How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide · 2026 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) Road Glide. The CVO Road Glide is the premium, limited-production variant of the Road Glide featuring the distinctive shark-nose fixed fairing and comes equipped with a Daymaker LED Headlight as standard from the factory. While the headlight uses a sealed LED assembly, the auxiliary lighting (turn signals, brake, running lights, license plate) uses traditional replaceable bulbs covered in detail below.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Note: The CVO Road Glide comes standard with the Harley-Davidson Daymaker LED Headlight assembly. The headlight is a sealed LED module — there is no replaceable bulb. If the headlight fails, the entire Daymaker unit must be replaced.

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 to 3 out of 5 — standard bulbs are easy; headlight assembly replacement is more involved)
• Estimated Time: 30-90 minutes. Standard bulbs: 30-45 min. Headlight assembly replacement: 60-90 min.
• Best Done: In a well-lit area with the bike on a stand or level surface

Complete Tool List

OEM Part Numbers & Aftermarket Alternatives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Headlight (LED Daymaker Sealed Assembly)

The CVO Road Glide uses the Harley-Davidson Daymaker LED Headlight — a sealed LED module with no internal replaceable bulb. If the headlight fails, the entire assembly must be replaced.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and disconnect the battery negative terminal.

Step 2: Remove the headlight trim ring by unscrewing the T-25 Torx bolts. On the CVO Road Glide, the shark-nose fairing provides a tight fit — take your time removing these. Set bolts and trim ring aside safely.

Step 3: Disconnect the main electrical connector from the rear of the Daymaker assembly.

Step 4: From behind the fairing, locate and remove the mounting bolts/nuts securing the Daymaker headlight to the fairing bracket.

Step 5: Carefully guide the Daymaker assembly forward and out of the fairing opening.

Step 6: Transfer any mounting brackets, spacers, or rubber grommets from the old assembly to the new Daymaker unit.

Step 7: Carefully insert the new Daymaker headlight assembly into the shark-nose fairing from the front. Align the mounting tabs with the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the mounting bolts and nuts from behind. Tighten evenly — do not over-torque.

Step 9: Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks securely.

Step 10: Reconnect the battery negative terminal.

Step 11: Test the headlight: turn ignition on and verify low beam. Switch to high beam and confirm both modes illuminate correctly.

Step 12: Reinstall the headlight trim ring and T-25 bolts. Tighten evenly and snug.

Step 13: Verify beam alignment (see the alignment procedure in the Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Turn the handlebars to provide access to each fork-mounted turn signal.

Step 2: Locate and pull back the rubber access grommet at the rear of each turn signal housing.

Step 3: Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise (quarter-turn) and pull it straight out of the housing.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA amber bulb by pressing it gently into the socket and turning counterclockwise to unlock the bayonet base.

Step 5: Insert the new 1157NA amber bulb. Push in and turn clockwise until it locks.

Step 6: Before reassembly, activate the turn signal with the ignition on to verify proper amber flash.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 8: Reseat the rubber grommet fully to keep moisture out.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals from behind the rear fender.

Step 2: Pull back the rubber access grommet on each turn signal housing.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull it out.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb (press in, turn counterclockwise).

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb (press in, turn clockwise).

Step 6: Test before reassembly.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket and turn clockwise.

Step 8: Fully reseat the rubber grommet.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Locate the tail light housing mounted to the rear fender extension.

Step 2: Remove the T-25 Torx screws (typically two) securing the tail light housing.

Step 3: Gently pull the housing backward to expose the bulb sockets.

Step 4: Identify the tail/brake socket (center position).

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 6: Remove the old 1157 bulb: press in and turn counterclockwise.

Step 7: Install the new 1157 dual-contact bulb: press in and turn clockwise.

Step 8: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 9: Test all functions: - Ignition ON: the dim tail light should glow - Brake applied: the bright brake light should illuminate - Turn signal activated: the bulb should flash on the correct side

Step 10: Reinstall the housing and tighten the T-25 screws.

Front Running Lights (1157)

The CVO Road Glide shares the front running light function with the front turn signals. The 1157 dual-filament bulb handles running light (dim filament, always on with ignition) and turn signal (bright filament, active during turn signal activation).

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light on the rear fender near the license plate bracket.

Step 2: Reach up from behind the fender to locate the wedge-base socket.

Step 3: Pull the socket straight out (wedge base, no twist).

Step 4: Pull the old 194 bulb straight out.

Step 5: Push the new 194 bulb firmly into the socket with proper contact alignment.

Step 6: Reinsert the socket into the housing.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate the auxiliary lamp(s) on the lower fairing supports or engine guard.

Step 2: Remove the rear dust cover by turning counterclockwise.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector.

Step 4: Release the wire retainer and remove the old H11 bulb.

Step 5: Install the new H11 bulb, align the two tabs, and secure with the retainer.

Step 6: Reconnect the wiring and replace the dust cover.

Step 7: Test with ignition on.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Daymaker LED Headlight — Important Notes

• The CVO Daymaker headlight is a sealed LED module. There is no replaceable bulb inside.
• If the headlight fails, replace the entire Daymaker assembly (H-D part 68452-14 or compatible aftermarket unit).
• After replacing the Daymaker, headlight beam alignment is critically important — the LED cutoff must be properly set.
• Aftermarket LED headlight assemblies must be DOT-approved for legal road use.

Headlight Alignment After Daymaker Replacement

1. Park the CVO Road Glide on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall or garage door. Because the shark-nose fairing has a different profile than the batwing, ensure the bike is perfectly level.
2. Measure from the ground to the center of the Daymaker headlight.
3. Draw a horizontal reference line on the wall at the measured height, and a second line 2 inches below.
4. With low beam active, the sharp LED cutoff line of the Daymaker should fall at or below the lower line.
5. Adjust using the Daymaker's adjustment screws on the rear mounting bracket. The LED beam pattern is very precise — small adjustments make a large difference.
6. Verify by having someone check from the bike's position after adjustment.

LED vs. Halogen — Remaining Bulbs (Turn Signals, Tail, Running Lights)

LED Flasher Warning: The CVO platform uses a CAN bus system that monitors turn signal circuit load. If upgrading to LED turn signal bulbs, install load equalizer resistors or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible module (H-D part 68888-05 or equivalent) to prevent hyper-flashing.

Legal Notes

• All lighting must comply with DOT/FMVSS 108 standards for road legality.
• Daymaker replacement assemblies must carry DOT/FMVSS 108 approval.
• Amber turn signal bulbs are required in all states. Verify your state's position on clear bulbs behind amber lenses.
• LED headlight color temperatures above 6000K (blue-tint) may fail vehicle inspection.
• The CVO platform uses CAN bus — use CAN-bus-ready LED turn signal and tail bulbs to avoid dash error codes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 CVO Road Glide features the new Touring frame and revised shark-nose fairing. The following specifications should be verified against your owner's manual:

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

This guide was prepared using Harley-Davidson OEM service manual specifications and established industry bulb cross-references for the CVO Road Glide platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.