Turn Signal Wattage and Hyper-Flashing: What to Do When Switching to Small Turn Signals
When you switch to small turn signals, the difference in bulb wattage from stock can cause hyper-flashing. We explain the cause and how to fix it with a turn signal relay that handles a wide range of wattages.
- Why changing turn signals causes hyper-flashing
- How to fix it with a wide-wattage turn signal relay
- How to make a wiring adapter when the connector shape doesn't match
You swapped in smaller turn signals and now they blink abnormally fast. This is called hyper-flashing, and in most cases it's caused by the difference in bulb wattage from stock.
Using the Estrella as an example, we look at hyper-flashing caused by different wattages and how to fix it.
01 Fitting small turn signals to an Estrella
We fitted Small Rubber Turn Signal to an Estrella. The bulbs in these turn signals are 8W. The Estrella's stock turn signals, on the other hand, use 23W comes in handy.
The wedge bulb type used doesn't come in 23W, so you can't match the wattage by changing bulbs either. As is, it will hyper-flash.
02 What is hyper-flashing?
When you switch to turn signals with lower-wattage bulbs than stock, they may blink abnormally fast like this.
Some, such as the Diamond turn signals, use 10W bulbs, so when replacing turn signals, it's a good idea to check the wattage difference from stock first.
03 Fix it with a wide-wattage turn signal relay
An effective fix is to replace the turn signal relay. We used a turn signal relay that handles a wide range of wattages, 8W〜23W. Even with the 8W Small Rubber Turn Signals, switching to this relay eliminates hyper-flashing.
It comes with a rubber mount, so installation is easy. If you can't find bulbs that match the wattage, changing the relay can be an easier fix than hunting for bulbs.
04 If the connector doesn't match
This turn signal relay uses an L-shaped connector, which you don't see much these days. If you don't want to cut the bike's harness, prepare some wire and make an adapter using a 3P connector with matching bullet terminals, plus spade terminals and their covers. That way it can be installed in a reversible way.
Connectors and terminals are available in Wiring parts.
What we used
- Replacement turn signals (Small Rubber Turn Signals this time)
- Wide-wattage turn signal relay (8W-23W)
- Wire, 3P connector, bullet terminals, spade terminals and covers (if not cutting the harness)
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*Installation is at your own risk. If you're unsure about doing the work yourself, we recommend consulting your local motorcycle shop.
*The content and photos reflect the time of writing. Please check each product page for current specifications, fitment and stock.