Indicators, bulbs wrong size and wattage.

[farquare]

Okay, very basic electrical question as I seem to have a complete affliction to learning about electricals.

I bought new indicators for my bike based purely on looks and dimensions. After fitting the lights flash at double speed as if I have a bulb out (I dont).

The issue is the new bulbs are 12v10w (r10 fitment small bulb size), I was hoping to buy some new bulbs in the correct 12v21w rating in the correct size and fitment however the ony ones the same size I can find are 10w.
I dont think the bigger style of 12v21w bulb would fit so its either get new indicators or find a more technical way of getting it working - a resistor perhaps.

Can anyone tell me if this would be possible and if so how, in simpletons terms please?

Here is one of the offending articles


Thanks in advance

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[joshwalker094]

I'm not much help, but be careful with the bulbs, make sure they don't touch the casing, I've spent £30 on some, and all 4 have been catching the casing and melted it :/ so now spending £50 for LEDs.

I think you might need a flasher relay that can cope with the different wattage, either that or you will have to go down the resistor route but i believe that is not as straight forward.

Originally Posted by joshwalker094

I'm not much help, but be careful with the bulbs, make sure they don't touch the casing, I've spent £30 on some, and all 4 have been catching the casing and melted it :/ so now spending £50 for LEDs.

Well to be honest, a light bulb is high temperature, and plastic isn't exactly the highest melting point..

[farquare]

Originally Posted by aaron020873

I think you might need a flasher relay that can cope with the different wattage, either that or you will have to go down the resistor route but i believe that is not as straight forward.

The resistor route is what sprang to mind first but I've not seen anything other than for led conversions.

Any ideas where to start

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not got a clue where to start mate, i have the same problem as you and i'm no electrician either but i spoke to the guys at the bike garage i use and they said it was a bit of messing about. I have just ordered a new relay off ebay for £17.80 so will let you know how i get on with it when it comes they are just plug and play apparently.

[yorkie_chris]

Quick guess going on nominal 12V etc.

10W = 0.83A
21W = 1.75A

So put in parallel a resistor to draw 1.84A, 6.5Ohm (22W dissipated heat, fair bit)