blinkers LED Signals: The Cheap and the Quality

[shutterrev 469]

The 890 ADV R in my garage belongs to a friend, and it is befarkled with the very nice Cyclops LED turn signals that just plug and play. The signals also have DRL in the front, and that kinda cool night rider fading signal like fancy cars, instead of just flashing. The rears also do some added braking lighting which is really nice. 

Multi Function Cyclops LED Turn Signals $140ish


So anyway those cyclops signals are like $140, knowing that I would be willing to pay that, I decided to see just how close I could get with the cheap stuff especially since many people like to say things like "It's just the same as the amazon stuff with a brand name on it" etc. 

So I bought the $18 amazon blinkers that appeared to have all the same functionality and ok reviews...
and... even have a flexible mounting.
 

Key differences at first glance: 
Pro's: 
Lots Cheaper even with buying load resistors, connectors, etc. 
Cons:
Not as bright
The flexible base will allow moisture in to the light
The cover will allow moisture in to the led board 
The LED board does not appear to be silicone sealed 
Have to supply own load resistor if not replacing oem led's 
No quick disconnects everything needs to be wired 

After the first glance results above, I decided I will need two load resistors, and have a couple options. Sickass has these really nice ones, or there is these from the Amazon (So this option can be anywhere from $10 to $49 shipped). 


I also decided that I will need some silicone spray to seal the LED lights under the plastic cover to protect them from moisture ($9). 

I am currently waiting on the really thin resistors, but this morning I did go out and piggy back the lights off the OEM signals so that I could see the night rider style light function of the turn signal, and the DRL.

Total cost of the cheap option if you get the cheapo resistors, silicone, and do all the wiring DIY (no quick disconnectors): $37 +s&h
Total cost of the cheap option if you get the silicone, sickass resistors that have plug and play connectors: $66 +s&h

Conclusion: As we all regularly learn over and over again, you do get what you pay for. The Cyclops ones on the bike next to mine in the garage are a little brighter, plug and play, very nifty resistor block included, and they also seem to be much better sealed for weather. The ones I bought require other small purchases, manual wiring, and weather sealing, BUT are quite a bit cheaper option. I will wire up my cheapo setup and run it a while - ultimately the decider will be brightness and visibility of the signals to other riders etc - if they are the same or more effective than the stock OG Bulbs my 690 has, I am happy, but if they aren't even hitting that mark, the cyclops units are really nice. 

- Nick 

Edited August 27, 2022 by shutterrev

[Bagstr 287]

Thanks Nick for the thoughtful discussion.  Reminds me of the days of a teenage tuner, when cost controlled every decision.  One of the luxuries of being old and over the horizon of a working career, is to use the best quality short of bling. Some of my friends love a deal no mater what their resources.  We all push the button that works for us. These bikes are a never ending puzzle that demands our attention.

[Zubb 1061]

On 8/27/2022 at 8:50 AM, Bagstr said:

These bikes are a never ending puzzle that demands our attention.

aint that the truth.

[DSM8 360]

https://www.kchilites.com/cyclone-v2-cyclone-v2-led-single-light.html
 

i have used these as well and they really get the job done

[shutterrev 469]

Well, the update... 

The Good: 
I got them wired, used ktm facotry quick disconnects clipped from the stockers, and looped some thin resistors in the mix. The lights worked just fine, LED's were bright as or slightly more intense than stock, but not by much, but they also double as DRL and the DRL white light was pretty dang bright. Anyway all of that worked fine. 

Only thing left is to tighten them down. Which Brings us to... 

The Bad: 
During the tightening to bike process, it became clear these cant handle much tightening before the threaded post pulls the threads, and it's self out of the light housing. So, I clipped my connectors and put them back on the stockers, and the stockers are on again - Until I get nicer quality blinks
 

[shutterrev 469]

On 8/29/2022 at 5:10 PM, DSM8 said:

https://www.kchilites.com/cyclone-v2-cyclone-v2-led-single-light.html
 

i have used these as well and they really get the job done

I am actually considering these as an option, mounted closer toward the TC on the bark busters. 

[cmbthumper 160]

I am in the "I can afford it but i am a cheap bastard camp"

In the rear, If they can't bend they can't break. Chinesium Handlebar Signals spliced onto KTM JST plugs from the OG signal. Haven't crashed in them yet but i suspect they will be fine. If not, all of like $6-8 and 5min to splice. Yes, that is the expensive Sicass LED and KTM XCW under fender mount. 

In the front, Chinesium short flexible stock Signals spliced onto KTM JST plugs from the OG signal. Haven't crashed in them yet but i suspect they will be fine. If not, all of like $6-8 and 5min to splice. Probably the same as the $45 Sicass ones

 

Edited September 2, 2022 by cmbthumper
Forgot Vid

[shutterrev 469]

1 hour ago, cmbthumper said:

Chinesium

Really nice setup good looking bike 🤙🏻🫡