1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.
Bike Talk Motorcycle Forum is For Sale Welcome to Bike Talk

Turn Signals

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Mike Morris, Sep 10, 2012.

  1. Mike Morris

    Mike Morris New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2012
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    If I replace my stock turn signals on a 2009 Dyan Super Glide Custom with LEDs do I really need a turn signal load equalizer?
    :banghead:
    Mike Morris, Sep 10, 2012
    #1
  3. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    Messages:
    9,568
    Likes Received:
    205
    Location:
    Minnesota
    A lot of those have the equalizer built in. But if the equalizer is not built in, then yes, you will have to have a separate load equalizer installed.
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 10, 2012
    #2
  4. Mike Morris

    Mike Morris New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2012
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I apreciate that. I can't believe that an LED would pull more power than an incandescent lamp. I am going to chance it.
    Mike Morris, Sep 10, 2012
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    No it pulls less the problem is the TSSM can't see the bulb si it thinks it's out and they flash real fast




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    hotroadking, Sep 10, 2012
    #4
  6. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2006
    Messages:
    9,926
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Alvin TX
    yes the LED's use a lot less power , thats why most say use the equlizer
    cowboy, Sep 10, 2012
    #5
  7. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    Messages:
    9,568
    Likes Received:
    205
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Here is a way to explain it that isn't too technical. I am installing LED recessed lighting in my basement. These LED's are rated at 11 watt power usage vs. 65-100 watts on a standard light. If you do not use a load equalizer you will burn the LED'S IN A MATTER OF seconds as they will be getting too much power. Consider the equalizer as a reducer. If people want to get more technical than that, let them....
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 10, 2012
    #6
  8. Lucifer

    Lucifer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
    Messages:
    3,861
    Likes Received:
    102
    Location:
    Cape Breton NS,Canada
    Not bad JB,but kinda of an apples to oranges comparison....

    The LED lights you're putting in are low voltage lights....you're "equalizer" is a step down transformer...from 120V AC to say 12V DC


    The LED signal lights are 12v same as the regular incandescent but the current draw of the LED's is not enough for the turn signal module to operate,so you need to install an "equalizer" which is simply a resistor in the circuit to increase the current draw to the same as what an incandescent bulb in the circuit would be and your turn signal module will function normally...

    Here's a link to Badlands,which will tell you which unit you need and also perhaps explain it better....:D

    Badlands Motorcycle Products
    Lucifer, Sep 11, 2012
    #7
  9. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    yep lucifer is correct, on a bike the TSM or TSSM is the box that controls security and turn signal operation.

    Standard 1157 bulbs have a greater resistance and the TSSM reads this, in your car it's the same, notice the TS flasher going real fast and you know the circuit isn't complete and you have a burnt out bulb.

    LED's mimic the burnt bulb, the TSSM can't read a complete circuit and thus
    it flashes fast. the Equalizer fixes this...
    hotroadking, Sep 11, 2012
    #8
  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2004
    Messages:
    18,516
    Likes Received:
    252
    Location:
    Oregon
    Yep, you sure do and both Lucifer and HRK are absolutely correct. Resistance is the key factor.
    FLHTbiker, Sep 11, 2012
    #9

Share This Page

XenPorta © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM