It Was in the Barn, Now What?

Question for Fix My Hog I bought a 2013 FLS with 230 miles a month ago. It had been sitting in a barn for two plus years before being traded to a friend of mine for another bike. When I bought the bike, the lights were all working, but I noticed a couple days later that the rear taillight (directional/break light) on the left side was not working. Upon further inspection, I noticed both taillight lenses were melted on the inside, and both reflective cones had brown and black burns on them. I changed the light bulb, and the taillight worked. The next day, the taillight was not working again. I tried another bulb, but no luck. I ordered a new reflective cone and wire from Harley, replaced from the bulb back to the plug-in under the seat. Still the light does not work. All other directions front and back work. What should I do next? Via Email
Fix My Hog Answers First thing that comes to mind when you say “stored in a barn”? Remove your outer fairing. Inspect for possible mouse nesting and wire damage. With the outer fairing removed, you can also use a test light to verify whether or not you have proper voltage on the left side, coming to and from the left side switch. Related Fix My Hog Videos: Fairing R&R Fairing Brackets Inner Fairing R&R Electrical Free Video Download from Our RV Repair Site – How to Keep Mice Out of a Stored Vehicle Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.

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One Response to “It Was in the Barn, Now What?”

  1. George Ziffer

    My 2005 FI Softail Deuce hasn’t been fired up or ridden since the Fall and has half a tank of gas that is close to a year old. Do I fill it with fresh gas and burn that fuel mix or drain the old gas first? I didn’t use stabilizer. Thanks.