Motorcycle Brake/Turn Light PCB
Topics: Circuits, DIY, LED/Lighting

A stranger off eBay got me pulled over, from across the world.

I have a 1983 Kawasaki CSR 305 that has a hint of a cafe racer.  For the look, I replaced the stock brake and turn lights with a LED brake/turn light combo from eBay.  It was manufactured overseas, very cheaply.

 

Brake-Light-3
typical cheap brake/turn light

 

Something failed and the lights went out…at night…while riding.  This upset the local authorities.

I wasn’t able to find a good quality brake/turn light combo that looked good for under $100, so I decided to build my own.

 

Brake-Light-4
simple current control for running, plate, brake, left, and right turn lights

 

pcb layout - designed in circuitmaker
pcb layout – designed in circuitmaker  (extra traces for heat dissipation)

I removed the board from my broken eBay brake light and designed a board that would fit into the same enclosure.  The PCB is from OSH Park.

Brake-Light-2

 

I bought 1000mcd 120° red and amber LEDs.  They are astoundingly bright.

 

Running Light and Turn Signal
Running Light and Turn Signal

brake-light-7

Disclaimer:  Use at your own risk.  Check state and local laws first.

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