How To Get LED Turn Signals Working On Your Vintage Motorcycle

[@jayshaw63]

Thanks. I'm going to need to watch this again . . . . slowly. ; - ) For the life of me, I could not get the LEDs to work right. But then I realized that it's the LIGHT BLUE wire that's connected to the turn indicator, not the DARK BLUE wire. All is well now.

[@tommylud4324]

You guys are now a staple in the credit to my level of knowledge

[@Common-motor]

Proud to hear it.

[@telcobilly]

Great video! Just went through all of this on my '22 XR150L Electrically very similar to the classic Hondas. I wired in a new tail with LED signals that worked, but hyper flashed. I fixed that with a LED spec flasher. When I wired in the front LED signals, I got all 4 blinkers coming on together. The quick fix was to pull the incandescent dash indicator bulb and everything worked great. I put a LED T10 indicator bulb in it's place, but it only works when signalling right. I now have some diodes coming and a schematic, so soon everything will be 100% instead of 90%. I actually converted all of the AC current going to the head and tail light to DC so my bike is 100% LED, including the parking light and dash lights. I have a power tap under the headlight shell to wire accessories such as a USB charger and volt meter. Going to be adding mini LED spotlights soon. The 3 way switch is in place.

[@robertdivizio3489]

Interesting update. These old bikes need as much battery power as possible to run really well. Changing lights to LEDs is a great idea. Thanks!

[@Common-motor]

Sure thing! Hit us up for support on our website www.common-motor.com if you need any help along the way.

[@DeadbatteryVT1300]

Just found this ! thank you for getting to the point and doing this on the bench, It makes things much clearer ! When people do it on the bike you dont get a good view and its messy. This is simple and clean.

[@DANIELSPEER1978]

I am so glad I ran across your KZbin Channel... the solid light on the flashers was my main issue!

[@thomasbonner6043]

Thanks a ton man, just did a conversion on my Vulcan and couldn't figure out why the indicator wouldnt turn on. This makes sense.

[@winstonpage4499]

Great video! Converted a 72 350f 2 years ago. Could've used this info then! Keep them coming!

[@Common-motor]

Will do!

[@TheCastleKeeper]

You don't need to use a diodes or resistors to do the conversion. All you need is a CF15 LED non-polarity flasher. It is a three prong flasher, while most Flashers for vintage bikes are two prong. The third prong goes to ground. The CF12, CF13, and CF14 will still have problems. You have to get a CF15. I got one off Amazon for $11 and my 83 Suzuki GR650 was up and running using cheap Amber 1156 LEDs I got off Amazon in a four pack for $10. Total conversion cost was $21. I also converted my instrument panel for $8 for a pack of ten 194 LED bulbs. Then added an LED headlight. I got and LED rear/break 1157 years ago when they first came out, back when they were expensive. It's still kind of dim, as it also doubles as a license plate light, so you have to use a white one in a red on top, white underneath cover. I've been searching for a dual LED (Red Beam/White on bottom) for it, but haven't found one.

[@tomastourikis5423]

I'm going to try your relay suggestion. I'm trying to get a 2001 Honda Rebel LED Flasher System working.

[@elijahjohnston3172]

Thank you dude i have a dope gs750e thats gonna be a stunner once i get it finished

[@jessicagabel8033]

Yo! So you just swap the relay and run a new wire from relay to a good ground? Then the LED blinkers will wire up with the existing wires?

[@MarkJames61]

Top notch! Would be good, after your great explanation, to show where all the parts sit on a real bike, for orientation (even if they differ from model to model).

[@Common-motor]

Noted.

[@tinyvids7247]

I second this. I’m having a hard time finding the correct routing on my bike

[@roberthanks1020]

Thanks your explanation made sense immediately, it's really nice not to be "hyper explained" to.

[@C_MacC23]

I already had driving lights and turn signals installed, but I added a new LED light bar that includes both driving lights and turn signals/running lights, along with an optional headlight. I can hook up either the turn signal or the running light in the front, but not both at the same time. The LED light has 3 wires coming out of it. I've read I have to choose one or the other. I have stock lights in the rear. All lights work fine. They do flash a little fast but I am ok with it. When the turn signals are hooked up they flash as they should not affecting the other side. 03 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600.

[@sandy20654]

Thanks for your video. I have an LED flasher unit on my bike and am ready to install new LED indicators. Question: Do I still need to wire in a resistor/diode or will the indicators work ok due to the LED flasher unit? Many thanks.

[@Christian6.1803]

I thought I knew my shit on turn signals. But that reverse indicator stuff was news. Thanks B!

[@Common-motor]

Anytime.

[@sailorcto]

Nice video. Could you add a wiring diagram?

[@SuperFrankie2010]

Draw a diagram will make it so much easier 🤤

[@thomaspencak5811]

Without a wiring diagram for both types, this is a useless video.

[@_topikk_]

At least arrange the wires in such a way that we can see where everything is running! I appreciate the thought, but this rat's nest and off-the-cuff explanation didn't teach me anything.

[@kashtoncory5942]

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[@armanijamal9712]

@Kashton Cory Instablaster ;)

[@kashtoncory5942]

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[@taironmartins2783]

Man I need to buy you a beer for this one. Thank you!

[@WontSeeReplies]

Now I understand how my wife feels when I try to explain seemingly common sense matters in seemingly common sense explanations. One failure to grasp a concept and the entire explanation goes out the door.

[@DrBoss302]

Once again Brenden, an excellent video that is concise and well explained. Kudos from WI.

[@Common-motor]

Thanks! We've got a lot more where that came from.

[@noahzark7975]

Hey there. Great video but I was wondering if you would do a video on wiring up a 6V system on a vintage dirt bike, start to finish? I live in a state where anything below 300cc can be registered if it meets the safety requirements. I have an 84 KDX 200 and I’m dying to get some lights on it. Please let me know. Subscribed!

[@logmeindangit]

I have the same issue, and just posted a question about 6-volt systems. I haven't dug in deeply yet, but want the bike to fully function, esp. If asked by police to prove it. It's an 80cc bike, and looks too small to be a street bike. It will do 40 easily, though, so is great for roads posted at 40 or less. Perfect for taking camping as a get around gizmo.

[@jameshines2686]

I think I may save your video I have a old 2000 honda rebel 250 I got a few years ago, would love to convert to led. It definitely needs alot of work. Fixing to replace my stator.

[@Dongunawardena]

Can you have a regular bulb for the indicator light and all the flashers LED? I am converting mine but I have trouble finding an led bulb for the indicator.

[@mordechailevinson8646]

Thank you for posting this ....very clear & informative...you've got some skills....

[@EklipzHorizn]

I've got a 91 Honda NT650. I hooked everything up properly according to the diagram. My running lights are on in the front but no blinkers on all four corners. Although the running lights indicate when the blinker should be on. Once in a while, though, I'll get a quick blinker but it shuts off after a couple times.

[@totalrod2]

Can you use an led bulb for the indicator lamp? Or does it mess up the circuit? Sorry, I'm not very savvy with this type of stuff.

[@laurentiutanase410]

Hi ! Please ! What type of diode and what value did you use ? And if on my motorbike i have 4 bulbs of 5w do i need to change the relay ? . If i will change all the bulbs with an led bulbs should be working without any problem

[@jeffreywilde203]

This video has SO much info in it that by the time he gets to installing an LED, you are dazed and confused.

[@elshayl1565]

this is very clear but what about trying double led signal switch does it flash normally or stuck

[@danielgiezgaa3532]

Two diodes do the job. One per circuit (left and right flashers). Ground wire to the indicator required. Thank you for solution

[@AaronRiegel]

I still don't quite understand how that works. But I'm going to order a diode and hopefully I can figure out how to hook it up correctly. Do you need to install one for the rear flashers as well?

[@rongeernaert1208]

I go to use this on my Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans 2 1980 thanks for this good diode lesson !

[@DM-dv5jx]

Woah, thanks for the simple explanation.

[@joep6423]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you

[@josephpotterf9459]

If this didn't help enough go to ( How to fix motorcycle flashers all going off at once.) @ Classic Octane It shows where to go on the Honda harness.

[@jeffbluejets2626]

As others have commented, show the actual circuit diagram as per modification....Thanks.

[@carlkennedy2499]

Hi good video. 👍 i have all my leds flashing at the same time wot would i need to do to sort them. As they were working. Till one day i turned my ignition on and it were all flashing 😮

[@natehunt1795]

Hey how can I get ahold of you I have a Honda xl600 1986 and I have converted it all to led the headlight and taillight and blinkers also the blinker light everything is led and my blinkers all work but I have a few issues

[@jsprite123]

Nice video on the turn signals to LED. But what is the best way to upgrade the lame light thrown by the main headlight? Can it be upgraded to LED?

[@patrickmcgladdery6910]

I hope you can help me...1994 harley FLSTC...installed kuryaken run/brake/turn LED's on the back...4 wires out of the light ... installed the same on the front 4 wires out also ...didn't want brake lites on the front obviously...lol...so hooked them up less the brake function wire..also installed a BADLANDS LE-03 unit...every thing is working fine except when either signal lite is activated the opposite side, front and rear , running lite flashes just slightly...its useable but very annoying... the bike also has stock individual turn signal indicators , one for either side , not LED's , which work as they should

[@OfCourseYouCan]

Great tutorial. Thanks! Can you provide the part number for the blue relay you used please? And does the diode come with LED bulbs typically? My set didn't have that. Thanks!

[@swordfish1120]

Good vid. I was able to install front and rear LED turn signal lights and LED brake light on my 88 Honda NT650. Have you replaced your instrument cluster bulbs with LED's? I was told the reason my signal indicator does not work is because it's a regular style bulb and needs to be an LED. My oil light still works so I didn't know if this info is correct. Any thoughts?

[@cb400fhonda6]

Brendon Another cool vlog

[@cylekeltner1261]

The best video ever. Dam you guys are awesome!

[@christopherwebb-lo4fg]

You got be talking about bikes going back to what year productions? As the bikes ive retro fitted like 03 to 2020 are a simple bulb & relay swap to work led sweet.

[@dylankemper]

Very helpful video, thank you! If i don't have a turn signal indicator gague on my bike, would I route the single end of the diode to ground?

[@romeparrilla8307]

nice video.i was wondering if you know a place where i could buy a 6 volt 3 prong flasher relay for my 1978 yamaha dt100 thank you so much

[@chrish236]

I tried to get this to work with a 2 indicator bulb setup on my 500T and couldn't get it to work. I put incandescent indicator bulbs back in and the LED turn signals work fine.

[@joshbliss17]

What diode do I need to buy??

[@ballerblocks]

Again this video proves my theory that l.e.d.s are not as bright as normal bulbs, I had them on my bike and converted to old school yellows.

[@logmeindangit]

I have a little 6-volt motorcycle, a 1985 Honda XL80S , and the incandescent signal bulbs never get enough current to light up or flash. (Could it be a bad flasher? Not sure.) So, I would like to convert them to LED, BUT don't know if I can get LED bulbs, flasher and indicator diode doo-dad that would work with a 6-volt system. Your, or your viewers' advice, would be appreciated.

[@dietriho]

In order to get my issues with the battery discharging on my CB 550 K3 solved (new rec-reg is ordered already) I came to the idea to support my whole electric system by replacing bulb lights by LEDs. Too bad that it is hard to get such LED components or even kit in Europe due to all this regulations. BTW I noticed that even the ignition rebuilt on base of Dynatek (coils cables and switches) consumes more electricity bc due to lower resistance of the coils. (Do you guys have such thing also experienced after rebuilt the ignition system ?)

[@izoyt]

can you please elaborate this problem with eu regulations, i'm interested in restoring some old honda (and vespa, too). homologation problems or something else?

[@Goldenfightinglink]

Very informative, thank you

[@mojesus680]

Does rear running lights stay on like front or only when blinkers on front stay on and Blink🤺

[@blooperbooper]

Great explanation - thanks!

[@OSOFLHP]

Do need to change to silicon blinker fluid, or can I continue to use the standard stuff?

[@hfxfirefighter]

I have an old Triumph. I was wondering if you can get positive grounded LED's?

[@suzanne-naomi]

So where goes the one wire from the turn signal indicator in the led setup? Does it share the wire from the diode with the wire from the left or right indicator?

[@MichaelDeRoy75]

Hello. I did this conversion. I used an electronic blinker relay with an adjustable screw for the blink rate. I replaced the bulbs with LED lights front and rear. Added the Wye-Diode kit everything works fine up to there for blinking only. The rear flashing blinkers were single filament bulbs and front blinkers were dual filament bulbs (turning and night marker). I bought the proper single and double contact LED bulbs for rear and front. Everything works fine for blinking when my headlight and marker light are off, but has soon as I turn them ON, the blinking is really slow or not at all. What do I do wrong? Do I need some other diodes is the circuit for the marker lights too?

[@Dirtdart458]

First watch great video, subscribing 👍

[@mattoska]

Why didn't you need any resistors ? I'm having this same issue on my cb750c

[@adjbob56]

If the 4 flash at once problem is caused by single dash indicator light - and does not happen with the 2 dash indicator light models - can I just convert the vintage single dash indicator to a pair of them rather than the diodes to stock dash indicator bulb?

[@samoboRRac]

great explanation, great video! ..who needs additional wiring diagram let him go to plant potatoes :)

[@techspecagent0875]

Great video, but the problem I am having is everything has been converted to LED (headlight, taillight, and turn signals along with your led compatible flasher relay) and when I flip the switch for the headlight, it comes on, but the turn signals no longer work? Everything appears to be hooked up correctly?

[@KamieNJim]

TechSpecAgent08 I have the same problem. Did you find a fix?

[@techspecagent0875]

@@KamieNJim nope not yet

[@Common-motor]

Hmm thats a strange issue. Reach out to the tech support phone line on our website and we should be able to get you figured out.

[@techspecagent0875]

@@Common-motor thanks I'm stumped, I'll give them a call

[@TicoM0la]

Question for the boss... On My honda cb 750 k6, the turn lights are on all the time(dimmer than when blinking) and they blink when selected, how do i change that default condition to be off when not selected??

[@dz1sfb]

Is it required to switch out the indicator builb to LED when doing the turn signal bulbs to LED?

[@brucegillies1694]

I like the original equipment better it seems brighter ! 9:05 9:05 9:05

[@MarilynHenry-hf5wu]

How is the BUZZER affected by the LED upgrade?

[@KT-fi7tm]

My flashers stay constant even if i reversed the flasher relay. Any advice to help ?

[@amirsafayan]

Any idea what would cause the turn signal indicator ( on the gauges ) for BOTH sides to be on when the key is in the ON position and/or the bike is running? Also - when I do engage the turn signal switch - the indicator ( in the gauges ) turns OFF! That is the case whether I turn the switch to the L or the R. Lastly, all 4 turn signals lights themselves work properly.

[@tinyvids7247]

I’m trying really hard to follow along. I just can’t quite figure it out. Too many colored wires ! I have all the LED’s in, and the new blinker relay. But how I plug the Diod into the system is beyond me ... someone help, please.

[@KamieNJim]

TinyVids Same problem here. I need actual wire colors, not a mock-up

[@mariosnavas]

Hello, could you tell me your opinion? Cbr125 2007 had led flash and i changed to new led. 3 wires 1 black 1 green wire that lights the yellow light rolling and 1 red wire that lights blue stable. I connect negative to black and positive to red and green. However i changed connection every side of the switch light both sides. Do you think the relay is burned or needs to be changed? Thank you.

[@philroc7]

Question, on my 1974 norton commando, I had installed 4 led bulbs and when I put on the turn signal all 4 bulbs start to flashing, also i already have an electronic flasher in the circuit...any thoughts?

[@MotoMango]

Thanks for the insight!

[@cubtango]

I changed my signals to LED and didn't know about the diode. When I turn my switch in either direction, all my signals blink simultaneously! Crazy! Will a diode fix this??

[@Hypnojace]

My problem has been the indicator flashing with one direction and not flashing for the other, would the secondary diode fix this problem?

[@steveboz5641]

What about the old 6v system? Cg125 ‘80

[@andrewrodriguez9742]

Through which connector does the relay reach the battery? I just started building a cb 750k 1979 and the lights dont wprk so i plan on rebuilding the harness

[@hackee11]

Hi do u have i dea how to diy a diode for LED?

[@daveradian]

Would you need 2 diodes and 2 electronic relays for 4 signals or wire them together ?

[@Common-motor]

The diodes are only to allow the LED indicators to function properly by taking either direction circuit on these old hondas and changing it to a single direction circuit. As for the relay I'm not sure I understand your issue. Your bike will only ever need 1 turn signal relay. All turn signals should always on the same circuit.

[@daveradian]

Common Motor Collective thank you brother!

[@thejezta]

Help I need to do this on a 2002 600s bandit

[@JohnSmith-vb6jx]

Am I going to have to go through this monkey motion to supplement my factory lights with high vis LEDs on my 2001 gilroy scout? Please tell me it is just plug and play with no replacing flashers and adding diodes...please...

[@codecixteen]

I'm in a situation with this where with or without the diode mod, I can't get the rear turn signals to activate. Any suggestions? Working on a 500T

[@Common-motor]

Schedule a tech support call with us over on our contact us page at common-motor.com. We can help you figure out what’s going on there!

[@jaapmax]

hi, i have a ducati xdiavel and there are ledlights doing fine and blink in same patron. no i have bought ledstrips(small strip with 6 ledlights on it and it flashes not in a good tempo, it goes normal blink blink and then 3 times very fast and then again 2 times normal. so something is not good, i used very thin wire with connectors, can that be the problem or what can i do to flashing in a good tempo?

[@jimglatfelter5697]

2017 xr650l...Ok..led light switch over. Put led bulb in indicator socket also. Led flasher installed. Turn on...right side works great with dash indicator light flashing correctly. Turn Rt side off and turn Left side on...left side blinks appropriately BUT THE DASH Indicator LIGHT DOES NOT WORK but the left turn signal works fine. Tried a diode kit and it did not work. Im stumped

[@chadhanebrink8009]

Would a bad flasher relay cause one side to flash normally and the other side to only flash a couple of LED’s? I’m using 40 LED tower types.

[@Common-motor]

I'd recommend going to our support and scheduling a tech call. Usually the flasher is an all or nothing. We may be able to help you figure it out.

[@kubad9574]

Great work. World be even better with a wiring diagram.

[@Common-motor]

Wiring diagrams are always available on our website : www.common-motor.com/manuals

[@JRW809]

Thanks - will this work with both 12V & 6V ??

[@Common-motor]

12v only, 6v systems are wired different.

[@LegendtubersSubscribeformore]

@@Common-motor have we a seelution for 6v with similar change possible pls brandon thanks a lot and one last question your other video which covers getting more out of ur battery power is not supported with 6v possible pls pls and thank you so much cristal clear explanation

[@garthhahn3406]

I know I'm way late to the party here, but would anyone mind confirming that this would work on a 96 suzuki GS500E? From what I can tell, the wiring diagram appears to be the same as what is being explained here. Thank you in advance to anyone that comments.

[@01dooman]

how does one do this with a bike that has 2 dash indicators ???????

[@ryancole6981]

what about bikes with drl

[@mwtraining4310]

Do I need the diod wire even if I have a after market led flasher relay?

[@Common-motor]

yes! the diode will always be needed because of how Honda set up the turn signal indicator wiring to the gauge.

[@robertfrank5481]

Do you need the diode if you do not have a dashboard indicator light?

[@Common-motor]

Not at all! Diode it just to modify how the stock harness is setup for the indicator to read both sides of the turn signal circuit.

[@jeremycbarnhart2305]

Weird. With the LEDs, there is a VERY slight delay between the main LED lighting and the main indicator!

[@abigail_mcleod]

Hello Sir, i have question. i have 4 aftermarket turnsignals. 2 for rear has 2 wires but for the front only has 1 wire ( black colour) . i am puzzled. maybe you can help me how to connect ? i am trying to install those on my yamaha dragstar . ty in advance

[@Common-motor]

it sounds like you might have turn signals that ground through the body of the turn signal. The OEM honda turn signals do this. Usually, if it has 2 wires and grounds through the body the turn signal will have running lights as well.

[@abigail_mcleod]

@@Common-motor Thank you for your explanation Sir , realy appreciate it. i think i will try using a "washer" with cable for the ground(body). have a nice week .

[@Common-motor]

@@abigail_mcleod glad to help!

[@CajunGreenMan]

most detailed i have seen!

[@Common-motor]

We try :)

[@steven7961]

This video was unfortunately only partially helpful because my bike has two dash indicators, not one. So trying the diode didn't do anything. I got them to flash without being connected to the dash indicators, but they won't work when connected. Clearly with two indicators on the dash, the whole process is different than in the video. Im frustrated because this video is the closest to being helpful, but its for an older bike with a slightly different layout. Do you guys have any videos working on 80s bikes, or just 70s?

[@cb400fhonda6]

Some gr8 info

[@iSh0otGunz]

So what does it mean when you plug in your LED and they don’t flash, they they stay on?

[@ThePaternalPartner]

He explains at the end of the video

[@geoffreyjones2000]

All the people going, oh

[@zach2158]

That's me lol

[@MISTERR0BOT0]

This is a terrific vid I'm going to watch a few times til I have this down. However I have an issue in that on both my cx500 and cb400a both 78s they have running lights, so when both signals are not blinking they light up for visibility this basically adds two more orange and blue wires and I still haven't figures out how to wire this correctly without the signal indicators being on always... Any advice?