There’s a philosophy in the world of design that applies perfectly to motorcycle design: when it’s good, you barely notice it. But when it’s bad, it’s the only thing you see. A set of big, bulky indicator lights can be incredibly obtrusive, distracting from the clean lines and meticulous craftsmanship that define a top-tier build. They have the power to undo hours of fabrication work with a single clumsy mounting stalk.
For this reason, seasoned builders don’t treat turn signals as an afterthought; they are a critical component selected early in the design process to be incorporated seamlessly. Ditching the clunky, incandescent lollipops that came from the factory is often the first step towards achieving a truly professional aesthetic.
Thankfully, we’re living in a golden age of lighting technology. Switching to a set of modern, high-quality LEDs not only improves your bike’s look but also provides an upgrade in safety and visibility. With so many options—from bar-end and integrated units to rugged, off-road-ready signals—choosing the right one can be daunting. Here’s a look at some of our favorite options on the market, each offering a unique solution for your next build.
Motogadget Mo.Blaze Disc
When it comes to high-end electronics, Motogadget is in a class of its own, and their Mo.Blaze Disc bar-end indicators are a true design classic. Handmade in Berlin, these signals are a masterclass in German engineering and minimalist aesthetics. Rather than a conventional bulb and lens, the Mo.Blaze Disc uses Motogadget’s patented TranzLight® Technology, where light from three high-performance LEDs are projected through a crystal-like transparent disc, making it visible from all sides.
When switched off, the CNC-machined aluminum base and clear disc are incredibly discreet, harmonizing perfectly with the end of your handlebar. Switched on, they emit a bright, clean light. The design is perfect for decluttering the front end of a cafe racer or modern custom, eliminating the need for traditional turn signal stalks entirely. [motogadget GmbH]
Custom Dynamics Integrated License Plate Frame
For builders aiming for the cleanest possible tail section, especially on cruisers and modern classics, integrating multiple functions into a single unit is the holy grail. Custom Dynamics has perfected this approach with its integrated LED license plate frames. This clever solution combines a license plate mount, a white plate-illumination light, and ultra-bright red run/brake lights and amber turn signals into one package.
By consolidating all of your rear lighting needs into the footprint of your license plate, you can completely eliminate the stock taillight and signal stalks. This allows for a much tighter, more bobbed rear end without sacrificing safety or legality. The LEDs are intensely bright, and the build quality is top-notch, making it a go-to solution for anyone looking to hide their lighting in plain sight. [Custom Dynamics]
Hammer LEDs Flex 4
For scramblers, dual-sports, and any bike that’s destined to see dirt, durability is paramount. Standard turn signals are often the first casualty of an off-road tip-over, but Hammer LEDs are designed to survive the abuse. The key is their 360° bendable stainless steel stem, which allows the signal to flex and tuck away on impact, saving both the indicator and your bike’s fairings from damage.
These aren’t just tough; they’re incredibly bright. Recognizing that visibility is a major safety issue for adventure riders, Hammer LEDs equipped the Flex 4 with four premium, 120° ultrabright amber LEDs. With an output of 308 lumens, they are often brighter than stock incandescent bulbs, ensuring you’ll be seen in direct sunlight. They are the ultimate utilitarian choice for riders who value function and survivability above all else. [Strive Moto LLC]
Purpose Built Moto OmniÂ
Tom Gilroy of Purpose Built Moto has a knack for creating parts that are both beautiful and incredibly practical for the custom builder, and the Omni Lights are a prime example. These tiny, 3-in-1 LED lights are a versatile, all-in-one solution, combining turn signal, brake light, and tail light functions into a single, streamlined package.
Their minimalist design means they are virtually invisible until activated, and their simple mounting stud allows them to be placed almost anywhere on the rear of a bike. This makes them the perfect choice for achieving a clean, custom tail on any style of build, from a cafe racer to a street tracker. They are a testament to the idea that you don’t have to compromise on safety to achieve a stripped-down aesthetic. [Purpose Built Moto]
Kuryakyn by Kellermann Atto
Sometimes, the goal is to make your turn signals disappear altogether. For the ultimate in minimalist design, the Kuryakyn by Kellermann Atto are hard to beat. These indicators are mind-bogglingly small—about the size of a quarter—yet thanks to Kellermann’s EXtranz® (Extreme Optical Transparency) and HighPower LED technology, they are spectacularly bright when illuminated.
With a tiny M5 mounting thread, the Atto can be hidden almost anywhere, making it the perfect choice for show bikes or extreme customs where the goal is to have turn signals while keeping the lines as clean as humanly possible. While their diminutive size may not be legal for road use in all areas, there is no better option when you want your indicator lights to perform a disappearing act. [Turn 14 Powersports]
New Rage Cycles Rage 360 Turn Signals
The quest for the perfect, minimalist, easy-to-install front turn signals might just be over. Â The Rage 360 fork-mounted signals from New Rage Cycles are a simple solution that mounts directly onto your fork tubes. Engineered to clamp precisely onto your stanchions, they eliminate the need for adhesives or brackets, creating a factory-level fit and finish that slims down your profile and declutters your motorcycle. Available for fork sizes from 37mm to 43mm, these custom motorcycle turn signals look part of the original design.
Beyond their clean aesthetic, the Rage 360 turn signals deliver a massive upgrade in visibility. While many micro-indicators compromise safety for style, these units wrap a full 360 degrees around the fork, projecting a brilliant ribbon of light from their 1mm LEDs. This design ensures you’re seen from virtually any angle, a critical advantage in dense traffic. Engineered from durable PETG tubing, these motorcycle LED turn signals can function as either running lights or indicators. Installation is a straightforward affair that any home mechanic can tackle with basic tools. [New Rage Cycles]
No longer do you have to choose between the bulky, behemoths of yesteryear and a tiny, ineffective LED just to keep your bike legal. Ultimately, turn signals are a perfect example of how sweating the small stuff pays off, transforming a good build into a great one by proving that even the most functional components can be beautifully executed.
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