Posted on 30th Jun 2011 @ 1:56 PM

Motorcycle Turn Signals Installation Guide:

Difficulty Rating: easy

Motorcycle turn signals can differ with respect to the type of bulb they use as well as when it comes to wiring. In terms of bulbs, motorcycle indicators can be equipped to use LED’s, dual filament bulbs, or single filament bulbs. All work on a 12volt system and most run on two or three wire electrical systems.

Two wire electrical systems consist of the following:

• Positive (signal light) Wire (+): connects to the thermal flasher.
• Ground Wire (-): connects to the metal frame or any other suitable ground.

Three wire electrical systems consist of the following:

• Positive (signal light) wire (+): connects to the thermal flasher.
• Ground wire (-): connects to the frame or any ground and is usually brown or black in color.
• Running light wire:connects to the running light wire usually near the stop light wire.

Turn signals that have two wires can function either as running lights, stop/brake lights, or as turn signals. Signals that work in a combination are three wire turn signals and use LED’s or dual filament 12volt bulbs. Most two wire turn signals use LED’s or single filament 12volt bulbs.

However, two wire turn signals with single filament bulbs will not work as a combination. (ex- running lights and turn signal lights combined), -unless certain modifications are done to the electrical system using relays, flashers, and diodes.

A combination can also work if you connect the signal to the common of the relay, connect the running light wire to the contact (which is normally closed), and then connect the signal light wire to one side of the coil. The other side of the coil will connect to the ground wire. When connected in this combination, the running lights will be powered, and when you activate the turn signal, the relay will turn out the light.

Although you may have a three wire turn signal system, you can connect both three wire and two wire turn signals as well.

To install two wire turn motorcycle signals, to a three wire system, simply match and connect the positive wire to the flasher. Connect the ground wire to the frame of the bike or anywhere else that can be used as ground. Cover the running light wire with electrical tape to prevent it from coming into contact with any other wires and safely put it away. To connect three wire turn signals to a three wire system, simply match all three turn signal wires with their counterparts located on the motorcycle and attach.

That’s it!