Fast indicators?

A while back I noticed my rear left indicator had died leaving the front left to flash at twice the normal rate. Instead of a new bulb I fitted a set of mini indicators on the back (not LED) now all my indicators are flashing fast. I'm not too bothered by this, just wondered if it's legal and if it's a simple problem to fix. Thought it might be the relay, quoted £30 by Stamford Superbikes!!!

[Biker Biggles]

Probably caused by different resistance in the new indicator circuit.You may need to wire in a resistor to compensate,but the shop should really have told you that and supplied it.

the packaging said it was a direct replacement for the originals. I'll look into t though. cheers

[northwind]

Check and see if they're 10W or 21W bulbs. I'm not 100% that stock is 21W, if I'm honest, but I just fitted a Buell set with 10W and they flash fast due to the lower draw.

Get your stopwatch out, not more than 120 flashes per minute to pass the MOT. Either front or back led's often dont raise it enough to be a fail, so check before you go buying things.

[northwind]

You don't get a variable rate with the SV, it's one or the other.

Yep!

Just did the same thing with Quedos' bike ('99 curvey). Fitted 10w Halogen bulbed indicators with clear lenses (on silver bike) and they look great. Now they flash like a snowplough or recovery wagon.

Extra resistance or an alternative relay required methinks.

Cheers,

Garry

[northwind]

You could try finding higher rated, compatible bulbs... I got some 15W (I think) for the Buell indicators and they work find now. Well, one does, the other bulb was blown

As said above, the flash fast is because of a lower resistance in the new bulbs (not as much power used). The solutions possible are:

1) A resistor - what? 10p
2) Higher power bulbs - Dunno how much
3) New relay, more advanced type that doesn't rely on circuit resistance - £30+
4) Apparently (I've not tried this) aftermarket front indicators can resolve it by themselves (with aftermarket rear already fitted).

A search will tell you the values of the resistor, but it depends on the bulbs you have exactly. I think I remember 10Ohm 10W resistors being a quick fix, but please please check before you do it.

[mattSV]

Originally Posted by Baph

As said above, the flash fast is because of a lower resistance in the new bulbs (not as much power used). The solutions possible are:

1) A resistor - what? 10p
2) Higher power bulbs - Dunno how much
3) New relay, more advanced type that doesn't rely on circuit resistance - £30+
4) Apparently (I've not tried this) aftermarket front indicators can resolve it by themselves (with aftermarket rear already fitted).

A search will tell you the values of the resistor, but it depends on the bulbs you have exactly. I think I remember 10Ohm 10W resistors being a quick fix, but please please check before you do it.

That is what I used with my Motrax LED indicators - cost about 40p each I think from Maplins. Have had them on for a couple of years without any issues. No idea whether they would work with bulbs though.