Turn Signals Not Flashing

drussell · Dec 8, 2011

I have just finished "dual sporting" my 2011 390 FE. I used factory harnesses, switches and relay but installed LED turn signals and license plate light. Idling in the garage with the headlight on the turn signals barely work. If I rev the engine with the headlight off the turn signals are very bright but kind of flickering rather than blinking. Had another relay at hand, same result.

Does anyone know if this is a low power problem that will magically disappear when I am riding, or have I screwed something up?

wthemechanic · Dec 8, 2011

You need a LED specific flasher/relay. You might be able to put in resistors that have the equivalent resistance of a standard bulb turn signal circuit. LEDs don't use enough energy to make the flasher work properly.

drussell · Dec 8, 2011

That makes sense. Thank you for the quick response. I imagine sourcing a flasher relay with the matching connection would be difficult. Do you know if there is a KTM LED flasher?

lesjive · Dec 8, 2011

I had the same problem a few years ago.
LED's won't work with normal resistance/capacitor style flashers.
As previously mentioned, you can add resistors to make up the difference- most of the companies that offer LED repacement signals have a kit to make things work with their product.

Most automobile (And Motorcycle) 12v flashers are pretty generic, their either 2 pin or 3 pin.
Here's what I did. I yanked my flasher out (2 pin), took it down to my local auto store and scrounged thru all the aftermarket flashers hanging on the wall till I found an electronic 2 pin one that said it whould flash no matter what, load or no load.
Plugged it in, worked fine- Cheap fix, try that first before you spend the bucks on the kit.

RZmike95 · Dec 8, 2011

If you get an electronic flasher relay, it should be good. I got one at an auto parts store. If you have a dash indicator, you may have to install diodes to keep all 4 from flashing at the same time. Its not hard and the diodes are cheap.

zabe45 · Jan 17, 2012

What you can do is buy a Warness from VSM, there harnesses are amazing and easy to install, they call also sell you all the accesseries you will need for your bike. I think the propriators name is Mark, he is a great guy to deal with and prices his products very reasonable. Good luck and post a pic of your bike when your finished!

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Turn Signals Not Flashing

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