Motorcycle turnsignal wiring help

[MBurke]

I have a custom motorcycle built on a West Coast Choppers frame, that I am trying to hook turn signals to. I have it all set up except I cannot get them to flash. I have tried different flashers, even ones from other motorcycles, and have had no luck. However, if I hook the horn up in line with the signals, they work. Which tells me that the signals don't draw enough current to operate the flasher. What can I do????

 

[Shovelhead]

Are you using LED lights?

If so manufacturers, Badlands is one, sells a module that fools the flasher. LEDs might not draw enough load for the flashers to work.

Hope this helps.

WCC frame HUH... ... ... . now I'm jealous.



Give us pics when it's done.

 

[MBurke]

led's

No, they aren't LED, but they are very small bulbs... . probably not much draw. I will post some pics when I am done.

 

[TowPro]

Re: led's

I got the smallest lockhart's I could find on my Enduro Bike. Real small bulbs, like a side marker size bulb. I just bought a 2 terminal flasher, then sent the positive through the flasher, to the switch, then to the bulbs. Works great.



Are you hooked up to both turn signals when you are testing? I don't think just one will make it flash, in fact I keep blowing one behind the exhaust on my bike, when that bulb goes out the lights will not flash with the load of just one bulb.

Originally posted by MBurke

No, they aren't LED, but they are very small bulbs... . probably not much draw. I will post some pics when I am done.

 

[MBurke]

both lights

Yes, I have all 4 hooked up, but the bulbs are tiny... 2 flashing per side is not enough draw..... What can I do?

 

[Tim1]

flashers

May not be feasable in your case bud, but i have a push button on both handle bars and i am the flasher! Tim

 

[Champane Flight]

Check for

Check for a good ground on your turn signal curcuit. They should be grounded to the base of turn signal housing to the frame. Go with a very low amp flasher.

 

[Eric Kahn]

get one of the 2 prong electronic flashers they sell in truckstops

it does not care about the load, will flash with no bulbs in the circuit

they cost about $14. 00

 

[gitchesum]

What a timely thread. I've ben considering installing turn signals on the Harley. These people around here can't drive as it is, much less when they have some sort of warning.

I've considered hand signals but my guess is that Miffy in the SUV has no clue what the hand signals stand for. Heck most guys don't know what they mean.



Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Shovelhead]

Curtis,

I've only found one hand signal that the "Cagers" seem to recognize.