LED Turn Signal Bulbs Question

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Nov 9, 2017
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I went to replace the turn signal bulbs with LED bulbs on my 2015 961 SF and started with the rear signals. All went well, blinks a little fast but very bright and noticeable. When I completed the front signals and tested them the fast blinking changed to blinking and then a pause and so on... So I ended up with LED in the rear and the old bulbs in the front which is fine, I want to be seen more from the behind. Does anyone know why the LED bulbs worked in the rear (or one set of signals) but not in all the signals?
 
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There is not enough current drawn to work when all are replaced . Meaning that when you turn on the r/h signals the front right is still drawing enough through the normal filament bulb to operate the turn signal relay. You may try an led approved flasher available on ebay that fits the 961 . Or go the resistor route which will provide the current draw that the turn signal relay needs. Also , without the resistors when using LED turn signals you might have the 4 way flasher issue,. This is when you activate the l/h or r/h turn signal all 4 will flash like a 4 way hazard. This happens when there is only 1 turn signal indicator light in the gauges. Both left and right use the same gauge indicator like the 961 does. There is no more low resistance path to ground through the normal bulbs. You may be forced to go with resistors . Others who have done this can be more helpful . You should only need one resistor properly sized resistor per side . The LED signal installation kit should have this for you.
 
I have fitted LED indicators at the front - each one required a resistor pack - awaiting a pair to fit at the back. Some LEDs require one resistor pack for the whole system - the ones I'm fitting obviously need 1 resistor pack per indicator so there are different regimes out there
 
After looking at the electrical drawings it appears that the proper diodes are in place at the guage cluster turn signal indicator . There should be no problems with the 4 way flasher issue. I should have looked first !
 
I have fitted LED indicators at the front - each one required a resistor pack - awaiting a pair to fit at the back. Some LEDs require one resistor pack for the whole system - the ones I'm fitting obviously need 1 resistor pack per indicator so there are different regimes out there
Hello , where do the resistor packs reside ? Inside the signal body ? Could you provide some pics showing what the mounted LED signal look like ? Thanks !
 
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Am not a VIP member so cannot post pics but have changed avatar to show the indicators which are bog standard BMW items - they are solid plastic mounts but I really wanted rubber mounted as I've already broken one moving about the garage - put the R&G resistor packs in the headlight shell - some LED indicators come with inbuilt resistors so a neater solution
 
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I put led's on front and rear with an led flasher unit but my flasher repeater/idiot light stopped working. I reverted back to using standard flasher unit and put 1 resistor on left and 1 on right... all works as it should. My resistors are tucked up in the carbon number plate bracket.
 
Thanks Gents , I am clear on this now . But I wanted to ask about the mounting of the indicator stems. Is there a plate that is provided for the second hole ? The Norton indicator has a bolt and a hole for the wires . The LED's are much sleeker .
 
The BMW indicators use the same bolt hole for fixing/extra hole for wire as our originals but I had to trim some material off the spigot that the wire passes through
 
Got my indicators from Ebay second hand so don't know which model - there are also Chinese versions - just search for 'BMW motorcycle LED indicator' and you should bet tons of hits
 
Am not a VIP member so cannot post pics but have changed avatar to show the indicators which are bog standard BMW items - they are solid plastic mounts but I really wanted rubber mounted as I've already broken one moving about the garage - put the R&G resistor packs in the headlight shell - some LED indicators come with inbuilt resistors so a neater solution

You can use an external photo hosting site and post the pictures here.
 
I have installed a really nice turn signal set on my Triumph Bobber , 961 and BMW R9T sold by British Customes (California). The Bobber needed a LED bulb set. I ordered them from "Super Bright LED.com". Built in resistors to accommodate the incandescent system. The Norton and Beemer just needed the right wattage bulb to flash properly. Got a set ordered for my Triumph Street scrambler too.
 
LED Turn  Signal Bulbs Question
From China with love .
LED Turn  Signal Bulbs Question
LED Turn  Signal Bulbs Question
LED Turn  Signal Bulbs Question
LED Turn  Signal Bulbs Question

Thanks to Regental for the BMW type LED turn signal idea and to MXmartin for the resistor hiding location.
 
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They look good. Did your plate crack too? Mine is cracked almost all the way across.
 
Yes , Almost all the way across. I am buying a thick stainless license plate backer from Barnett (the clutch plate co.). If you want I can link to it .
 
They look good. Did your plate crack too? Mine is cracked almost all the way across.

Tony,
You have 10,000+ miles on your bike.
Is this a vibration problem?
I have less than 4,000 miles on my 961, but no evidence of any cracking yet.
 
My 2013 Sport developed a crack around the rear indicator mount holes on the tail fairing so I made a bracket to brace the indicators - this stopped further cracking & guess what? - new bikes have this bracing piece as standard now
 
Yes , Almost all the way across. I am buying a thick stainless license plate backer from Barnett (the clutch plate co.). If you want I can link to it .
I bought a plate backer a few weeks ago. Doesn't quite line up. Have to drill it. Great quality though. Nice and heavy.
 
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