I'm running a 91 Softail and the turn signals seem awfully dull and blink a little slow. The bike has 10K on it and is otherwise in good running order and looks well taken care of (garaged) over the years. The battery is less than a year old and I charge it occassionally and run it in the cold of Maryland about every other week or so. It tests a little higher than 12 volts.

Is that just the nature of the beast, or is there some things I could check out? How about replacing the blinker module?

Are there other lights I could plug in, like HIDs or something without taxing the electrical system?

It just seems that they are a bit dull and mixed with dull drivers behind me, it seems like an important safety feature.

Anything I can do to brighten up the brake light too?

 

check the electrial plugs right in front of the battery. Mine were full of corrosion, I pulled them apart, clenaed them & applied a little grease

 

I would check the battery voltage,battery connections,ground connections.

 

Check the following:

- Battery terminal connections
-Turn signal bulb sockets
- Loosebulb
- Ensure battery is fully charged (charge is low ifsignals get brighter when throttle's blipped)
- Check signal connectors under seat and at each signal stem
- Ensure bike's charging system is working

 

+1 also check grounds you can use a multi meter at connection to see voltage