Adding LED turn signals

gjr · Apr 8, 2023

I'm adding LED turn signals to my '70 Commando because most drivers will look to see what I'm pointing at and then run into me when I slow down to turn.

Does anyone know a part number that I can use at O'Reilly's or Carquest for the flasher unit. The kid behind the counter is completely lost if there isn't a make and model he can look up.

Thanks
Greg

Torontonian · Apr 8, 2023

I simply use one of those cheapo black box electronic thingys for cars .

You can fit it easily to replace the flasher unit . It should be an improvement to the original Norton one .

Dan1950 · Apr 8, 2023

If you have a single indicator warning light you will need a diode harness. Without it you will have rapidly blinking 4-way flashers.

worntorn · Apr 8, 2023

There is an LED flasher unit available at auto supplies such as Napa.
I used it for a new build and it works fine.
I just asked for an LED flasher unit, the parts man knew what to grab.
It is fastened down, not sure if I can get a part number from it, but here is a photo.

Glen

Yakatak · Apr 8, 2023

Check out Superbrightleds.com . They have the led's, flasher units, and the diode harness. If your bike is Positive ground, you must remember that almost all led's are polarity sensitive. Most of the Brit bike on-line vendors carry some positive ground led's.

Tornado · Apr 8, 2023

I got mine off Amazon for less than $10. Just needs to be LED type and ideally 2-pin/prong. You can use the three prong type, the third one is for a ground but can be left unconnected once you ID which it is.

Mine from Amazon:
Amazon product ASIN B07JFPXM21

Here's one on Autozone for quite a lot more:

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/flasher-multiple-uses/p/novita-ep50-heavy-duty-flasher/193118_0_0

Note: You will also need to run something called a "Tweaker"...basically a diode, if you are running the stock turn signal warning lamp. This prevents all four lamps from flashing when using LED's on all corners. You can make up your own with some research:

Custom Norton Commando Wiring Diagram (Bernie Kent) | Grant Tiller

Bernie Kent has a 1971 Norton Commando and has reached out as he is considering putting on indicators (turn signals) These were optional at the time, as they were not yet law in all countries - so they were on the Norton pricelist and were either factory fitted, or could be added as a dealer

granttiller.com

Also can be sourced from places like Fortnine:

https://fortnine.ca/en/bikemaster-turn-signal-diode-kit-ho002001?utm_id=70393578393&utm_campaign=1768300489&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=342549430054&gclid=Cj0KCQjwocShBhCOARIsAFVYq0jCnekjwHEYv702VsyKlAT5mQAdHBxq7n9FnvzKX6RS_Pq86r19hV4aAlgCEALw_wcB

gjr · Apr 8, 2023

1970 did not have turn signals, it is one of the 'early' ones. The bike is still positive ground.

I am planning to run the turn signals as a self contained, stand alone system. The LEDs shouldn't care what the rest of the electrons are doing.

The guy (too old to be a kid anymore, even for me) at O'Reilly's knew exactly what I needed, a Novita EP37. Except that it can't sense the 16 little LED's that make up the front and rear turn signals. They stay on all the time.

The 0.02A-10A seems like the ticket except that it is really cheap...

worntorn · Apr 8, 2023

The blue flasher in my photo above is labelled " Grote LED FLASHER 44891"
It comes with a white pigtail wire attached for ground.

Glen

robs ss · Apr 8, 2023

gjr said:
I'm adding LED turn signals to my '70 Commando because most drivers will look to see what I'm pointing at and then run into me when I slow down to turn.

Does anyone know a part number that I can use at O'Reilly's or Carquest for the flasher unit. The kid behind the counter is completely lost if there isn't a make and model he can look up.

Thanks
Greg

Since you're doing this for safety, you might consider a self-cancelling flasher. A flasher that has been inadvertently left "on" also creates a hazard.
I like the Kisan offering because it pauses the countdown while the brake light is on (e.g.: traffic lights).
Also has the option of using the indicators as running lights (at half intensity)
Cheers

SM-1

Replaces stock relay on many European and some early Japanese bikes. (Typical 3-pin stock relay shown)

kisantech.com

YING · Apr 9, 2023

robs ss said:
Since you're doing this for safety, you might consider a self-cancelling flasher. A flasher that has been inadvertently left "on" also creates a hazard.
I like the Kisan offering because it pauses the countdown while the brake light is on.
Also has the option of using the indicators as running lights (at half intensity)
Cheers

SM-1

Replaces stock relay on many European and some early Japanese bikes. (Typical 3-pin stock relay shown)

kisantech.com

Rob,
That unit looks like it does everything. I use a MotoGadget M-stop that self-cancels that I like but would like to have a flashing brake light option that the Kisan offers.Where did you mount the unit?
Thanks,
Mike

robs ss · Apr 9, 2023

YING said:
Rob,
That unit looks like it does everything. I use a MotoGadget M-stop that self-cancels that I like but would like to have a flashing brake light option that the Kisan offers.Where did you mount the unit?
Thanks,
Mike

I had the M-Stop (gave it to a friend) - the Signal Minder is much better.
I put it in the headlight bucket - It's not that big.
I also fitted the Tailblazer (flashing brake light) - it is very small and fits under the tail-light fairing
It starts flashing very quickly and slows to solid on after about 1.5 seconds.
I believe anything we can do to improve our visibility is a plus for us to continue to suck oxygen.
Cheers
Rob

YING · Apr 9, 2023

robs ss said:
I had the M-Stop (gave it to a friend) - the Signal Minder is much better.
I put it in the headlight bucket - It's not that big.
I also fitted the Tailblazer (flashing brake light) - it is very small and fits under the tail-light fairing
It starts flashing very quickly and slows to solid on after about 1.5 seconds.
I believe anything we can do to improve our visibility is a plus for us to continue to suck oxygen.
Cheers
Rob

Thanks Rob,
Can the Tailblazer unit be installed without the Signal Minder?
Mike

robs ss · Apr 9, 2023

YING said:
Thanks Rob,
Can the Tailblazer unit be installed without the Signal Minder?
Mike

I haven't done that but can see no reason why not.
It's simply a programmed flasher in the brake light circuit.
Cheers

gjr · Apr 9, 2023

robs ss said:
I also fitted the Tailblazer (flashing brake light) - it is very small and fits under the tail-light fairing
It starts flashing very quickly and slows to solid on after about 1.5 seconds.

Thanks for the tip on Kisan. The Trailblazer answers the next question about adding a second brake light so when the other driver looks up from their phone...
Are you running LED tail lights or incandescents ?

robs ss said:
I believe anything we can do to improve our visibility is a plus for us to continue to suck oxygen.

Bikes are fun unless you are the hood ornament on a new F150.

Tornado · Apr 9, 2023

Been using both Kisan signal minder and TailBlazer for 7 or 8 years now on my modern Bonneville without issues. Haven't had a collision yet so it must be working, Eh?

Note the Kisan devices likely will not work on positive earth setups.

Tornado · Apr 9, 2023

gjr said:
The 0.02A-10A seems like the ticket except that it is really cheap...

You can send me a fiver if it helps overcome the low cost of the flasher for you ;-)

robs ss · Apr 9, 2023

gjr said:
Thanks for the tip on Kisan. The Trailblazer answers the next question about adding a second brake light so when the other driver looks up from their phone...
Are you running LED tail lights or incandescents ?

Bikes are fun unless you are the hood ornament on a new F150.

LEDs all round
Paul Goff's Daylighter 2s LED headlight bulb is 3 times as bright as a halogen, is only 30W and is a direct replacement for H4.
I would recommend you get one.
Cheers

gjr · Apr 10, 2023

worntorn said:
The blue flasher in my photo above is labelled " Grote LED FLASHER 44891"
It comes with a white pigtail wire attached for ground.

Glen

Thanks Glen, The Signal Minder needs a little more research and the temperature hit 50° yesterday, headed for 70° tomorrow.
Greg

Adding LED turn signals

gjr

Torontonian

Dan1950

1974 MK II Roadster

worntorn

Yakatak

Tornado

Custom Norton Commando Wiring Diagram (Bernie Kent) | Grant Tiller

gjr

worntorn

robs ss

SM-1

YING

Pittsboro,NC

SM-1

robs ss

YING

Pittsboro,NC

robs ss

gjr

Tornado

Tornado

robs ss

gjr

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