ignition switch

[ridemyEVO]

On our 99 sportster 883 that we just picked up there is three  positions on the ignition switch , off on ( acess) and on to start. I find it weird that on the full on to start the headlight comes on and I'm thinking the first on ( acess) should be to start without turning headlight on and then proceed to full on to turn on headlight with bike running. Is this possible to setup this way without some drastic rewiring.
I'm old school and beleive the light should always be off until bike is started.

[14Frisco]

I don't know if your 1999 is the same as my 1993, but if it is, it is an easy modification.  Find your circuit breakers (on mine they are under the seat on the rear fender).  There are two "bridges" that connect the accessory, iginition and lights circuit breakers together.  Remove the bridge that connects the ignition and lights circuit breaker - colored read in the picture below.

Then, you can turn your key to the first position (accessory) without the lights coming on and start your bike, and then turn your key to the second position to turn the lights on.

[ridemyEVO]

Perfect, thanks I'll take a look.

[camel]

On my 90 sporty I removed the bridge at the ignition switch.