Turn signal mod

What do you guys think of these for turn signals? Do you think they will be bright enough? I think Ill order some because they are so cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Ch

 

Mmmmmmm.........only if you DON'T want people to see your turn signals when they're on!

 

Small does not usually equate to brilliance. The object of having the signals is to get other people's attention so they know what you are doing and can take the appropriate action (in real life this usually means doing their level best to hit you). I'm all for the addition of lights to the rear end of the bike but not to replace the existing billboards. Update the system to modern signals (I yanked mine off of an FZR, the XT line works nicely too) for a more robust assembly that will bolt right on. But please don't take away from what little you've got in assets to try and clean the bike up, you will be robbing yourself of much needed visibility.
I purchased license plate frames that have turn signal LEDs built in. I use them to augment the existing system. Turned out pretty nice too. $25 isn't too bad but the frame is made out of high-impact plastic, really cheap.
I'll shut up now.

 

I have a pair of those out in the shop somewhere. They won't be bright enough to use as signals. I see alot of riders downsize their sigals to smaller ones or going with blacked out lenses, not thinking about their safety. Atleast go with some kind of light that gets you noticed like an LED that flashes faster or brighter so people notice them. PD

 

WOW..!! Thank You!! I was looking for those! My buddy belongs to a ATV forum and a guy had them as his brake lights... I wanted a set for my bike for when I chop the frame... they will fit right in the tubing flush... thanks.. nice find

 

Thats what I wanted them for but I am a bit concerned about the brightness.

 

Well they're not going to be very bright, but it's the turn signals... not a HUGE problem (you still use hand signals right? 8) ).

Just don't count on anyone seeimg them in the daytime.


This is one of those "barely legal" mods... not really all that safe but not horrible.

 

while on the topic. Anyone have a quick "How-To" on doing this. I plan on swapping mine out soon and thought id ask. I know there are several helpful guides on this forum.

 

I believe it is just a matter of finding a place to mount and attaching the ground and 12v power?

 

that sounds way to simple. im hoping to mount my new ones in the same place as the old ones. any soldering involved? im clumsy.

 

+ wire would probably need soldering. I noticed when I took my front signals off there is only 1 wire. I havent installed the new ones yet, because I havent found any I like (except these).


Things to do.......Awaiting new TCI, handle bar install, new throttle sleeve, new grips, new brake light, new turn signals, RIDE!

 

Were you looking on a "how to" install those small bulbs into the frame? Or a how to swap turn signals?

If you're wondering how to swap the signals it's simply a matter of taking the original wires from the stock signals, snipping them off after the signal and sauldering (or just twisting and heat shrink wrapping - not twisting and electrical tape... not good enough) the power and ground wires to your new signals.

If you order a small signal like the one above with a single wire coming from the back, then that means it's self grounding... so you will have to run your ground wire from the bike to the bolt going through the signal, using a clamp on wire end in order to keep the original wiring. If it has 2 wires just wire it up (it will only work one way, so guess and check is ok.

Also, you will need to change the signal flasher relay... $12.00. And there's a little wiring involved there too.

There's another thread around here that shows the relay you need and the wiring diagram. Hopefully someone can throw up the link for you.

 

it was for swapping out the signals. i picked up a less obtrusive 2-wire set off ebay.
thanks for the info

 

My front turns when removed only have 1 wire?

 

1980-81 XJ650 Maxim models grounded the turn signals thru the frame int he front, and via a separate ground wire attached to the mounting stem stud in the rear......a really poor design.

All other models use a real, true-to-life ground wire coming off of the turn signal bulb socket.

You can use the 2-wire signals on these originally-1-wire bikes, you just need to run that ground wire to the frame somewhere, there's a variety of choices available to you on how to do that.

 

Wow, thanks chacal. What a poor design is right. Now when I replace them Ill have 2 wires grounded to the frame.

Thanks for the quote btw. If anyone hasent used chacal for parts ordering I HIGHLY recommend!

 

Thanks Phil.

 

Found it!

Original thread with wiring and pictures!

Thanks again Scrape

 

Can we make THIS one sticky then? :lol:

 

and don't forget that if you remove the stock gauge cluster turn signal lights and use smaller bulbs in the signals themselves, you'll need to run a resistor in line or they won't flash. (Don't ask how I know...I still need to get the resisitors...sigh)

 

Ok quick question:

I have removed the front turn signals, what should I do with the wires that are remaining? I noticed now the rear will not flash?

 

anyone?

 

Remove the wires or tape them up so they can't short. As for your rears not blinking, it's because you've removed half the required resistance of the circuit. This resistance is what heats up and causes your thermal turn signal flasher to work. You'll either need to add that resistance back in or replace the stock flasher with an electronic version.

 

If you remove the fronts you'll have to switch out the relay.
I taped up the ends and left them in the bucket (marked left and right). But I guess if you're never going to put them back then you could snip them as far back as you want.

 

New relay purchased. Will update.

 

New flasher relay worked.

This forum is awesome!

 

Woo Hoo!

Another indicator success story. 8)


... And I must agree. This forum really is great.