re-check the beam on the wall.
Tighten the adjustment locking nuts once the aim is correct. Re-verify after tightening.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Halogen Bulbs — Handling & Maintenance

Topic	Details
Always wear gloves	Skin oils on halogen glass create hot spots that dramatically shorten bulb life. Use clean cotton or nitrile gloves. Clean contaminated bulbs with isopropyl alcohol before install.
Check both filaments on 1157 bulbs	The 1157 has two separate filaments (tail and brake). If one filament fails, the other may still work. Always verify both functions after replacement.
Inspect socket contacts	Corroded or bent socket contacts are a leading cause of false "bad bulb" diagnoses. Clean contacts before condemning a bulb.
Replace in pairs for turn signals	If one turn signal bulb fails, the other is likely near end of life. Replace both front or both rear together for consistent brightness.
Use dielectric grease	Apply to all electrical connections before reassembly, especially on the Breakout where the rear harness is exposed to road spray.

LED Upgrade Considerations

Consideration	Detail
Hyperflash with LED turn signals	LED bulbs draw less current, causing the standard flasher to "think" a bulb is out. Fix: Install an LED-compatible flasher relay (HD P/N 69087-96A) or add load-equalizer resistors.
Headlight LED polarity	H4 LED bulbs are polarity-sensitive. If the bulb doesn't light, flip the connector 180 degrees and try again.
Color temperature matching	Mixing 4300K halogen with 6000K LED on the same bike creates an uneven, mismatched look. Match all positions if going full LED.
DOT compliance	Ensure any LED upgrade bulbs meet DOT/FMVSS 108 standards for road-legal use.
Headlight beam pattern	LED H4 bulbs may produce a different beam pattern than halogen. Always re-align after LED headlight conversion and verify cutoff sharpness on a wall.

Wiring & Electrical Safety

Tip	Detail
Disconnect battery for headlight work	The Breakout's headlight wiring can short if metal tools bridge the connector against the headlight shell. Disconnect the battery negative terminal before removing the headlight housing.
Check ground connections	The Breakout tail light grounds to the chassis through a dedicated ground wire. A corroded ground point will cause dim or intermittent tail/brake light. Clean ground points (typically located under the seat or on the frame near the rear fender).
Verify M8 117 charging system	The Milwaukee-Eight 117 has a robust alternator (approximately 40A output). Even with full LED upgrades, the electrical system has ample capacity — no regulator upgrades needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence	Prevention
Touching halogen bulb glass with bare hands	Premature bulb failure from hot spot formation	Always use clean cotton or nitrile gloves when handling halogen bulbs
Forcing the bayonet bulb mount	Broken socket, bent contacts	Align offset pins correctly; push-in and rotate gently — never force
Over-tightening bezel ring screws	Cracked headlight lens, stripped threads	Tighten to 15-20 in-lbs maximum — finger snug with light wrench follow-up
Ignoring hyperflash after LED upgrade	Annoying rapid flash, potential inspection failure	Install LED-compatible flasher relay or load equalizers
Not cleaning socket contacts before install	Intermittent operation, premature "bulb" failure	Inspect and clean socket contacts with contact cleaner before every replacement
Installing 1157 in wrong orientation	One filament works, the other doesn't	1157 bulbs have offset pins — if only one function works, re-seat the bulb at 90° rotation
Skipping headlight alignment after bulb change	Reduced visibility or blinding oncoming riders	Always re-align the headlight beam at 25 feet on level ground
Reusing cracked or weathered rubber grommets	Water intrusion, bulb and socket corrosion	Replace rubber seals and grommets if they show any cracking, brittleness, or deformation
Not checking brake light with both front and rear brakes	One brake may not activate the light	Test with both front lever and rear pedal after every tail/brake bulb replacement
Leaving tools in headlight shell	Damage to reflector, short circuit when powered	Count your tools before and after; use compressed air to check for debris

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 Harley-Davidson Breakout (FXBRS) continues the Softail platform with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine and retains the traditional halogen bulb lighting system. Confirm the following against your owner's manual or a Harley-Davidson dealer:

Item	Specification	Notes
Headlight	H4 12V halogen, dual-beam, 60/55W	Universal H4 bulb — HD part 68168-08 or any automotive H4
Front turn signals	1157NA amber, dual contact bayonet	Replace individual bulbs — amber lens with amber bulb
Rear turn signals	1157NA amber, dual contact bayonet	Cross-compatible with 3157NA
Tail / brake light	1157 dual-filament, 29/8.3W	Single bulb controls both running and brake functions
Running lights	Low filament of 1157	Same bulb that serves as tail/brake
License plate light	No separate bulb — license plate illuminator integrated with tail light housing	N/A
Electrical system	12V, ~40A alternator	Ample capacity for LED upgrades with appropriate flasher relay
Bulb availability	Universal automotive standard	Widely available at auto parts stores, no dealership visit required

Because the Breakout uses standard, universally available halogen bulbs, it is highly recommended to carry a spare H4 bulb and a spare 1157/1157NA bulb in your riding toolkit. These bulbs cost just a few dollars each and can save a stranded ride.

Note on LED upgrades: While the Breakout ships with halogen bulbs, many owners upgrade to LED. The Breakout's wiring platform fully supports LED conversion with the proper LED-compatible flasher relay (HD P/N 69087-96A) and quality LED bulbs designed for motorcycle use. Full LED conversion reduces electrical draw, extends component lifespan, and improves nighttime visibility.

To verify all specifications, check your 2026 Breakout owner's manual included with the motorcycle, or access it through the Harley-Davidson mobile app.

This guide was prepared using Harley-Davidson OEM specifications and the known traditional halogen bulb architecture of the Breakout (FXBRS) Softail platform. The Breakout is one of the most owner-friendly motorcycles for lighting maintenance, using universal automotive-standard bulbs that are inexpensive and widely available. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.