TOPIC:

Hi, I'm in the market for some aftermarket turn indicators and I was looking at some LED ones on ebay. The seller mentions that due to the low power consumption of the LED's that some bikes may experience hyper flashing, or very fast flashing. Has anyone installed LED's and experienced this issue? The seller mentions that you can buy a load resistor kit to solve this problem but I'm wondering if this is necessary? Thoughts?

Yes, that's what LEDs do. Very common problem, very common post...

I've read that some people add resistors, but all you really have to do is replace your old analog flasher unit with a "heavy-duty" or "electronic" version you find at any auto parts store....

Enjoy!

Thanks Biquetoast, I'll look into the flasher unit you mentioned, good tip.

Don't ask for a "heavy duty" flasher, they actually do make a heavy duty thermo one that is made to work with extra added on light, it won't work at all with LEDs. Ask for an "electronic" one, there is a difference.

The Milkman wrote:

Don't ask for a "heavy duty" flasher, they actually do make a heavy duty thermo one that is made to work with extra added on light, it won't work at all with LEDs. Ask for an "electronic" one, there is a difference.

Sorry about that, I didn't know.
Mine said "Heavy-Duty" and "Electronic" on the package.

One thing I meant to ask, is there an issue with LED brake lights. I know their power is constant compared to flashers but thought I would ask anyway.

HerrDeacon wrote:

One thing I meant to ask, is there an issue with LED brake lights. I know their power is constant compared to flashers but thought I would ask anyway.

It depends on whether or not your bike has a brake light indicator on the dash like mine do.

If so, the indicator works by detecting the draw/load/whatever that a normal taillight uses. Since the LED taillight draws so little, the indicator thinks the light is burned out and blinks constantly.

So, you have a few remedies, including removing the indicator, or adding resistance, or replacing the indicator with a relay or something....

I almost accidentally added the perfect amount of resistance by adding a license plate ring with the tail/brake LED strip. I know it invalidates and failed brake light detection, but I just like to know when my brake light is *on*, more than when it's failed...

Enjoy...



Post edited by: Biquetoast, at: 2007/12/08 15:31

Thanks again Biquetoast, I never realized simple LED's could end up being so involved.