I have a very tidy 1976 XT500 and would like to add turn signals to it.  Switch and wiring are in place, but I need the actual turn signals.  The stock units were pretty bulky and I want something smaller and less damage prone.

Compounding the problem is that this is a 6 volt system.

Does anybody have a suggestion as to small signal lamps suitable for use a 6 volt bike?

You could always switch out the 12v bulb that comes with the signals for a 6v bulb that has similar characteristics and the same base.

I've gone to LEDs on my 6 volted SP. Lighting on it was dismal with a good battery, no turn signals with a bad batt. I can give you the details if you can solder a circuit to replace the flasher. You also have to go LED on the indicator or pull the bulb, or all the signals flash when you turn on either left or right. I've also got rid of the battery and use a bank of capacitors. Lights are brighter at idle than most car tail lights.

I have one more bug to shake out. After that, I can provide a schematic. Plan to be done on or before Saturday. I might not see a reply, so if interested, shot an e-mail to iamknudesn (a) gmail.com or jon (a) purdue.edu. Be sure to use an intelligent subj line, or I'll dismiss it as spam. Not to be insulting, and you did use an intelligent subject here.

If others are interested, I can post all the info here. I had parts and it was the easiest cheap way to get things going once and for all and have a reliable system. Estimate $5 for flasher parts, plus LEDs (cheap on e-bay direct from Tiawan), plus about $500 labor LOL. Capacitors are probably fairly expensive, but I'll bet less than a battery and should out last me. The only single drawback I see is you lose the neut light key on engine off, so you get in habit of going to neut before shutting her down, or do the rock and click thing.

Ride happy, brothers.

Edited by knudsen, 20 March 2012 - 09:55 AM.