How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide (FLTRX)

Harley-Davidson Road Glide FLTRX · 2026 · Light Bulbs

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

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide (FLTRX), including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, front and rear running lights, and license plate light. The Road Glide shares the same platform lighting architecture as other 2026 Touring models.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes depending on positions replaced
• 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 (H13) — Low and High Beam

The 2026 Road Glide uses a 7-inch H13 (9008) halogen headlight bulb in its distinctive shark-nose fixed fairing. The H13 is a dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beam.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and allow the headlight to cool if it has been running.

Step 2: The Road Glide's headlight is housed behind the shark-nose fairing. Access requires removing the headlight retaining ring screws from the front. Using a T-25 Torx driver, remove the screws securing the headlight trim ring. Set the screws aside in a small container.

Step 3: Carefully remove the trim ring and set it face-down on a clean cloth to avoid scratches.

Step 4: You will now see the back of the 7-inch headlight assembly. Disconnect the H13 electrical connector from the bulb base by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off.

Step 5: Remove the wire retainer or three retaining screws holding the bulb into the reflector housing. If equipped with a wire retainer, press inward on the retainer clips and slide the retainer clear of the bulb tabs.

Step 6: Pull the old H13 bulb straight out of the reflector housing. Handle by the base only — never touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers.

Step 7: Remove the new H13 bulb from its packaging and inspect the glass for damage. If handling a halogen, use gloves or a clean cloth to avoid skin oils on the glass. Clean any accidental contact with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8: Insert the new H13 bulb into the reflector housing, aligning the three mounting tabs (note: one tab is wider for correct orientation) with the housing slots. Push firmly until seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the wire retainer or retaining screws. Verify the bulb is secure and does not wobble.

Step 10: Reconnect the electrical connector, pushing until it clicks.

Step 11: Turn the ignition on and test both low beam and high beam before reassembling.

Step 12: Position the headlight trim ring over the headlight and reinstall the T-25 screws. Tighten evenly and snug — do not over-torque.

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

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: The front turn signals are mounted on the lower fork legs. Turn the handlebars to access the inner side of each turn signal.

Step 2: Locate the rubber grommet at the rear of each turn signal housing. Gently pull the grommet back to expose the bulb socket.

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

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb by pressing it gently into the bayonet socket and turning counterclockwise. Pull the bulb out.

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

Step 6: Test the turn signal by activating the switch with the ignition on before reassembling.

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

Step 8: Reposition the rubber grommet to ensure a proper seal against moisture.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals from behind the rear fender. They are mounted on the rear fender support supports.

Step 2: Reach behind the turn signal housing and locate the rubber access grommet. Pull the grommet aside.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull the socket with the bulb straight out.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb: push in gently and turn counterclockwise to unlock from the bayonet contacts.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb: push into the socket and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Activate the turn signal to verify illumination and proper flash rate.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket into the housing and twist clockwise to secure.

Step 8: Reinstall the rubber access grommet to seal against moisture.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

The tail and brake light share a single 1157 dual-filament bulb. The dim filament powers the running tail light; the bright filament activates when the brake is applied.

Step 1: Locate the tail light housing mounted on the tail light bracket behind the Tour-Pak (if equipped) or on the rear fender extension.

Step 2: Remove the tail light housing retaining screws (typically two T-25 Torx screws) from the back of the housing.

Step 3: Carefully pull the tail light housing away from the mounting bracket to access the bulb sockets. Disconnect the wiring harness connector if necessary for full access.

Step 4: Identify the tail/brake bulb socket (usually the center socket in the housing).

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 6: Remove the old 1157 bulb by pushing in and turning counterclockwise.

Step 7: Install the new 1157 bulb: push into the socket and turn clockwise until it locks.

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

Step 9: Test all functions: - Ignition ON: dim tail light should illuminate - Brake lever/pedal applied: bright brake light should activate - Turn signal activated: bulb should flash

Step 10: Reinstall the tail light housing and secure with the T-25 screws.

Front Running Lights (1157)

The front running lights share the 1157 dual-filament bulb with the front turn signals on the Road Glide. The running light uses the dim filament; the turn signal uses the bright filament. This is handled internally by the housing wiring — no separate running light bulbs are required.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light assembly behind the rear fender, near the license plate bracket.

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

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

Step 4: Remove the old 194 bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket.

Step 5: Insert the new 194 bulb into the wedge socket, aligning the two exposed contacts with the terminal slots.

Step 6: Reinsert the socket into the housing.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: The auxiliary lamps on the Road Glide are typically mounted to the lower fairing supports or engine guard braces.

Step 2: Access the rear of each auxiliary lamp housing. Remove the rear dust cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector from the H11 bulb base.

Step 4: Remove the wire retainer clip holding the H11 bulb by pressing inward and sliding clear.

Step 5: Pull the old H11 bulb straight out of the housing.

Step 6: Insert the new H11 bulb, aligning the two tabs with the retainer holes.

Step 7: Reinstall the retainer clip and reconnect the electrical connector.

Step 8: Replace the dust cap and turn the ignition on to test.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

After replacing the headlight, verify beam alignment:

1. Park the Road Glide on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall.
2. Measure the height from the ground to the center of the headlight.
3. Draw a horizontal reference line on the wall at the measured height, then draw a second line 2 inches below it.
4. Turn on the low beam and note where the bright cutoff line falls.
5. The top of the bright zone should be at or slightly below the lower reference line.
6. To adjust: Loosen the adjustment screws (up/down and left/right) on the sides and back of the headlight housing. Adjust and retighten.

Road Glide's shark-nose fairing may provide less access for headlight adjustment than the Street Glide's batwing fairing. Use a small right-angle Torx driver if access is limited.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Flasher Warning: The 2026 Road Glide monitors turn signal circuit load. LED bulbs draw less current and can cause hyper-flashing. Fix with load equalizer resistors (included in most LED kits) or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible module (H-D part 68888-05 or aftermarket LED-compatible flasher).

Legal Notes

• Replacement bulbs must comply with DOT/FMVSS 108 for legal road use.
• Turn signals must emit amber light — clear bulbs behind amber lenses are not legal in all states.
• LED headlight color temperature above 6000K (blue tint) may fail inspection.
• The 2026 Touring platform uses a CAN bus system — verify LED compatibility before installing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 Road Glide features a new frame and revised shark-nose fairing design compared to 2024 and earlier models. The following specifications should be verified against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2026 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 FLTRX touring platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.

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