696/1100 LED Load Equalizers

[bigjilm]

I just replaced my rears with Rizoma LEDs on my M1100, and have the same symptoms. They flash regular rate sometimes, and sometimes triple speed. If I splice in two resistors (from the Rizoma kit) per side, the rate is always perfect.

My theory (could totally be wrong) is that the ECU detects a reduced load on the circuit and adjusts the flash rate to inform the rider that a bulb is burned out. Both of my cars and my old Ninja do the same thing - I don't know if it's a mandated safety feature or not.

Based on the labeling in the Rizoma kit, the LED is a 1 watt device, and each of the resistors is a 10 watt sink. Based on V=IR, I assume that a 7.2 Ohm resistor on each turn signal (connected in parallel to the LED) would be enough, but the resistor had better be robust enough to dissipate a ton of heat (20 watts is alot of power).

When I replace my front lights, I'm going to splice in twice as many resistors into the rear signal assembly to compensate for the front lights. I think I'll pitch the Rizoma resistors, as they are way too bulky to hide, and I'll try to find something from an electronics dealer. I'll be looking at a single component that can handle 40 watts of heat, so I don't even know if it's possible without setting my bike on fire.

[BaZgA]

What about something like this?

http://alturl.com/mzix

[bigjilm]

BaZgA - you're a genius!

It now occurs to me that the spot under my butt is probably the worst spot to mount 100 watts of heaters, so maybe there's another spot on the bike I can hide these things.

Thanks for the link...

[JoeArlo]

Just to add my own problems in case others have the same issues:

My LED turns were operating fine on my 2005 620, but just recently they stopped working altogether (except for the left front which operates correctly). The right side lights do not work at all, and the indicator light in the dash flashes once, pause, rapid flash. The left rear does not work at all either.

Could it be the relay? It puzzles me since they worked fine for a while (I purchased the bike used). I'm going to do some investigation this weekend and see if I have resistors in place, but if anyone has other thoughts or suggestions I am much appreciative!

Cheers,
arlo

[BaZgA]

I ordered one set myself. Now have to find place to fit. They seems waterproof so maybe to put them outside somewhere for better cooling.

Why do they have to be 50W each when bulb is 10W?

[Vintagerider]

I just wanted to pipe in on this thread since I just installed some LED signals for the front and already had the integrated tail light in the back. Just like most the turn signals worked fine when I had the regular bulbs up front.

When I switched them out I got the hyper-flash rate; even though I had put the resistors in-line that came with the turn signals. I guess the load reduction wasn't correct.

Here are a couple pictures of what I did to install the resistors and wiring. I put the bullet connection from the resistors that came with the turn signals on to the wires by soldering them.

What I did next was connect the wires and put the resistors inline with some wire taps. They get hot but I realized they will only get hot while using the signals and since they are tucked up under the headlight bracket they should be getting a nice little breeze to cool them down.

I hope this helps someone. I did however order the Rizoma wiring to replace the stock wiring, they won't be here for a couple days and I wanted to ride and fix the problem. If you don't want to solder anything just order the Rizoma wiring and resistors when you order your new turn signals. But if you are into tinkering around in the garage this is one way to do it.