1 wire turn signals on 76 XS650

[agentj]

How do I connect these up? Do they just ground out through the frame? Also what is the model number for a 76? Often model number is refered to rather than year. Is there some where I can verify which model I have by checking a serial number or something?


Thanks in advance for the advice to a newbie!

[5twins]

The one wire is power. There should be a washer w/ ground wire attached that goes under the nut that secures the stalk. A '76 would be an XS650C model.

[agentj]

Thanks for the response!

Could I fab up one of the ground washers by soldering a wire to a split ring washer? Does the ground wire run back to ground for the taillight?

Thanks again.

J

[spyug]

Welcome to the board.

You could certainly fab up a ground wire like that but if you check the auto stores or electrical supply stores they will have a crimp on type "washer" that will make it easier for you. Just slip it over a length of wire squeeze the crimp and your done. Bullet connector ( crimped) at the other end and your ground lead is complete.

In the headlight bucket you will find several female ground connectors and at the back end, three connectors for the 2 turn signals and 1 for the taillight. If you can't find a female ground connector, just run your lead to any nut on the frame. Same difference.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
spyug.

[agentj]

Thanks Spyug, I'll give that a try.

J

[thesefuggincarbs]

I've got a question about this set up as well, I just purchased 4 minis for my bike, to replace the stock one footers. New lights have two wires. Can I change the ground (washer) connector on the bike end and just connect it to the ground wire on the new light, or, should I add a washer connector to the light and then pancake them both together when mounting them back on the bike? Thanks~~Nate

[5twins]

You could do it either way although the most direct path (with fewest connections) is probably best. I would run the new signal's ground wire to the connecter where the original washer wire plugged in. You could remove the original ground wire and maybe it's washer as well as long as there is still a washer in place to squeeze on the grommet the signal mounts through.

[Mildmitch]

I've recently added mini blinkers to my Sr500 and XS650. I went directly to ground on the frame and lit the running lamps tied to the tail lite wiring. Turn signals to those circuits of course.

The whole point is the bikes are WAY more visilble with the addition of the amber running lites. And both bikes look cleaner without the giant factory (legal) Turn signals.
Merry Christmas!
Mitch

[ttmaniac]

On a less serious note; I once added mini signals to my xs and they lasted about 2-3 miles before burning out from xs vibration....needless to say, my left arm now makes an excellent replacement turn signal

[orforester]

I always wondered about those "mini" signals. Good suggestion tt about making sure they are rubber mounted. I will do to my continuing street tracker.

[Wahoo650]

I mounted the mini's in the factory locations, using the rubber mounts, and have not had a problem in over 2 years. Not even a bulb failure.

Matt

[ttmaniac]

Where do u get the replacement bulbs.....the autozone by my house d
oesn't carry them

[Wahoo650]

I don't recall the part # on mine (haven't had them out since installing) but remember them to be a standard looking single filament automotive type bulb. I have upgraded to an electronic flasher, so I'm not critical on the current drop. If you've upgraded, then pretty much any 12v bulb that fits should work. If running the factory blinker unit, then you need to have a high enough current draw to make the unit flash (this upgrade can be found if you search the site).

Matt

[ttmaniac]

I was running super minis about 1 inch by 2 inches.....the bulb was funky and small and not standard automotive..... a standard automotive was as big as the signal itself....they almost looked like xmas tree lights

[Six-Five-O]

I mounted the mini's in the factory locations, using the rubber mounts, and have not had a problem in over 2 years. Not even a bulb failure.

Matt

Yepper...I have the exact same mini's that Matt has, mounted the same way and have not had a problem with bulbs vibrating apart.. Electric type of flasher/timer too..

Surprising bright light from such a small bulb too!