Stock Harley or Japanese turn signals are often the first thing builders changeToo big, too conspicuous, not in keeping with the custom look. This guide helps you choose the right motorcycle turn signals according to your style (chopper, bobber, café racer, brat), your budget, and French regulations. As a bonus, it includes the Holdfast Edge Cut, Micro, and Brass ranges, plus replacement lenses.
Why change your stock turn signals?
Three reasons stand out:
- Aesthetic The original turn signals on modern Harleys are black, plastic, and bulky. On a sleek black or chrome custom motorcycle, they disrupt the lines.
- Size and discretion Custom turn signals like the Edge Cut or Micro make up 30 to 50% of the stock volume. The visual difference is immediate.
- Quality and durability Turn signals machined from solid aluminum or brass last longer than plastic ones. They are resistant to impacts, UV rays, and rain.
Approval and legislation in France
French regulations require:
- Turn signals visible from 50 meters Day and night
- amber/yellow-orange color (Smoked lenses are acceptable if the bulb is amber)
- Flashing frequency between 60 and 120 per minute
- "E" Approval European marking (optics + bulb)
In practice, an Edge Cut LED 12V turn signal marked "E" will pass the vehicle inspection without any problems. Vintage brass turn signals may require special attention during the inspection. Tip: always choose a CE-approved model to avoid surprises.
LED or incandescent?
Modern turn signals are almost all of them are 12V LEDs — the current standard. LED advantages:
- 10x longer lifespan (50,000 h vs 5,000 h for incandescent bulbs)
- Energy consumption reduced by a factor of 10
- Motorcycle vibration resistance
- Instant brightness (no temperature increase)
Classic trap When switching from incandescent to LED, the overall resistance of the circuit decreases, causing it to blink too quickly (the "bulb burnout" effect). Solution: add a compatible LED resistor or replace the original relay with an LED-compatible relay.
The 4 dominant styles of custom turn signals
Edge Cut style (bobber/chopper)
Angular, sharp-edged optics, machined from anodized aluminum. The most popular model on modern choppers and bobbers. Holdfast distributes 4 Edge Cut models with interchangeable lenses:
- Edge Cut Bobber Turn Signals, Smoked Lenses, 12V LED
- Edge Cut Bobber Turn Signals Orange Lens LED 12V
- Edge Cut Turn Signals, Smoked Lenses (black version)
- Edge Cut Turn Signals, Orange Lenses (black version)
Vintage Brass Style
Gold finish that develops a patina over time. Ideal for heritage builds that already incorporate brass elements (risers, grips, plugs).
- Hold Fast Brass Turn Signals — Solid brass machining, natural patina after a few months
Interchangeable cabochons
The Edge Cut turn signals have a system of screw-on cabochonsYou can change the color of the lens without changing the entire indicator, depending on the season or the desired style.
- Smoked Cabochons — discreet look, the orange LED bulb remains approved
- Vintage Red Cabochons — to be mounted at the rear with a combined brake/indicator bulb
mounting position
Three options dominate:
On the fork (front)
Original Harley location. Maximum visibility. The Edge Cut turn signals screw onto the telescopic fork with a mounting arm. This is the simplest installation on Sportster, Dyna, and Softail models.
Bar end (end of handlebars)
Discreet mounting in the end of the handlebars, very trendy on café racers and brats. Requires a hollow handlebar or a specific bracket. Edge Cut bar ends can be used as bar ends with the appropriate accessory.
Rear (license plate or sissy bar)
At the rear, integrated into a license plate bracket or on the sissy bar. This is where the red lenses with a brake/turn signal bulb are used: a single light performs both functions. Complete with:
- Brass Iron Brake Light Side Plate — license plate bracket + integrated brake light
- Side panel brake light Black Iron — black version
- Multi-position side license plate bracket — the indispensable fixing base
Matching brake lights
For aesthetic consistency, the turn signals are matched to the brake light. Holdfast offers several combinations:
- Comet LED Black Rear Brake Light — modern compact profile
- Comet Brass Brake Light — matches the brass turn signals
- Black LED brake light with brass screws — black/brass contrast
- Brass LED brake light — 100% brass
- Vintage Hollister Aluminum Brake Light — classic domed shape
- Hollister Aluminum Brake Lights — alternative version
Matching headlights
For a cohesive cockpit, the headlight should also be matched. Two dominant styles:
- Vintage Black Bobber Motorcycle Headlight with Yellow Optics — sharp contrast look
- Vintage Black Bobber Motorcycle Headlight with White Optics - modern
- Vintage Bobber Headlight Yellow optics
- Electroline vintage motorcycle headlight — 40s cliché style
Installation: 30 minutes per pair
- Remove the stock turn signals : disconnect the wires, unscrew the bracket.
- Identify the ground wire (black) and the power wire on the motorcycle wiring harness.
- Install the new turn signal instead of, or via, its specific support.
- Connect the wires : Motorcycle LED = 2 wires (power + ground). Observe the polarity carefully.
- Test before driving : left flashing, right flashing, warning if present.
- If frequency is too fast (bulb failure effect): add an LED resistor or change the relay.
FAQ
Are Edge Cut turn signals approved?
Yes, 12V LED bulbs with European E marking, pass motorcycle technical inspection.
Is it legal to install a smoked turn signal?
Yes, as long as the bulb is orange — the smoked cabochon is still tolerated if the visible light is yellow/amber.
How much power do 12V LEDs consume?
Approximately 3W each, compared to 10-15W for a stock incandescent bulb. The battery lasts longer.
Should the turn signal relay be replaced?
Only if the frequency exceeds 200 rpm. Otherwise, an LED resistor is sufficient.
View all Holdfast vintage lights and indicators ›