Front cylinder spark plug wire damage?

[TheyCallMeSal]

I have a 2016 FLHXS, my buddy has a 2015 FLHXS, and on both of our bikes we've just realized the front spark plug wire is rubbing against the tank or something, and so the wire has a divot in it now on both our bikes. We know another guy with a 2016 FLHXS, and his actually has from the factory some special looking tape wrapped around the wire, right where it is rubbing on our bikes.

Anyone else experience this? To check, run your hand up the front cylinder spark plug wire (while the bike is off/cool!) and you should feel the divot/damage to the wire up by the tank if you have the same problem I have.

Wondering if anyone knows what kind of tape that is Harley is using, or what kind of tape I can use to wrap the spark plug wire and prevent further damage. Or should I just upgrade to the thicker screaming eagle wires and see what happens with those?

 

[SDFLHX]

This is a well known issue, If the wire is not too far gone, simply cut a length of fuel line tubing 6" or so long, slice it down the side, and slip it over the spark plug wire. It will stop the rubbing. If the bike is still under warranty, the dealer should fix it.

Previously discussed:

http://streetglide.com/showthread.php?4313-Check-your-stock-spark-plug-wires

 

[TomA]

Yes this is something all new owners need to know. Had them replace mine and they put some heavy wiring loom over mine where it rubs. Of course they were surprised or acted like it and had never seen it before. This is just like the shift linkage issue they haven't found a cure for yet. Wouldn't trade my bike for anything else but it makes you wonder about the motor company.

 

[Mojo]

I posted this before when I first brought this to our attention. I used Flex Tubing on the front pluig wire, problem fixed.

 

[Jimbo670]

I had a very small wear spot also. I used the same flex tubing.

 

[scharrin]

electrical tape around mine...seemed to work

 

[FJH]

just checked mine, 2014 SG and there was a big divot in the wire but not all the way through, got 11K miles on it. I took a piece of gas line tube and slid it over the wire like this forum recommended. My factory warranty expires next month. Wonder if i should go to my dealer and make them replace it before it expires or just go with the fix I did and wait to see if a recall is ordered.

AGAIN, THANKS TO THIS FORUM for IDing issues like this!!!!!!!!

 

[TheyCallMeSal]

Thanks everyone for chiming in! I swear I searched before posting but I somehow missed the threads mentioned here.

I can't tell you how invaluable this forum has become to me in the maintaining and customizing of my bike.

For posterity, I've attached an image of what my wire looks like. In the pic I'm just pushing the wire in towards my (dirty) front cylinder while kneeling next the the bike. In doing this I was able to get a pretty clear shot of the damage being done to the cable from its rubbing against the tank.

I'm going to head over to PepBoys in a bit to try and get some fuel line tubing and try that fix as well!

 

[Hession]

Same on mine, 16 SGS with about 4K. I used a piece of fuel hose as a temp fix. Appreciate the post and all who chimed in on how to fix