Turn Signals Won't Blink.

[My Name Is Dave]

Right, but WHY? Why do our bikes need the diodes and flasher, whereas other systems accept LEDs as they are? What thing makes them different?

DIODES:
The designers could have used separate indicator lamps for left and right turns (in which case the diodes wouldn't have been needed), however, they simplified and cost reduced the circuit by using one indicator bulb that is common to both sides.  This allows current to flow thru the unwanted side whenever either side is used. The current is not enough to light the unwanted turn signal bulbs but is enough to light unwanted turn signal LEDs. The added diodes isolate the two sides from each other so only the desired side is turned on.

FLASHER:
The OEM flasher only works at the current level as determined by the stock incandecent bulbs.  If you replace the bulbs with LEDs you get much less current, not enough to operate the flasher relay.  Therefore the flasher relay must be changed to a more sensitive one.

And in other news, I actually understood that. Thanks man, I appreciate it. It all helps to learn more about our bikes, as well as future bikes we may own.

Thanks again,
Dave

[porsche4786]

So LED brake lights will work though, without needing diodes?

[John Bates]

Yes, any 12V incandescent bulb or any LED designed for 12V will work in the brake circuit.

[My Name Is Dave]

So LED brake lights will work though, without needing diodes?

That's right, the problem lies in the wiring of the signals. So if you are going to do an integrated brake light and it's LED, you're gonna have problems. If you're doing an LED taillight with regular bulb blinkers, you're in the clear.

[vtlion]

you guys TOTALLY jacked this thread...  shame on you 

any progress with the signals, jeff?

Oh and I should mention that I think the relay issue is that as the current draw decreases the flasher rate actually increases[/i] until you get a solid light for your signal, not decreases, like I mentioned earlierl.  I remember installing buell signals on my GS.  They flashed a little faster, but still within the law, so I didn't go any farther... sounds like you need to go the extra mile and replace the relay jeff.

[John Bates]

jeff,

It would be helpful if we knew what kind of bulb you have.  What's the number on the bulb?

[originalsturge]

I just fixed the same problem on my 83 Gs750, its not the relay its the light bulb not being correct. Just as John Bates has said. It is a trivial thing that has to do with the resistance and a little FM. If they are cheap replacement parts try to find the same bulb size from the old one and see if that works. On  the said 750 that's all I had to do to get them to work right.

[SmartDrug]

Did you try switching the wires?  When I replaced the signals on my FJ1200, I had wired them in wrong and they wouldn't work, but after switching them up it was fine.  There were dual filasments though

[ASIA 1]

Maybe try this

Electronic LED flasher

http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html

http://www.clearalternatives.com/flasher.htm

[jefferygs500]

number on the bulbs are, 12v/21 sound right???

[John Bates]

number on the bulbs are, 12v/21 sound right???

Yes, 12v 21w is what Suzuki calls for.

Is there any other number on there?

[average]

Mine signals arent working either, neither si my brake light. The brake light is on but it doesnt go brighter when you hit the brakes. Where do i get the relays or fuses from? Are there equals at my local parts store?

[John Bates]

Mine signals arent working either, neither si my brake light. The brake light is on but it doesnt go brighter when you hit the brakes. Where do i get the relays or fuses from? Are there equals at my local parts store?

Take all the bulbs out and test them.  That's the first step.

They should be available at any auto parts store.