Friend has a softail (approx 06) with a springer front end. He has had an intermittent electrical issue almost since the bike was new. When we were at Bike Week, it came back giving brake lite and turn signal issues. When I looked at the bike, I noticed that there was not a ground strap between the frame and the front end.
This seemed really odd as it appears to me that the front end (headlight and turn signals) would be getting their ground through the neck bearings which I've always thought was a major 'no no'.
Is there a 'hidden' ground somewhere?
One of the risers contains a ground spring which provides an electrical ground for the front turn signals.
The Headlight should have a wired earth that also connects to the headlight bucket.
Correct, neck bearings should not be used to carry current, i.e. run grounds.