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!

Before starting, first make sure that your handlebar grips will fit onto your handlebars because you will be permanently removing your old grips by cutting them off and gluing the new ones onto your handlebars. We sell many types of grips for many different types and models of motorcycles.

Tools Needed:

razor or sharp knife
water
liquid soap
sand paper
clean rags
grip glue
new grips

Step 1: Removal of old grips.

Before removing the old grips, first remove any bar end weights or decorative end caps if applicable. Next, begin removing the old grips by starting with the left grip. You will have to cut the left grip off of the bar. Proceed by slicing the grip lengthwise horizontally from top to bottom with a razor or sharp knife. You may need to do this several time depending on the amount of glue that was used to hold these on. *Please be cautious when doing this and when using a razor or sharp knife so as to not cut yourself. Also be cautious not to scratch your handlebar when cutting. Once the left side grip is removed, proceed to remove the right side grip in the same fashion. *Again use caution so as not to damage or cut into the throttle sleeve which the old grip is fastened onto.

Step 2: Cleaning and preparing the handlebars for the new grips.

Now that both grips have been removed, proceed to clean off any remaining glue and residue from the handlebars by either using soap and water or light sand paper. The handlebars must be absolutely clean to allow for maximum adherence of grip glue. Light sanding also helps in that it roughens the throttle sleeve which allows glue to adhere better. Cover any painted areas of the bike with clean rags in order to protect paint finish in case any glue should drip onto it when attaching the new grips.

Step 3: Installing new grips.

Before applying the grip glue, it is recommended to test fit the grips onto the handlebars in order to ensure that they will fit correctly. This is done by sliding them over the handlebars without glue. Once certain, apply the grip glue to the inside of the grip from top to bottom. *(It is recommended to install one grip at a time.) Next slide the grip in a twisting motion, onto the handlebar for the left side grip or onto the throttle sleeve for the right side grip. Make sure you place the grip onto the desired position before you stop sliding it because it may be difficult to adjust grip placement as glue begins to adhere.

Next apply even pressure to the grip to make sure the glue has adhered all around. Remove any excess glue with a clean rag. Once both grips have been installed, allow glue to set, (adhesive time depends on what type of grip glue you used). Check throttle grip (right side grip), to make sure the throttle grip operates smoothly without any obstruction before starting your engine.

That’s It! Enjoy your new grips!