Are you tired of those old turn signals on your Harley? Upgrading to LED lights can not only enhance your bike’s look but also improve visibility on the road. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in both style and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade Benefits: Installing LED turn signals on your Harley enhances both style and safety by improving visibility on the road.
- Essential Tools: Key tools for installation include a screwdriver set, wrenches, wire strippers, heat shrink tubing, electrical tape, socket set, and pliers.
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear, disconnect the battery, and clean the installation area to ensure a smooth and safe installation process.
- Installation Steps: Carefully remove stock turn signals, connect the LED wires correctly, secure the new lights, and check for proper clearance and functionality.
- Testing Connections: It’s crucial to test each LED signal for proper functionality after installation to ensure reliability and safety on the road.
- Visibility Adjustments: Evaluate the brightness of the turn signals in different lighting conditions and make adjustments or upgrades as needed for optimal visibility.
Tools Required
To install LED turn signals on your Harley Davidson, gather the following tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and quicker.
- Screwdriver Set: A set with flathead and Phillips options is essential for removing and securing the turn signal housings.
- Wrenches: A set of wrenches, particularly 10mm and 8mm sizes, is necessary for loosening and tightening bolts.
- Wire Strippers: These will help you prepare your wires before making connections to the LED turn signals.
- Heat Shrink Tubing: Use to protect connections after wiring the new signals. This adds durability and moisture resistance.
- Electrical Tape: This helps to secure wires and connections without using heat shrink tubing.
- Socket Set: This is useful for any nuts securing the turn signals and could include both metric and standard sizes.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers assist with wire management and tightening connections.
Having these tools on hand ensures a successful installation of your new LED turn signals, enhancing both your bike’s style and safety on the road.
Preparing Your Motorcycle
Preparing your motorcycle ensures a smooth installation of LED turn signals. Follow these guidelines to set up your bike properly.
Safety Precautions
Ensure safety throughout the installation process. Wear protective eyewear and gloves to shield against sharp edges or debris. Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shorts. Work in a well-ventilated area with adequate lighting, so you see all components clearly. Always reference the motorcycle manual for specific instructions related to your model.
Cleaning the Installation Area
Cleaning the installation area is vital for optimal results. Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime from the existing turn signal mounts. Thoroughly inspect the wiring harness for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure the area around the lights is dry and free of obstacles. A clean surface promotes better adhesion for any mounting hardware or adhesive components during the installation process.
Removing Stock Turn Signals
Removing stock turn signals is the first step in upgrading to LED turn signals. This process requires careful attention to detail, ensuring a smooth transition.
Identifying the Turn Signal Location
Locate the stock turn signals on your Harley. Typically, these are positioned at the front and rear of the motorcycle, attached to the handlebars or the rear fender. Take a moment to inspect how they’re mounted and note the type of screws or bolts you’ll encounter. This helps in preparing for the removal process.
Detaching Stock Wiring
Begin by accessing the stock wiring. You may need to remove a plastic cover or unscrew the signal itself to reveal the wiring harness. Carefully disconnect the wiring connectors; push down on the release tab while gently pulling the connectors apart. Be cautious not to damage the wires as you work. Once the wiring is detached, unscrew the turn signal from its mount. Ensure all parts, like screws and washers, are kept in a safe place for future use or disposal.
Installing LED Turn Signals
Installing LED turn signals on your Harley Davidson involves a few straightforward steps. Following these provides a smooth installation process and enhances your bike’s visibility and style.
Connecting the Wires
- Identify the Wires: Locate the turn signal wires on your motorcycle. You’ll find typically two wires for each signal: a positive (often green or brown) and a negative (usually black).
- Strip the Insulation: Use a wire stripper to remove about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires. This ensures a solid connection.
- Connect the Wires: Twist the positive wire from the LED signal to the positive wire on the bike. Do the same for the negative wires. Ensure a firm connection to avoid flickering.
- Use Heat Shrink Tubing: Slide a heat shrink tube over each connection and apply heat to seal them. This prevents moisture from causing corrosion.
- Test the Connections: Before securing everything, turn on your ignition and activate the turn signals to test your connections. Make sure both sides function properly.
- Position the LED Signals: Place the new LED turn signals in the same location where you removed the old ones. Ensure they align correctly with the mounting holes.
- Use the Provided Hardware: Secure the LED signals using the bolts or screws that came with them. Tighten them but be cautious not to over-tighten, as this can damage the signals.
- Check Clearances: Inspect the area around the turn signals for clearance to other parts of the bike. Ensure nothing obstructs their visibility.
- Final Testing: Once installed, activate the turn signals again to confirm they’re secure and functioning correctly.
- Reassemble any Removed Parts: If you removed any parts during installation, reinstall them according to your motorcycle’s manual.
Following these steps ensures a successful installation of your LED turn signals, keeping your Harley looking sharp and your rides safe.
Testing the Installation
Testing your LED turn signals confirms they function correctly and enhances your safety on the road. Follow these steps to ensure everything works as intended.
Checking Functionality
Check each turn signal individually. Turn on your motorcycle’s ignition, activate the left turn signal, and observe whether the LED light flashes. Repeat this for the right turn signal. If both lights activate, the installation is successful. If not, revisit your wiring connections to make sure they’re secure. Ensure you attached negative and positive wires correctly.
Adjusting Visibility
Adjust the visibility of your turn signals by observing their brightness during both daytime and nighttime. Turn your motorcycle on, and view the signals from various angles. If they appear dim in daylight, consider upgrading to higher-output LED lights. Proper visibility ensures that others on the road easily see your signals, enhancing safety. If adjustments are necessary, reposition the lights or upgrade to models designed for better daytime performance.
Conclusion
Upgrading to LED turn signals is a fantastic way to boost your Harley’s style and visibility. You’ve taken the right steps to ensure a smooth installation and enhance your ride’s safety.
Remember to double-check your connections and test each signal to make sure everything’s working perfectly.
With your new LED turn signals in place you’ll not only look great on the road but also ride with confidence knowing you’re more visible to others. Enjoy the ride and the compliments that come with your upgraded bike!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of upgrading to LED turn signals on a Harley motorcycle?
Upgrading to LED turn signals offers improved visibility, enhanced style, and energy efficiency. LED lights are brighter and more noticeable than traditional bulbs, making it safer for riding. They also last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Overall, they enhance the motorcycle’s appearance and safety on the road.
What tools do I need to install LED turn signals?
To install LED turn signals, you’ll typically need a screwdriver, socket set, wire strippers, and electrical tape. Ensure you have all necessary tools on hand before starting the process. This preparation will help streamline the installation and avoid disruptions.
How do I remove stock turn signals from my Harley?
First, identify the location of the stock turn signals. Carefully detach the wiring by disconnecting the connectors. Then, using the appropriate screwdriver or socket, unscrew the turn signals from their mounts. Keep track of all hardware for easy reinstallation of the new LEDs.
How do I connect the new LED turn signals?
To connect the new LED turn signals, match the wires from the LED lights to the corresponding wires on your motorcycle, usually color-coded. Strip the ends of the wires if necessary, then twist them together securely. Use electrical tape to cover the connections, ensuring they’re protected from moisture and damage.
Why is testing the installation important?
Testing the installation is crucial to ensure that all turn signals function properly and are visible both day and night. This includes checking that each signal flashes correctly and adjusting their positions if needed. Proper testing enhances safety and confirms that your upgrade was successful.
