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Make the ‘bright’ choice: LED Motorcycle Turn Signal Lighting
April 12, 2018

Make the ‘bright’ choice: LED Motorcycle Turn Signal Lighting

LED Turn Signals have gained popularity in the motorcycle industry. The benefits of Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Lighting are notorious. They offer greater visibility, reliability, longer lifespan, and use less power. As we discussed in Rats Nest 101: A Tech’s Guide To Motorcycle LED Accent Lights, it can be like comparing apples to oranges when considering your LED choices . This holds true whether you are in the market for motorcycle LED accent lights, taillights, headlights or turn signals. With the recent release of our ProBEAM® Motorcycle LED turn signal lights and the pre-existing popularity of our original Dynamic Ringz™ Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Lighting, we hope to “shine a light” on their differences. Let’s see how their design and performance measure against the competition.

 

Factors

To provide an accurate and fair comparison we evaluated each product on the following criteria:

Quality of Components: all components including but not limited to the gauge of the wire, bulb base material and circuit board.

Craftsmanship: the design and assembly of each unit for durability and installation.

LEDs: the type and number of LEDs used in each product, determining light output or brightness.

Compliance: the function of each product for compliance with FMVSS Standard No. 108 #5 (DOT Compliance) as well as any additional held compliance.

ProBEAM® LED Turn Signals

ProBEAM® LED Turn Signal Lights are the latest LED turn signals from Custom Dynamics®. The ProBEAM® LED Turn Signals are made of high quality OSRAM automotive grade LEDs. They are also designed in compliance with FMVSS Standard No.108 #5. Each Amber/White ProBEAM® turn signal cluster contains 24 white LEDs that showcase a smooth white halo as the DRL. 12 amber LEDs at the center function as the full-contrast turn signal.

ProBEAM® Design

The patented design of the ProBEAM® turn signal cluster is a heat-stake assembly of a heavy-duty LED board, reflector, and inner lens. The LED board comes with a conformal coating to protect all components from moisture. The addition of the inner lens magnifies the LED light output. This provides a wider viewing angle, resulting in increased side visibility. The final assembly provides customers with a weather-tight sealed turn signal. A 22-gauge wire pigtail and bulb base allow for plug and play installation.

ProBEAM® turn signal cluster is a heat-stake assembly of a heavy-duty LED board, reflector, and inner lens.

The bulb base was easy to install. A flat head screw driver fit perfectly into the groove across the top of the bulb base. Four inches of wire between the cluster and the base allowed for easy maneuvering. We twist the cluster to coil the wires down into the housing before popping on the lens. DOT/SAE compliant ProBEAM® smoked lenses are included. The light smoked lenses provide a clean finished look when the bike is off.

 

At $109.95 for a pair, ProBEAM® turn signals and lenses provide a superior light output. They use a combination of high quality LEDs and components. ProBEAM® products have a Custom Dynamics® Lifetime LED Warranty and carry both DOT/SAE complianceWe also offer a complete line of ProBEAM® Motorcycle LED Lighting products including rear turn signals, taillights, and headlamps to outfit your ride!

ProBEAM® Lens

Comparison A: ProBEAM® v. Original Dynamic Ringz™

Custom Dynamics® acclaimed Original Dynamic Ringz™ are the first Amber/White Motorcycle LED turn signal. Each cluster has a total of 48 5mm LEDs. 24 outer White LEDs produce a bright white running light halo. The center 24 Amber LEDs provide a full contrast turn signal. Designed with FMVSS standards in mind, the original Dynamic Ringz™ will perform the same way as the new ProBEAM®. The white ring of LEDs will turn off while the amber turn signal blinks. Yet, the original Dynamic Ringz™ do not carry the same DOT/SAE compliance as the ProBEAM®.

The Design

The original Dynamic Ringz™ design is a standard LED board, 4″ wire pigtail and bulb base. A thick conformal coating provides protection from moisture. The tab/block on top of the bulb base makes this a “no tools needed” job. Just grab the plug and play bulb base with your fingertips to secure it into the socket!

Custom Dynamics® original Dynamic Ringz™

The biggest difference is the light output. The ProBEAM® utilizes a reflector technology with automotive grade LEDs. These components produce a brightness beyond compare. Also, due to the 5mm LED design of the original Dynamic Ringz™ they appear brightest when viewing from straight on. The ProBEAM® reflector disperses the light to offer a wider viewing angle with more side visibility.

 

Custom Dynamics® Dynamic Ringz™ retail at $89.95 a pair and allow for the use of a clear or smoked lens, but these are sold separately ($7.90/pair)Custom Dynamics® offers a complete line of LED Lighting for motorcycles. Including: LED Turn Signal Motorcycle Lights, Motorcycle LED Taillights & Brake Lights, and other Motorcycle LED Lighting upgrades that use the same 5mm Dynamic Ringz™ LEDs for a cohesive look.

LED Turn Signals Comparison: ProBEAM® (left) and 'Brand A' (right)

Comparison B: ProBEAM® v. Competitor

This competitor’s cluster appears to resemble Custom Dynamics® original Dynamic Ringz™. This cluster has a total of 48 5mm LEDs. There are 24 outer white LEDs and 24 amber LEDs in the center. With power applied a huge difference is visible. During the turn signal cycle, the cluster alternates flashing between the white ring of LEDs and the amber LEDs in the centerSince the white ring of LEDs remains illuminated during the turn signal cycle, this product would not meet FMVSS Standard No. 108 #5 and does not follow DOT regulations.

 

ProBEAM® produces an unmatched light output with innovative design techniques. As expected, the ProBEAM® is visually brighter in both running and turn signal modes compared to this competitor.

Design and Components

The design of the competitor’s cluster has the same pigtail of wires between the LED board and bulb base. One notable difference is the small connector that joins the two together. The location of this connector makes it difficult to coil the wire inside the housing during installation. Plus, it creates an unnecessary potential failure point in the product. Another downfall with this product is the bulb base. The white epoxy-like substance that fills the bulb base does not have a screwdriver slot or tab. Without an easy way to handle the bulb base, twisting and securing it into the socket was a challenge.

At $79.95 (per pair; lenses sold separately), this LED cluster was very deceiving right out of the package. At first glance, it’s a comparable option to the Dynamic Ringz™. But, when you look at the details of this cluster you can see where some short cuts were made in both design, quality and craftsmanship.

When you look closely at this cluster you can see where some short cuts have been made in both design, quality and craftsmanship of the LED Turn Signals

Comparison C: ProBEAM® v. Competitor

With the highest price tag ($149.95/pair), expectations were high for this competitor’s LED turn signal! The unique looking units sit into their own black or chrome plastic trim with a clear lens. Each unit offers 16 white LEDs that illuminate as the running light. With the turn signal activated, 21 amber LEDs blink within the unit. Since this is a sealed unit, options are limited to the clear lens with a black or chrome trim.

The lens design has a ‘protrusion’. Once installed, the top of the turn signal cluster sticks out further than the bottom. This ‘modern design’ mimics a visor style lens. However, if not aligned correctly it impacts the light dispersion and causes a decrease in viewing angle. The bulb base comes equipped with a screw driver slot for installation. The product is advertised as DOT compliant. The wire pigtail is about 2″ long. At half the length of what comes on the ProBEAM® turn signals, maneuvering the cluster during installation is more difficult.

Electrical Design

A significant drawback to this product is how the cluster functions with the 4 way hazard lights activated. The electrical design of this cluster requires constant power to illuminate the LEDs. Because of this design flaw, with the hazard warning cycle engaged there will be no illumination from the turn signals. Albeit, this is a very concerning design flaw. You can see the problem in our Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Lights comparison video

Comparison C: ProBEAM® v. Competitor LED Turn Signals

Comparison D: ProBEAM® v. Counterfeit

As the old saying goes “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. While shopping for products, buyers turn to eBay and Amazon retailers for perks like free shipping and fast delivery. Yet, too often we hear from a customer who received an inferior product. These counterfeit products do not meet our customers’ expectations.

 

The counterfeit product we compared was a 48 LED cluster. There is a ring of 24 white LEDs and 24 amber LEDs at the center. The pair of clusters sold at $39.95, lenses not included. The cluster had minimal conformal coating on the back. Based on the listing information, there was no applicable warranty. It also lacked manufacturer contact information should we have required assistance or support.

Comparison D: ProBEAM® v. Counterfeit

Amber Hazard Warning Flash

Most importantly, the ring of white DRL LEDs do not turn off at all when the turn signal activated. This behavior does not comply with FMVSS Standard No. 108 #5. Because the white LEDs overpower the amber turn signal, the turn signal is almost invisible. The image below shows the hazard warning cycle flash with the counterfeit LED cluster on the right side. The pronounced amber ProBEAM® hazard warning flash on the left (for comparison). Comparatively, you cannot see the counterfeit amber hazard warning flash (right side). 

It is impossible to see the Amber hazard warning cycle flash from 'Brand D' LED Turn Signals

Other Considerations

Undeniably, LED turn signals are becoming more and more popular. Concurrently, the market has become flooded with options. You’ll find that the price varies with LED turn signal replacement products. The caliber of the components and the quality of the units varies with the price.  As a rule of thumb, if it seems too good to be true – it is.

Subsequently, you must also consider compatibility with your bike’s electrical system. If  products are not manufactured to be BCM compliant, the result will be the bike throwing Diagnostic Trouble Codes. This causes a rapid flash on the turn indicators that cannot be resolved.

 

All Custom Dynamics® LED turn signals go through rigorous testing methods to ensure BCM compliance. To ensure your purchase, contact Custom Dynamics® or an authorized DRAG Specialties dealer. Identifying the new ProBEAM® LED Turn Signals is easy with the new Custom Dynamics® packaging. Plus, ‘Custom Dynamics®’ is printed on the LED circuit board as well as on the DOT compliant lens.

Policies and Support

Besides direct product and price comparisons, also consider the company policies and support. See what technical support the company can offer you. Particularly if you are doing the install yourself and are unsure about the process. Custom Dynamics® offers quick reference installation videos and on demand technical support. Call and speak with a technician to guide you through installation.

Investigate the product warranty and warranty process should you encounter LED failure. Custom Dynamics® offers a Lifetime Warranty against LED failure. We have streamlined our claim process to reach a resolution the same day. Other competitors state on their website it could take as long as 1-2 weeks to process a claim – hopefully that’s not during riding season!

PROBEAM® MOTORCYCLE LED LIGHTING

SHOP PROBEAM® MOTORCYCLE LED TURN SIGNAL LIGHTING!

28 comments

  1. Brett on 06.18.2022 at 5:01 am

    I have a 2015 limited CVO will turn signals effect radio reception

    • Karen on 06.20.2022 at 9:23 am

      Hi Brett, our LED turn signal replacements are BCM compliant & do not produce any radio frequency. They will not interfere with radio reception.

  2. Robert Casey on 11.13.2021 at 2:05 pm

    I have a 2020 Harley Davidson Street Glide and have one side that is definitely brighter than the other… Posible replacement of led cluster and if so can the replacement led cluster availible and where?

    • Karen on 11.14.2021 at 6:23 pm

      Hi Robert, We do honor a lifetime warranty on our LED products. I’m not able to locate a direct order in our system from you, but you can submit information to our warranty department and they will get you taken care of regardless of where the purchase was made. https://customdynamics.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

  3. Steve Wiks on 12.04.2020 at 7:26 am

    Going to order your front and rear turn signal kit for my HD 2014 Street Glide Special. I have 2 options for the rear, either solid red or red ring. Which type is most commonly ordered and why?

    • Erin Armitage on 12.04.2020 at 8:58 am

      Hi Steve! Thanks for reaching out! The choice of which “configuration” or style of rear red 1157 turn signal you select truly comes down to a matter of preference more than anything else! Both styles provide red running light, turn signal flash and brake function and with the ProBEAM® turn signals, they also include red lenses (Smoked lenses sold separately). Some customers prefer the solid red so that the entire cluster illuminates for each function (i.e. 24 red ProBEAM® LEDs showcase a smooth red light that functions as a low intensity running light and provides high intensity red brake and turn signal). While other customers prefer the red ring option which provides you with full contrast brake and turn signal (i.e. rather than the entire cluster getting brighter for those high intensity functions, the separate red LEDs at the center of the cluster illuminate only when brake/turn is applied). Truly, you can’t go wrong with either option! I’ve included both ProBEAM® Rear Red 1157 product pages, below, for your review!

      ProBEAM® Red Ring Rear 1157 LED turn signals
      ProBEAM® Solid Red Rear 1157 LED turn signals

      If you have any additional questions regarding those options, please don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re available by phone at 1-800-382-1388 (Normal Business Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm EST Monday – Thursday; Closed Noon – 1pm & 9:30am – 5:30pm EST Friday; Closed Noon – 1pm). Thank you for considering Custom Dynamics, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

  4. Michael Swenor on 05.03.2020 at 4:46 pm

    I installed the probeam turn signals on my 2006 fat boy. The problem the I have is the right side turn Signal does not work when I install the led light. I have switched lights around and it is not the led light. I installed the regular bulb back in and it works fine. This is the right rear turn signal. The fronts and left rear work fine. Any ideas what is wrong?

  5. Jens on 01.07.2020 at 3:16 pm

    Hallo
    Ich fahre eine Rod King FLHR 2018 im Deutschland.
    Gibt es auch für mich eine Variante für 7“ Frontscheinwerfer und 2x 4;5“ für die Nebelscheinwerfer in LED?
    Auch würde ich gern die Blinker auf LED umrüsten, aber bei uns sind die Blinker nur ohne Zusatzfunktion zugelassen.
    Ist ein unkomplizierter Austausch der Kabelstecker möglich?
    Es müssten die Teile auch eine ECE Nummer haben.

    Ich freue mich auf eine Nachricht von Euch
    Jens

    • Erin Armitage on 01.07.2020 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Jens!

      We’ll follow-up with you via email to discuss product options for your bike! We look forward to talking with you soon!

  6. Dan miller on 07.01.2019 at 5:43 pm

    I have a Fltrxs 2017 and want to upgrade my turning signal lights to led please tell me which ones fit my bike . Thank you dan miller

    • Erin Armitage on 07.02.2019 at 8:14 am

      Hi Dan!

      Thank you for considering Custom Dynamics for your 2017 Road Glide Special (FLTRXS)! You can find all the products with fitment on your ’17 FLTRXS, here! Specifically, the LED Turn Signals we have available can be found, here! Please let us know if you have any questions and/or if we can help you place an order! Thank you again for considering Custom Dynamics, have a wonderful week!

  7. Justin on 03.22.2019 at 10:25 am

    I bought these for my 2013 Road Glide Ultra and the lenses pop off with very little pressure. They don’t have that click that the original lenses do. Can the gasket be removed on the lenses or is there another issue present?

    • Erin Armitage on 03.22.2019 at 10:56 am

      Hi Justin,

      We can certainly help you out with your lenses! We don’t encourage you to remove the gasket as the design provides a water-tight seal. However, we can certainly have a technician follow up with you to review the issue you’re experiencing! We will get this over to them now and will follow up with an email in case you have any questions!

  8. Rafael Martinez on 03.09.2019 at 9:14 pm

    My email [email protected]

    Again I have a 2018 street glide and got the pro beam inserts for my bullet turn signals I even have the black weather seal and they won’t pop in even though I twist and secure them nice and tight. They come off with very little pressure.

    • Erin Armitage on 03.11.2019 at 9:12 am

      Good morning Rafael,

      We would be happy to have one of our techs reach out to you regarding the issue that you are experiencing! We will get this over to them now and will follow up with an email in case you have any questions!

  9. Rafael Martinez on 02.24.2019 at 11:24 am

    I have tried everything and my 2018 street glide lens covers do not pop in!!! I dont want to brake or mesh up a easy install however many people are having the issue of not being able to hear a click or wonder if there lens cover will fall down the road. What can we do me especially in this situation.

    • Erin Armitage on 02.26.2019 at 9:08 am

      Hi Rafael!

      We’d be happy to help with your 2018 Street Glide! We’ll send you an email direct to get some more information on the products you have and what the issue might be!

  10. Ian Partridge on 10.10.2018 at 2:50 am

    Love the look of the lights but as I am from Australia are they compatable with the international model { my bike is a 2017 Street Glide Special } and do you ship to Australia.

    • Erin Armitage on 10.10.2018 at 2:18 pm

      Hi Ian!

      Thanks for checking out the blog! Being that your 2017 Street Glide Special is an HDI International Model, I’m assuming you have stock front turn signals that only operate as turn signals (no driving light/DRL function). As long as you have single-intensity, turn signal-only front turn signals (stock), I would very much recommend using our ProBEAM® (HDI/1156) Dynamic Ringz™ found here (PN: PB-AW-1156): https://www.customdynamics.com/probeam-amber-white-dynamic-ringz-1156?cat=

      These LED Turn Signals offer a White Ring of LEDs which functions as a constant on/running light DRL (very smooth, ring look). When turn signal is applied, the White LEDs turn completely off for the entire turn signal cycle providing greater visibility to the full contrast amber turn signal! The ProBEAM® turn signals also include their own Smoked lenses which are DOT/SAE compliant! The installation makes use of a 1156 bulb base which will plug in to the turn signal socket. There is also an extended white wire you will have to run to the nearest run light power to enable the white halo (may have to drill a hole in the turn signal housing/reflector in order to run the wire). I have included the installation instructions if you would like to review them: https://www.customdynamics.com/media/wysiwyg/product_instructions/PB-AW-1156_web_only_2.pdf

      We do also ship to Australia! Shipping methods and costs are calculated based on the specific products in your order and the postal code to which they will be sent.

      Please let us know if your front turn signals function as run and turn signal (stock) as this will change the product fitment for your bike. There is a lot of information to review online, so please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you place your order! Have a great week and ride safe!

  11. Scott Pfeifer on 07.03.2018 at 1:28 pm

    I have a 2016 road glide ultra. i installed the pro beams. They look great but i’m getting a fast blinking dash turn signal. What do i do to correct this?

    • Erin Armitage on 07.03.2018 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Scott!

      Thank you for choosing Custom Dynamics! It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the new ProBEAM® turn signals! Because you have a CanBus model, no additional products are required for the LED turn signal conversion. However, you may have to clear diagnostic trouble codes and perform a BCM Sync – all of which is very easy to do! We’ll send you an email with Tech. Bulletins which will walk you through both processes! Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else we can help you with! Thank you again for choosing Custom Dynamics®, have a wonderful holiday and ride safe!

  12. Gary Robas on 05.08.2018 at 2:03 pm

    Do you have LED lights for 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT, If so, let me know!
    Thanks

    • Erin Armitage on 05.08.2018 at 2:58 pm

      Good Morning, Gary!
      Thanks for considering Custom Dynamics! We do have a few options for 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT models! We’ll email you with information now!

  13. Deloy Crume on 04.18.2018 at 5:50 am

    Do you make led head lights & tail lights, Blinkers. For 2015 Vulcan VN 900LT?l. ?

    • Erin Armitage on 04.18.2018 at 1:28 pm

      Good Morning, Deloy!
      We have a few options for 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT models! We’ll email you with information now!

  14. Jorge Knapp on 04.17.2018 at 11:28 am

    Do you have for 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900C, if you have let me know!
    Thanks

    • Erin Armitage on 04.17.2018 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Jorge!
      We do have a few options for 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900C models! We’ll email you with information now!

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