I'm a complete newbie here so go easy on me.

I have a 2003 883

Luckily at a red light a truck driver yelled at me and let me know that my back running lights were out. I checked out the bulb, but the two 'wires' inside the bulb (the ones that heat up) are intact. Could it be a fuse or something? Or maybe i am missing something when looking at the bulb.

 

Maybe I'm mistaken but I don't believe Sporty's have rear running lights except the tail light. Are you talking about your signals or your tail light?

 

Your rear turn signals don't act as running lights, and it's a single filament bulb. They only act as turn signals.

 

I was talking about the tail light. I really hope it does have some sort of running light otherwise I am completely dark in the back.

However the tail light lights up with the brake so I was confused

 

I had an issue with the multi-filament bulbs on mine right after I got it. I had everything but running light, so I took them out and could not see any problem with the filament. I took the bike in and much to my dismay/chagrin the tech replaced the bulbs because the filament was burned out. WTF?!!

Anyhow, I just wanted you to know that I could not see any part of the filament that was damaged, yet somehow it was. I'd try a new bulb for a couple of bucks and go from there.

 

ah yes fillament, thats the word

Its comforting to know that you had this same exact issue. I'll stop by an autozone after work and get a new bulb. Thanks!

 

My turn indicators are also running lights. All it takes is a relay kit.
If yours is like that, check the wiring at change the bulbs just to be sure.