How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR)

Harley-Davidson Road King FLHR · 2026 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Road King FLHR

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR), including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, running lights, and license plate light. The Road King shares the same touring 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 King uses a 7-inch H13 (9008) halogen headlight. The classic nacelle-mounted headlight on the Road King has a traditional chrome-style trim ring that is straightforward to remove.

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

Step 2: Locate the headlight trim ring secured by three T-25 Torx bolts around the outer edge of the trim ring. Using a T-25 Torx driver, remove all three bolts. Set them aside in a small container.

Step 3: Carefully pull the trim ring away from the headlight nacelle and set it on a clean, soft surface to avoid scratching the chrome or painted finish.

Step 4: Disconnect the H13 electrical connector from the back of the headlight bulb by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector straight off.

Step 5: Remove the three-point wire retainer clip that holds the bulb in place. Press the retainer clip inward and slide it sideways to release it from the bulb tabs.

Step 6: Pull the old H13 bulb straight out of the reflector housing by the base — do not grip the glass.

Step 7: Inspect the new H13 bulb for shipping damage. If handling a halogen bulb, wear nitrile gloves or use a clean cloth. Skin oils on the glass create hot spots that shorten bulb life significantly. Clean any accidental contact with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8: Insert the new H13 bulb into the reflector housing. The three tab design includes one wider tab for correct orientation — align carefully. Push the bulb firmly and evenly into the housing until fully seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the wire retainer clip by pressing it inward and sliding it back over the bulb tabs until it snaps into place. The bulb should not wobble.

Step 10: Reconnect the electrical connector fully. Push until you hear or feel it click into place.

Step 11: With the trim ring still removed, turn the ignition on and test both low beam and high beam functions.

Step 12: Position the trim ring back over the headlight and reinstall the three T-25 bolts. Tighten evenly — hand tight plus snug is sufficient. Do not force the bolts.

Step 13: Check and adjust headlight beam alignment (see Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

The Road King front turn signals are mounted low on the fork legs, near the triple tree, in traditional amber bullet-style housings.

Step 1: Turn the handlebars to provide access to each front turn signal.

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

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

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

Step 5: Insert the new 1157NA amber bulb. Push it into the socket and rotate clockwise until the bayonet pins lock into place.

Step 6: Test by activating the turn signal with the ignition on and observing the amber flash.

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

Step 8: Replace the rubber grommet, ensuring it is seated fully to prevent moisture intrusion.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals mounted on the rear fender support rails.

Step 2: Locate the rubber access grommet at the rear of each turn signal housing. Pull it back to expose the socket.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull the socket and bulb assembly out of the housing.

Step 4: Remove the old bulb by pressing it in and turning counterclockwise.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb by pushing into the socket and turning clockwise to lock.

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

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

Step 8: Reinstall the rubber access grommet fully.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

The Road King tail and brake light share a single 1157 dual-filament bulb in the tail light housing.

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

Step 2: Remove the two or three T-25 Torx screws that secure the tail light housing to the fender bracket.

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

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

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it from the housing.

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

Step 7: Install the new 1157 dual-contact bulb. Press into the socket and turn clockwise to lock.

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

Step 9: Test all three functions: - Ignition ON: dim filament (tail light) should glow - Brake applied: bright filament (brake light) should illuminate brightly - Turn signal activated: bulb should flash on the corresponding side

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

Front Running Lights (1157)

The Road King uses 1157 dual-filament bulbs for the front running lights, shared with the front turn signals in a single bulb. The dim filament serves as the running light; the bright filament serves as the turn signal. Verify by checking your owner's manual — some Road King trim configurations may use separate indicator bulbs.

If your Road King has separate running light indicators:

Step 1: Locate the running light housing in the upper nacelle area.

Step 2: Unclip the running light housing or remove the retaining ring using a small flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 4: Replace the 1157 bulb (push in, turn counterclockwise to remove; push in, turn clockwise to install).

Step 5: Reassemble and test with the ignition on.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light on the rear fender, adjacent to or behind the license plate bracket.

Step 2: Reach up from the rear to find the small wedge-based socket.

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

Step 4: Pull the old 194 bulb straight out from the socket.

Step 5: Push the new 194 bulb firmly into the socket, ensuring both contacts are aligned.

Step 6: Reinsert the socket into the housing.

Step 7: Verify illumination: with the ignition on, the license plate should be clearly lit.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate the auxiliary lamp(s) mounted on the lower fork brace or engine guard.

Step 2: Access the rear of the lamp housing and remove the rubber dust cover by turning counterclockwise.

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

Step 4: Press inward on the wire retainer clip and slide it to the side to release the bulb.

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

Step 6: Insert the new H11 bulb, aligning the two-tab base with the housing slots. Press in and reinstall the wire retainer clip.

Step 7: Reconnect the electrical connector and replace the dust cover.

Step 8: Test the auxiliary lamps with the ignition on.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

Proper headlight alignment is essential for safety and legal compliance:

1. Park the Road King upright on level ground, exactly 25 feet from a flat wall or garage door.
2. Measure the vertical distance from the ground to the center of the headlight.
3. Draw a horizontal line on the wall at the measured height. Draw a second line 2 inches below the first line.
4. Turn on the low beam and block the opposing headlight beam if you have two lights active.
5. The cutoff of the bright zone should fall at or below the lower reference line.
6. Adjustment screws are located on the sides and/or rear of the headlight housing. Loosen, adjust, and retighten securely.

The Road King's classic headlight nacle provides good access for beam adjustment compared to faired models.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Flasher Consideration: If upgrading to LED turn signals, the lower current draw can trigger hyper-flashing. Use load equalizer resistors or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible unit (H-D part 68888-05 or equivalent).

Legal Notes

• All lighting must comply with DOT/FMVSS 108 standards for road legality.
• Clear turn signal bulbs behind amber lenses may violate some state laws — verify your local regulations.
• LED headlight bulbs with a blue tint (above 6000K) can result in inspection failure.
• The 2026 Touring platform may use CAN bus electronics. Use CAN-bus-ready LED products to avoid error messages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 Road King received the updated touring frame shared across the Touring lineup. The following specifications should be verified against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2026 Road King 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, OEM parts catalog data, and established bulb cross-references for the FLHR touring platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.

Parts for this job

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