I have a '16 RGS and have had 3 rear left and 1 rear right turn signal light bulbs burn. This seems excessive and concerns me that there might be some issues. I'm probably going to take it to the dealership to have it looked at but figured I'd ask before they tell me there is nothing wrong and have not had any reports of problems.

 

I would let the dealer search that short. Sounds like a broken wire in the circuit. In 9 years with four bikes I have only replaced one turn signal bulb. Definitely an issue there.

Good luck

 

My 13 Road King no bulbs but a few times I've had to retention the socket, seems the wire gets crushed.

 

Try this method, put dielectric grease on the contacts of the bulb. Clean the glass of the bulb clean with alcohol and clean paper towel, then install bulb, wipe bulb again with dampened alcohol paper towel. Allow alcohol to evaporate before testing.

 

Never a problem with turn signals. Blew one of the driving lamps the first day I brought my 11 flhtk home. I mean it blew out bad, exploded the glass and bulged the housing. Dealer found it was caused by a damaged wire in the fairing.

 

Are the bulbs the new style with the black plastic base ??? if they are then check the wire that goes from the bottom to the top of the plastic . I have old bikes so I don't know if you have those bulbs or not . Where I work we've had a rash of bulbs braking those wires from vibration

 

I honestly don't remember ever having to change a bulb on any of my HDs. Sounds like a problem somewhere.

 

Loose wire, bad ground something not right

 

Back when I used to play with airplanes, we tracked reliability of the AC (AC=Aircraft) by pilot write-ups . When we noticed excessive usage on Landing Lights or Taxi lights we would take a closer look at the AC. By just slowing down and focusing on things like clamps and mounting a lot of times we could solve the issue. Other things were Mods to the AC from prior owners that then required a different PN bulb/clamp/wiring connector.
So, I would start with the basics.
-Is the rear turn signal mount and bulbs the correct PN. HD Bulb #68163-84 for the FLTRXS.
-Is the Turn Signal mount secure?
-Have any Mods been done to the Mount or license plate that might cause a vibration when riding?
-Have the rear shocks dampening rate been adjusted?
-Is the Tire at the right pressure?
-Has the rear tire/wheel been properly balanced?
Since you noted that this is a 2016, are you still under Warranty. If so I would get the dealer involved. I know that typically bulbs are not covered, but in your case they should have some skin in the game trying to sort this out.
Also, I see you are in FLA. Have you noticed any corrosion in the bulbs contact area.
Like a lot of the other posters, I cannot ever recall changing a turn signal bulb on any of my Bikes.
If you are replacing the bulbs with ones from a local supply house (PEP,Autozone,etc) I would at least try the HD supplied bulbs.


Hope this helps.
Rotor

 

Jim, I had issues same as you described.
Did you do some exhaust/engine work? The added vibration is resonating in your rear fender and taking out the bulbs.
The answer is simple... Replace the filament bulbs with LED bulbs, you will never have another problem.