How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (FLHTK)

Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited FLHTK · 2026 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited FLHTK

This comprehensive guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (FLHTK), including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, front and rear running lights, Tour-Pak tail light, license plate light, and auxiliary lamps. The Ultra Limited is a fully dressed touring model with additional lighting compared to base touring bikes.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 to 2 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes (more positions than base touring models)
• 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 Ultra Limited uses a 7-inch H13 (9008) halogen dual-filament headlight housed in the batwing fairing's Daymaker-style reflector.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and let the headlight cool for at least 10 minutes if the bike has been running.

Step 2: Remove the three T-25 Torx screws securing the headlight trim ring to the batwing fairing. Set screws aside safely.

Step 3: Carefully pull the trim ring forward and set it on a clean cloth.

Step 4: Locate the electrical connector on the back of the H13 bulb. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight off the bulb base.

Step 5: Release the wire retainer clip holding the bulb. Press the retainer inward and slide it sideways to clear the bulb tabs.

Step 6: Gently pull the old H13 bulb straight out by its base. Do not grip the glass barrel.

Step 7: Open the new H13 bulb. Handle by the base or use nitrile gloves. If you accidentally touch the glass, clean with isopropyl alcohol to prevent premature failure.

Step 8: Insert the new bulb into the reflector, aligning the three tabs (one is wider for orientation). Push firmly until fully seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the wire retainer clip. It should snap securely over the bulb tabs.

Step 10: Reconnect the electrical connector firmly until it clicks.

Step 11: Test the headlight: turn ignition ON (low beam), then switch to high beam to verify both filaments work.

Step 12: Reinstall the trim ring and T-25 screws. Tighten evenly.

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

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Turn handlebars to access front turn signals mounted on the lower fork legs.

Step 2: Pull back the rubber access grommet at the rear of the turn signal housing.

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

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb: press in gently and rotate counterclockwise to unlock the bayonet pins.

Step 5: Insert the new 1157NA amber bulb into the socket. Push in and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Before reassembly, activate the turn signal switch to verify amber flash.

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

Step 8: Reseat the rubber grommet fully to prevent moisture intrusion.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access 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 remove it with the bulb.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb: press and turn counterclockwise.

Step 5: Install the new bulb: push in and turn clockwise.

Step 6: Test activation before reassembly.

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

Step 8: Reseat the rubber grommet.

Tour-Pak Top Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

The Ultra Limited's Tour-Pak includes its own top-mounted turn signals that use the same 1157NA amber bulbs.

Step 1: Access the Tour-Pak top light assembly. Open the Tour-Pak lid (if equipped with a passenger backrest, ensure clearance).

Step 2: From inside the Tour-Pak or through the underside access panel, locate the bulb socket for each top turn signal. Remove any covering screw or clip if present.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb and install the new amber 1157NA.

Step 5: Test the Tour-Pak turn signals from the bike's switch controls.

Step 6: Reinsert the socket and turn clockwise to lock.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Locate the main tail light housing behind the Tour-Pak mount, mounted to the rear fender extension.

Step 2: Remove the T-25 Torx screws securing the housing to the fender bracket.

Step 3: Pull the housing gently backward to access 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 and install the new one (push, turn clockwise).

Step 7: Reinsert socket and secure.

Step 8: Test: ignition ON for dim tail, brake applied for bright brake, turn signal for flash.

Step 9: Reinstall tail light housing and tighten T-25 screws.

Tour-Pak Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Access the Tour-Pak tail light assembly from below or inside the Tour-Pak.

Step 2: Remove the retaining screw or clip holding the light lens assembly.

Step 3: Pull the lens/spring assembly out to expose the bulb socket.

Step 4: Remove the 1157 bulb (push and turn counterclockwise).

Step 5: Install the new 1157 bulb (push and turn clockwise).

Step 6: Test from the bike controls — should activate with brake and with rear turn.

Step 7: Reassemble the lens with the spring clips and secure with retaining screws.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

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

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

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

Step 4: Pull the old 194 bulb straight out.

Step 5: Insert the new 194 bulb and push the socket back into the housing.

Step 6: Verify illumination with ignition ON.

Tour-Pak License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Access the Tour-Pak rear plate light from inside or underneath the Tour-Pak.

Step 2: Pull the wedge-base socket straight from its mount.

Step 3: Replace the 194 bulb and reinsert the socket.

Step 4: Test illumination.

Front Running Lights (1157)

The Ultra Limited shares the front running light function with the front turn signal bulb (1157 dual-filament). The dim filament provides running light illumination when the ignition is on.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate auxiliary lamps on the lower engine guard or nacelle.

Step 2: Remove the rear dust cap (turn counterclockwise).

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector.

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

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

Step 6: Reconnect the wiring and replace the dust cap. Test with ignition ON.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

After replacing the headlight, verify beam alignment for safety and legal compliance:

1. Park the Ultra Limited on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall or garage door. Use the kickstand on a level surface or have someone steady the bike upright.
2. Measure from the ground to the center of the headlight.
3. Mark the measured height on the wall with horizontal tape. Mark a second line 2 inches below it.
4. With low beam on, the bright zone cutoff should be at or below the lower line.
5. Loosen the adjustment screws on the headlight housing, aim, and retighten.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Turn Signal Warning: The Ultra Limited's monitoring system detects reduced circuit resistance from LED bulbs and may trigger hyper-flashing. Use load equalizers (included in most LED kits) or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible module.

Legal Notes

• All exterior lighting must comply with DOT/FMVSS 108 standards.
• Tour-Pak turn signals must remain amber. Clear bulbs behind amber lenses may violate state law.
• LED headlights above 6000K (blue tint) may fail vehicle inspection.
• The 2026 Touring platform uses CAN bus architecture — use CAN-bus-ready LED bulbs to avoid error codes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 Ultra Limited received the updated Touring frame. The following should be verified against your owner's manual:

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

Parts for this job

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Stock Style Tail Lamp Replacement Lens Clear$7.02Tail Lamp Lens Plastic Clear Top$10.6412 Volt Bulb$12.02Spring Fork Spotlamp Bulb 12 Volt$12.02Tail Lamp Stock Type Red Plastic Lens$12.80Spring Fork Spotlamp Bulb 6 Volt$12.80Tail Lamp Lens Plastic Red$12.80*UPDATE Tail Lamp Lens Stock Clear$12.94*UPDATE Tail Lamp Plastic Clear Lens$12.94Tail Lamp Lens Red with Blue Dot$17.126 Volt Bulb$19.31Tail Lamp Blue Dot Red Plastic Lens$21.44