Turn signal and headlight/taillight wiring questions

[brett]

So I'm looking at doing LED turn signals, and while I'm at it I would like to install a track switch - an easy switch to kill my headlight, taillight, and turn signals. I've done a bit of searching (yay for starwalt), and I've still got a few questions.

1) What sort of resistors can I use? I've only really worked with them in a lab, not on a naked bike that goes out in the rain. Do I just get a standard resistor from radio shack and use ample amounts of electrical tape?

2) Can standard resistors handle the load if I hook them up in parallel with the LEDs?

3) For the track switch, I'm thinking of splicing it into the turn signal circuit just before the TSR. Any thoughts?

As for the resistor values, I figure I'll have to get the turn signals and see what they are rated at. Time to dust off the books and see if I remember Kirchoff's laws!

[Egaeus]

Why are you switching to LEDs? 

[brett]

Most of the flushmounts I've seen are LED, and I don't wanna deal with bulbs.

[hmmmnz]

just buy a new turn signal relay designed for leds it would work out only a little more expensive than just buying the resistors plus that way you dont have to muck about with soldiering them

[brett]

just buy a new turn signal relay designed for leds it would work out only a little more expensive than just buying the resistors plus that way you dont have to muck about with soldiering them

I thought about that, but then the turn signal indicator flight won't work. I suppose I could replace that too though.

[John Bates]

So I'm looking at doing LED turn signals, and while I'm at it I would like to install a track switch - an easy switch to kill my headlight, taillight, and turn signals. I've done a bit of searching (yay for starwalt), and I've still got a few questions.

1) What sort of resistors can I use? I've only really worked with them in a lab, not on a naked bike that goes out in the rain. Do I just get a standard resistor from radio shack and use ample amounts of electrical tape?

2) Can standard resistors handle the load if I hook them up in parallel with the LEDs?

I don't recall anyone posting actual resistor values for this. You'll have to determine resistor value in ohms and power handling capability in watts.

You'll most likely have to experiment with different values to determine what will make the stock turn signal relay happy. Remember Ohms Law?

Assuming a fourteen ohm resistor will do the trick (I have no idea if it really will) then it will have to handle about one amp of current.  Therefore it would take at least a fourteen watt resistor to handle that current.

3) For the track switch, I'm thinking of splicing it into the turn signal circuit just before the TSR. Any thoughts?

To make a track switch you'll have to cut and splice three  separate circuits to three separate switch contacts using a three pole single double throw switch.

For the headlight there is the yellow-white wire that runs from the dimmer switch to the black connector in the headlight housing. It actually splits off into two yellow-white wires at the black connector.

For the running lights it's the brown wire at the green connector in the headlight housing.

For the turn signals it's the orange or the lt.blue wire at the turn signal relay. Either will do.

[brett]

Why double throw? I just need single throw for an on/off switch.

[starwalt]

Stop. I hope you read the FAQ on LEDs before continuing this project.

To save you the trouble CLICK HERE.

This is one of the top 5 messed up mods we see here. 

The auto store/mc store LEDs usually come with the current limiting resistor installed. That means they are ready for 12 VDC. On the other hand, they are very, very pricey.

To answer your question, there is nothing special about the resistors and LEDs other than the LEDs are probably a higher brightness type. The problem with the GS is the way the Suz engineers borrowed from each side of the turn signal circuit. Read over the FAQ again. John and I have beat this one repeatedly and you will find more information than you ever wanted to know there.

Do the track rules let you unplug the headlamp, et al rather than messing with a switch? I know a switch is handy, but to do it right will take some wiring and then you gotta find a place for the switch. I guarantee you will forget to turn it on one day and wonder why you are riding around in the dark.

[Egaeus]

You know, if they just had left/right indicators, and didn't put the signal indicator in the circuit like they do, it would make this mod much easier....

[starwalt]

You know, if they just had left/right indicators, and didn't put the signal indicator in the circuit like they do, it would make this mod much easier....

Yeah. The design is from the mid 80's. Maybe Suz will change it when they go to EFI on this bike.

Keep dreaming Doug.

[John Bates]

Why double throw? I just need single throw for an on/off switch.

Your right. 

Don't know what I was thinking.

[brett]

Yes starwalt, I read your FAQ. It was very helpful. I decided to go with LEDs and replace the relay. I was going to worry about the signal indicator later. They didn't have the relay I needed, and being impatient I decided to install the LEDs. Turns out that they must have a built-in resistor because they work pretty well with no other changes. It blinks a bit faster than before but well within the acceptable range.

As for the track switch, I got lazy and put that one off. I could just unplug stuff, but the modders mentality came over me on this one: if it ain't broke, mod it! I guess this means it will take me a whole 4 minutes to track prep the GS instead of just 2 minutes. Oh well.