Turn signal flasher

[bigsid1]

Does anyone know where the turn signal flasher is located on a 08 1600 nomad?

[cactusjack]

I'm at work right now and can't consult my manual, but I believe it's located near the fuses behind the right side cover - near the coolant overflow jug.

[bigsid1]

Thanks CJ. I haven't looked for it yet but i will check there. I ordered a red 1157 led light for the brake/tail light and 2 yellow led lights for the front turn/ running lights. The company i ordered from said i might need an led flasher so i ordered one. These lights are supposed to be way brighter than the regular bulbs.

[Yellow Jacket]

Just so you know, if you replace the stock turn signal flasher you will loose the self cancelling function.

[bigsid1]

Do you think the leds will change the flash rate?

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by bigsid1

Do you think the leds will change the flash rate?

There is a lot less resistance in an LED compared to an incandescent lamp. That resistance has to be present in order for the turn signal flasher to operate properly. That's why when a turn signal lamp burns out the turn signal indicator flashes faster than normal. If it detects the loss of resistance the stock flasher will act as if the turn signal lamps are burned out. This is why they recommended using a special flasher for the LEDs, but using a different flasher will eliminate the self cancelling turn signal function.

[trosco]

Bigsid1: rather than a new flasher you can get ballast resistors for the circuits that you are switching over to LED that are on the flasher unit. The resistior fools the flasher into thinking the incandescent bulb is still being used but they don't effect the brightness of the LED. That way you don't loose the self cancel which is an importatn saftey fieature.

But...... now this is just me and my little old opinion cause I know lot's of people love LED's.... but..... Before you do resistors or spend money on another flasher put your LED bulbs in and let them light up and look them over from straight on and from some angles.
Even if they flash fast you may notice what I noticed? LED's are very directional. In my front and rear turn signals they were maybe a little brighter if I got in exactly the right spot but they were a little disapointing when I wasn't straight on.
I actually switched back to the sylvania hight intensity/long life incandescent bulbs for my running ligths and turnsignals. Again this is just me being the really anal nut that I am so take this as just an opinion!!!

[mercianbike]

You may have to splice in a Load Equalizer for your lights to flash at a normal rate. This is from the Kuryakyn web site:

Quote:

Load Equalizer

These load equalizers work great in custom applications where OEM turn signals have been removed & replaced with low draw L.E.D. or small incandescent turn signals.

End Quote

Here is the link:

http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go...D/114/IMID/718

I believe this Load Equalizer will allow your self-canceling to operate as normal. Unfortunately I can't explain why. But you might want to call the Tech Support at Kuryakyn:

Technical Support: 715.247.2983

[jestephens]

Hey BigSid,
I've only skimmed through these responses, but what I've seen has been correct.

• The blinker is behind the coolant tank on the right side of the bike. - but you don't need to replace it if you plan to use load equalizers[/*:m:emaycbtu]
• You will need 2 load equalizers if you replace all four amber bulbs[/*:m:emaycbtu]

Unless you are determined, like I was, to do this without load equalizers, they are the easiest way to go. I did a full conversion and posted instructions (with pictures) here on KawaNow. This is the link:
http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/v...=11218&start=0

BEST OF LUCK!!

[jestephens]

Originally Posted by trosco

Bigsid1: rather than a new flasher you can get ballast resistors for the circuits that you are switching over to LED that are on the flasher unit. The resistior fools the flasher into thinking the incandescent bulb is still being used but they don't effect the brightness of the LED. That way you don't loose the self cancel which is an importatn saftey fieature.

But...... now this is just me and my little old opinion cause I know lot's of people love LED's.... but..... Before you do resistors or spend money on another flasher put your LED bulbs in and let them light up and look them over from straight on and from some angles.
Even if they flash fast you may notice what I noticed? LED's are very directional. In my front and rear turn signals they were maybe a little brighter if I got in exactly the right spot but they were a little disapointing when I wasn't straight on.
I actually switched back to the sylvania hight intensity/long life incandescent bulbs for my running ligths and turnsignals. Again this is just me being the really anal nut that I am so take this as just an opinion!!!

You're right, LED's are directional, but they do come in varying degrees of focus. The LED boards I built for my signals have 90 degree spread, but so many replacement bulbs are closer to 20-30. Subsequently, they don't fill the reflector and create all the extra light an incandescent will.

[bigsid1]

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/TMI-LED-TECH....34Q 2ec0Q2em322 These are the lights i ordered

[jestephens]

Originally Posted by bigsid1

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/TMI-LED-TECHNOLOGY_1157-LED-Power-Tower-Bulb_W0QQ_fsubZ10QQ_sidZ81016538QQ_t rksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322 These are the lights i ordered

5w AND 180 degree viewing angle. Impressive! Will you be keeping amber lenses or going clear?

[bigsid1]

I'll be keeping the amber lenses. I have the kuryakin deep dish bezels which are smooth glass so i hope they will work fine with the leds. As far as the self canceling i have gotten into the habit of turning off my turn signals manually every time so i don't think I'll miss that feature.

[jestephens]

Originally Posted by bigsid1

I'll be keeping the amber lenses. I have the kuryakin deep dish bezels which are smooth glass so i hope they will work fine with the leds. As far as the self canceling i have gotten into the habit of turning off my turn signals manually every time so i don't think I'll miss that feature.

That's the way I am too. As a matter of fact, I wore out the spring in the turn-signal switch. Here's another one of my experiences-turned-tutorial, replacing that spring, if you ever encounter it. ;)

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/v...=11232&start=0