cafe racer turn signals

What is a cafe racer turn signal? 

Cafe racer turn signals, also known as blinkers, are a necessary part of a cafe racer to signal turns and lane changes. 

They are also required by law in most jurisdictions. 

Cafe racer turn signals are available in a variety of styles, such as compact and sleek models that complement the minimalist look of a cafe racer.

Traditional round turn lights can add a retro look to your cafe racer. 

Some people prefer to opt for LED blinkers because they are more energy efficient and have a longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Types of turn signals for cafe racer

There are several types of turn signals for cafe racer, including :

• Compact and stylish models: These turn lights have a minimalist look that complements the aesthetic of a cafe racer. They can be mounted in a variety of locations, such as on the foot pegs, handlebars or rear of the cafe racer.
• Traditional round turn signals: These turn lights have a retro look that can add a classic touch to a cafe racer. They are usually mounted on the fork legs or handlebars.
• Handlebar end turn signals: These blinkers are mounted on the end of the handlebar and have a sleek, low-profile design.
• Built-in turn signals: These turn light are integrated into the design of the cafe racer, for example in the headlight or tail light.
• Motorcycle LED Turn Signal: These blinkers are more energy efficient and have a longer life span than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in different shapes and sizes and can be integrated into the design of the cafe racer.
• Fork / Shock Indicator: These indicators are in the form of a flexible LED strip and are installed on the fork legs and shocks. 

Why choose LED turn signals on a cafe racer? 

LED turn signals offer several benefits when used on a cafe racer:

• Increased Visibility: LED lights are brighter and more visible than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can improve safety while driving, especially in low light conditions or at night.
• Energy efficiency: LED lights use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can help extend the battery life of the cafe racer.
• Longer life: LED blinkers have a longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means they will need to be replaced less often.
• Customizable: LED turn lights are available in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, which can be used to customize the look of the cafe racer and make it stand out.
• Lighter Weight: LED lights are lighter than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can help reduce the overall weight of the cafe racer.
• Durability: LED lights are more durable and resist damage from vibration, which can be a problem for traditional incandescent bulbs when used on a cafe racer.

In summary, LED turn signals can be a great choice for a cafe racer, as they offer better visibility, energy efficiency, longer life and customization options.

Is it necessary to install an LED flasher relay or resistors on the cafe racer flasher? 

When installing LED turn signals on a cafe racer, it is often necessary to install an LED flasher relay or resistors in order to correct the flashing speed of the turn lights. This is because LED lights consume less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, and the cafe racer's turn signal may not be able to detect the lower power consumption.

An LED flasher relay is designed to correct the flashing speed of LED lights by mimicking the current consumption of an incandescent bulb. It replaces the factory flasher and allows the LED flasher to flash at the correct speed.

Resistors can also be used to correct the flashing frequency of LED flashers. They work by adding a resistor to the circuit, which mimics the current draw of an incandescent bulb.

It is important to note that some newer motorcycles have built-in LED turn signals and do not require the installation of a relay or resistors. Before installing LED turn lights, it is important to check the cafe racer owner's manual or consult a professional mechanic to determine if a relay or LED turn signal resistors are required.

Is it mandatory to have homologated turn signals in the USA? 

In the United States, it is mandatory for cafe racer to have turn signals that are compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This means that the blinkers must be of a type that has been tested and approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are labeled with a "DOT" (Department of Transportation) symbol to indicate compliance. The turn signals must also function properly and be visible to other drivers on the road.

It's important to note that while the federal government sets safety standards for cafe racer, some states have their own regulations that may apply. It's recommended to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure that the turn lights you install on your cafe racer are compliant with the laws and regulations in your state.

In summary, it is mandatory to have turn signals on a caferacer that are compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and any state regulations in the USA, which are usually referred as homologated turn signals.

How to install cafe racer turn signals ?

Installing cafe racer blinkers can vary depending on the specific model of your motorcycle and the type of turn signals you are installing. However, here are some general steps that can be used as a guide for installation:

1. Gather the necessary tools and parts: You will need a variety of tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, as well as any necessary parts, such as mounting hardware, wiring, and a LED flashing relay or resistors (if required).
2. Remove the old turn signals: Depending on your motorcycle, you may need to remove the old turn signals by undoing any mounting bolts or screws. Take note of the wiring connections so that you can reconnect the new turn signals correctly.
3. Install the new turn lights: Depending on the type of turn signals you are installing, you may need to mount them on the fork legs, handlebars, or rear of the bike. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific installation process.
4. Connect the wiring: Once the new turn lights are mounted, you will need to connect the wiring. Make sure to connect the wires according to their colors and the wiring diagram.
5. Install a LED flashing relay or resistors (if required): If you are installing LED turn lights, it may be necessary to install a LED flashing relay or resistors to correct the flash rate. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific installation process.
6. Test the turn signals: Once the installation is complete, test the turn lights to make sure they are working properly.