How the Turn Signal circuits work in a motorcycle

In this video I demonstrate how the turn signals (Indicators/Flashers) work in a motorcycle by building the rear circuit using a pair of indicators, the left handle bar switch unit, a 12V batter, an indicator relay and some wire.
I also explain the two basic differences between electronic indicator relays and mechanical relays which use a bimetallic strip.

[@fix32231]

Its just best video i ever seen on youtube! Good health to you my friend and thanks for the video! I have a Harley, there is one button to turn it on and off, I hope it works...

[@Thebombonlyone]

Thank you so much! The other vidoes even the popular ones have too many wires and buttons everywhere. You make it so simple and easy to understand piece by piece! Thank you!

[@Cosmitzian]

Absolutely phenomenal video. Thank you. I was getting really confused setting up my lights for my electric motorcycle which came 'off road spec'.

[@daveco1270]

Very helpful, thanks. I have an old bike with no signals. I'm thinking about putting some on it.

[@qaisarawan93]

Awesome I was waiting for this

[@edgars.brokans]

Thanks a lot, that is what I needed. That’s could help me searching the problem - sometimes one side blinkers doesn’t work. It’s seems to me, it’s switch fault.

[@andresjimenezful]

Great explanation, thanks.

[@livanolimanolania4340]

very informative thanks!

[@sergiuadrianspulber2636]

Very nice. Thanks

[@xjankisx]

good video :)

[@woodyamsterdam]

Forgive me my noob question but I have to replace a damaged indicator. (2 wires) If I mistakenly connect them the wrong way, can that cause a short or will it just not function? The bike is a 33 years old Suzuki. Thanks!

[@MISSION315]

Excellent thanks

[@jonathancannon5564]

Loved the video, but I have a honda nighthawk with running lights that work but I'm not getting any power to my rear lights, is my switch bad?

[@fulesmackofule]

Very useful! That quick flashing of the blinkers when the bulb is out is because of what? Load? Additional logic in relay? I want to order a relay for my 2002 Suzuki SV650. One of them is this orange one that you use with two poles, while the other one is 7-pole version (as the original). What difference it might have? Also, do I need two relays for the front and back blinkers, or only one manages everything? Also :), I am looking for an audible feedback of the blinkers as a reminder, so I would know that they should be turned off. I was thinking of adding a speaker to the circuit, but not sure. Any idea? Thanks!

[@fulesmackofule]

I found the schematics of the 7-pole relay. I assume that it has more poles due to more functions to serve, e.g. side-stand and additional circuit segment (maybe separately handled blinker pairs?). i.redd.it/n0j695bs9ze51.jpg

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

I'm not sure why exactly it blinks faster but current probably passes through front and rear indicator. Once one indicator fails, current runs through only second indicator only so the charge builds up quicker on just one indicator (flashes quicker) compared to when it has to build up in two working indicators.

[@miguelhedley5583]

I changed my bandits indicators to the ones in this thumb nail funnily enough...changed the flasher unit... everything was fine. 1 month later I come back to a dead battery...that I had to trickle charge.... and now both my right side indicators don't work nor are the flashing on my dash.... any ideas?

[@tplayer53]

Great video. Would you happen to know what would cause my front to turn signals on my motorcycle to flash simultaneously. For example if I want to hit the left turn signalthe right signal will also flash but much dimmer than the left. If I turn the right signal on the right signal the left will also flash but again much dimmer. These are factory dual filament bulbs no LEDs. The rear turn also factor bulbs function properly. And by the way I just bought two new bulbs for the front but the problem still exists Thanks again

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

I'd start by opening up the turn signal switch. There may be a short of some kind between the two signal circuits there. Otherwise some wires leading from switch may have frayed and are shorting off each other slightly (i.e. bare wires touching). Only other alternative is someone has fiddled with circuits and installed them incorrectly.

[@JorgeOswaldoMoraGutierre-gh1nq]

is this the flasher with the L & B pin?

[@thepracticalman5905]

Good video...Q...what do i do if i only have a single wire coming from the indicators. Do the indicators have to be grounded somewhere?

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

Yeah the one wire is probably positive and the indicator housing is probably grounded to frame/battery through handle bars

[@matthewnorton4529]

So if your switch goes bad that can cause no signals are headlights because my fuses are good but no head lights are turn signals

[@jackhackett5914]

Thanks a million. Can you please advise why my indicators failed on my CD200. Flasher unit tested, I have checked earth's.

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

Could be a fuse blown or the gear indicator switch could have dirt/corrosion causing it to malfunction.

[@ari1234.]

What the 2 short wires on the switch for

[@milmex317th]

Nautral switch . Look for the small green light. Clutch lever is pull in

[@melsoda]

Do motorcycle turn signals switch off automatically as you turn like is the case with cars ? Anyone knows ?

[@TheMotorcycleMuse]

No they don't in older motorcycles. It's manual on and off. Maybe some newer motorcycles have auto turn off tech though

[@melsoda]

@@TheMotorcycleMuse Thanks!