Motorcycle Load Equalizers Explained | Why You Need One for LED Turn Signals

Upgrading to LED turn signals on your motorcycle can significantly improve your visibility and style. But if you’ve made the switch and noticed your turn signals are now flashing too fast—or your dash is showing an error—you’ve likely encountered the issue of hyperflashing.

The fix? A load equalizer.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a load equalizer is, why LED turn signals often require one, how they work, and how to install one easily with your Eagle Lights LED upgrade.

 

What Is a Load Equalizer?

A load equalizer is an electronic component that mimics the electrical resistance of a traditional incandescent bulb. It is used when upgrading to low-draw LED turn signals to prevent hyperflashing, fast blinking, or signal errors.

Think of it as a simulated load—it tricks your motorcycle’s flasher relay or Body Control Module (BCM) into thinking you still have the stock bulbs installed.

 

Why Does Hyperflashing Happen?

Motorcycles equipped with incandescent bulbs rely on the electrical resistance of the bulb to regulate flash speed. When you replace those bulbs with LEDs—which draw far less power—the system thinks the bulb is missing or burned out.

This triggers:

• 🔁 Fast turn signal blinking (hyperflash)

• 🚫 Error lights on your dash (for CANBUS bikes)

• ❌ Signals that don’t flash at all

A load equalizer solves this by adding resistance back into the circuit.

 

Load Equalizer vs. Flasher Relay Replacement

There are two common ways to correct hyperflashing:

1. Load Equalizer (Inline Resistor)

• Installed in parallel with the turn signal wiring

• Mimics the resistance of an incandescent bulb

• Easy to install and often plug-and-play

2. LED-Compatible Flasher Relay

• Replaces the bike’s existing signal flasher

• Regulates flash speed without resistors

• Great for metric bikes and older Harleys

💡 At Eagle Lights, we include a plug-and-play load equalizer with most of our LED turn signal kits for Harley-Davidson, Indian, and metric models.

 

When Do You Need a Load Equalizer?

 

Signs You Need a Load Equalizer

• 🔁 Turn signals blink 2x as fast as normal

• ⚠️ Dashboard shows a “bulb out” or signal fault

• 🔌 LED signals don’t light up or blink inconsistently

• ❗ You hear a faster clicking than usual from your relay

💡 These symptoms usually appear after installing LED turn signals—not headlights, tail lights, or marker lights.

 

How Does a Load Equalizer Work?

A load equalizer works by creating a power draw similar to a filament bulb. It converts excess electrical energy into heat—which balances the circuit and normalizes the flash rate.

• Connects in parallel to your LED turn signal wires

• Doesn’t affect the brightness or operation of the signal itself

• May be built into the signal unit or supplied as a separate module

Technical Specs:

• Resistance: 6Ω (ohms) is most common

• Power Rating: 25–50 watts

• Heat Dissipation: Aluminum housing for thermal protection

 

Where Is a Load Equalizer Installed?

A load equalizer is installed inline with the turn signal wiring, typically behind the headlight, under the seat, or near the tail light wiring harness.

Front Signals:

• Connect between the signal wire and ground

• Mount resistor to metal (they get hot during use)

Rear Signals:

• Same process as front

• Use heat-resistant zip ties or mounting tabs

🛠 Eagle Lights kits include plug-and-play harnesses so you don’t have to cut or splice your factory wiring.

 

Are Load Equalizers Safe?

Yes—when installed correctly, load equalizers are completely safe.

✅ Use supplied mounting tape or install on a metal surface
✅ Avoid placing on plastic, paint, or wiring bundles
✅ Do not install near sensitive electronics or fuel lines

⚠️ Load equalizers get hot to the touch during operation. This is normal and expected—it’s how they function.

 

Do All Bikes Need Load Equalizers?

✅ Harley-Davidson (Pre-CANBUS, 1996–2013):

Yes—load equalizers correct flash rate on models with analog flashers.

✅ Harley-Davidson (CANBUS, 2014+):

Yes, unless your bike has a self-learning BCM (2020+ Touring models). Eagle Lights CANBUS-compatible modules prevent dash errors.

✅ Indian Motorcycles:

Yes—especially for Scouts and Chiefs with LED signal upgrades. Our kits include model-specific equalizers.

✅ Metric Motorcycles (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki):

Often better to replace the flasher relay, but equalizers work as well. We offer 2-pin, 3-pin, and universal flasher relays too.

 

Eagle Lights Turn Signal Kits = No Guesswork

We take the hassle out of LED upgrades by including:

• ✅ Pre-matched load equalizers or CANBUS resistors

• ✅ Plug-and-play signal inserts or harnesses

• ✅ Smoked or clear lenses

• ✅ Lifetime warranty on most products

• ✅ Step-by-step install instructions and video support

🛠 No cutting, no coding, no tech headaches. Just install and ride.

 

Installation Tips

Tools You’ll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver

• Heat-resistant zip ties

• Optional: electrical tape or heat shrink

Step-by-Step:

1. Disconnect your old turn signal

2. Plug in the new LED turn signal

3. Attach the load equalizer between the signal wire and ground

4. Secure the resistor to a metal surface

5. Test turn signals for proper flash speed

6. Repeat for front and/or rear as needed

📦 All Eagle Lights turn signal kits include model-specific instructions.

 

Common Myths

❌ “I don’t need an equalizer with LEDs.”

If your bike isn’t CANBUS or doesn’t have a self-learning BCM, you probably do. Otherwise, you’ll get hyperflash or fault codes.

❌ “Load equalizers are dangerous.”

They’re safe when mounted properly and used as directed.

❌ “It’ll affect my battery.”

Load equalizers don’t drain your battery—they simply stabilize your flasher relay during signal use.

 

Shop Load Equalizer-Compatible Signal Kits

Eagle Lights makes it easy to upgrade your motorcycle with bright, reliable LED turn signals—and avoid electrical headaches.

👉 Shop LED Turn Signal Kits with Load Equalizers