Turn signals are an important safety feature for motorcycle riders and their passengers. They alert other drivers of your direction and make it easier to respond to an emergency or change lanes safely. In addition, many states require turn signals as a standard feature on motor vehicles operated on the road.
While the legal requirement to use turn signals may seem like a no-brainer, there are some nuances to this particular regulation that can be confusing for newcomers. One of these complexities is that motorcycles made before 1973 are not required to have turn signals unless they’re modified to do so.
If you’re unsure whether your motorcycle needs them or not, the best way to decide is to consult the California Vehicle Code and see what it has to say about turn signals. In short, this law requires that all modern bikes equipped with a turn signal system have them installed.
Generally, a pair of front turn signals should be connected to the headlight socket. Then a pair of rear turn signals should connect to the tail light socket. This ensures that they’re not too close to the frame and also provides an extra safety measure in case your rider gets stuck in a rut or takes too long to get out of a parking lot.
Installing the turn signals is easy, and the process can be completed in a matter of minutes. Before hooking up the wires, take a few minutes to test them and make sure that all are working correctly.
Start by taking off the existing turn signal wiring, usually protected inside a plastic sheath. The Kawasaki turn signal sockets we tested utilize a U-shaped clip that slides on the wires.
Pulling the wires from the sheath should be easy. Just make sure you don’t cut them too short, as you want to be able to reuse the sheath later.
If your stock turn signals are a bit old and out of date, you can replace them with some new ones. Just be sure to purchase the correct model for your bike and check the wiring instructions for proper installation.
Buying new turn signals is an affordable and easy way to enhance the safety of your bike while improving its look. There are a variety of styles, colors and sizes available to meet your taste and budget, so you’re bound to find something that suits your needs.
You can also add LEDs to your turn signals for a more futuristic look. These lights are more durable and more visible than conventional bulbs, plus they’re a great way to increase the amount of light you have on your bike.
The key is to choose a pair that’s compatible with your bike’s existing wiring, and you can do this by comparing the wiring diagrams with your factory turn signal wires. You can also buy a wiring adapter that will make it much easier to hook up your new set of turn signals.
