How to Move Turn Signals on a Motorcycle

Relocating a motorcycle's turn signals is often done to make room for additional accessories, such as saddlebags.

Relocating the turn signals on a motorcycle is done mainly to make room for additional accessories, such as saddlebags. Of course, other factors including personal style can play as a major influence in this procedure. While aftermarket bolt-on relocation kits are available for many of today's motorcycles, some applications require fabrication and DIY modifications. Have a clear objective before beginning, since cutting and splicing of your motorcycle's electrical system may be required.

Things You'll Need

• String
• Electrical wire, red and black
• Wire cutting and stripping tool
• Soldering iron
• P-clamps or brackets

Instructions

1. Select a mounting point for your relocated turn signals. Forward-facing turn signals can be mounted to the forks or the frame's down tubes, the portion that extends below the front forks and under the motor, using p-clamps. Rear turn signals may be moved further down the fender, to the frame, or mounted by brackets to the rear shock absorbers.

2. Remove the turn signal from the motorcycle and locate the turn signal's wiring connector. Follow the turn signal's wiring from its stock location to the connector that joins the turn signal to the motorcycle's wiring harness. Disconnect the turn signal from the motorcycle's wiring harness.

3. Measure the distance from the motorcycle's turn signal connector to the turn signal's desired mounting location using a length of string. Using this measurement, cut two separate lengths of red and electrical electrical wire with a wire cutting and stripping tool. Cut two sets, one per turn signal. These wires will be used to connect the turn signal to the wiring harness.

4. Cut the turn signal's wiring with a wire cutting tool, selecting a point midway between the turn signal and its connector. Strip the end of the turn signal's portion of the wire. Splice in the longer length of wires onto it, connecting the black wire to the turn signal's negative wire and the red wire to the turn signal's positive wire. Join the wires permanently using a soldering iron.

5. Slide a length of shrink tubing over the wiring, pushing it far enough down to leave the open end of the wire exposed.

6. Strip the connector's portion of the wire with a wire stripping tool and splice it onto the open end of the long wires. Connect the red wire to the connector's positive wire and the black wire to the connector's negative wire. Use a soldering iron to join the wires permanently.

7. Pull the heat shrink tubing over the soldered joint. Apply heat with a heat gun to shrink the tubing.

8. Mount the turn signals onto the motorcycle and route the extended wiring to the motorcycle's wiring harness. Secure the wiring to the motorcycle's forks or frame using nylon wire ties.

Tips & Warnings

• Motorcycle-specific P-clamps are available from various dealers; however, inexpensive P-clamps can be found in the plumbing department of most hardware stores.

• Do not attempt this project if you are not comfortable with performing the necessary electrical modifications. Instead, have the work performed by a professional motorcycle technician.

References

• The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995