Honda LED Hyperflash Fix: 8-Pin ESS Relay Guide

Honda LED Hyperflash Fix: 8-Pin ESS Relay Guide KiWAV 8-pin LED turn signal flasher relay for specific compatible Honda models equipped with ESS.
Honda LED turn signal relay guide

Aftermarket LED turn signals can draw a different amount of power from the original indicators. Depending on the motorcycle, relay, wiring, and replacement indicators, the result may be rapid flashing, slow flashing, steady light, erratic operation, or no flashing.

Short answer: The KiWAV Honda 8-pin LED flasher relay is intended only for the listed Honda models and regional versions equipped with ESS, a matching 8-pin relay connector, and original Honda relay part number 38301-MKJ-D01. It is not compatible with USA or North American models.

Why we wrote this guide: In August 2026, a customer told us they found this KiWAV relay through an AI-generated answer. Because Honda relay compatibility can vary by model, year, market, ESS equipment, connector type, and OEM part number, we reviewed the available information and gathered the required fitment conditions in one place.

View the KiWAV Honda 8-Pin ESS Relay

KiWAV 8-pin LED turn signal flasher relay for specific Honda motorcycles equipped with ESS
KiWAV LED-compatible 8-pin turn signal relay for specific Honda ESS-equipped regional models.

Fitment: All Four Conditions Must Match

Check Required match
Model, year, and market Every item must match one row in the fitment table below.
ESS The motorcycle must be an ESS-equipped regional version.
Connector The original relay connector must be the matching 8-pin type.
Honda relay number 38301-MKJ-D01 / 38301MKJD01

If any condition does not match, do not use this relay.

Honda Models and Years Listed by KiWAV

The table below follows KiWAV's current product fitment list, with two evidence-based corrections: Rebel 1100 begins with the 2021 model year, and ADV150 is limited to the documented 2020-2022 Japan domestic specification. Honda specifications can differ by market, so the model name and year alone are not sufficient.

Honda model Years Market note
Rebel 250 / 300 / 500 2020-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only; not USA/North America
Rebel 1100 2021-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only
CL250 / CL300 / CL500 2023-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only
ADV150 2020-2022 Japan domestic specification only
CBR150R 2019-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only
CBR400R / CBR500R / CBR650R 2019-2023 Supported ESS regional versions only
CB650R 2019-2023 Supported ESS regional versions only
CB400X 2019-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only
CB500X 2019-2023 Supported ESS regional versions only
CB500F 2019-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only
CB1000R 2018-2024 Supported ESS regional versions only

If the model, year, and market are not listed, do not use this relay based on this guide.

Check the Relay Product Page

Review the current product specifications, dimensions, price, and availability.

View the KiWAV Honda 8-Pin ESS Relay

Why LED Turn Signals May Flash Incorrectly

Many motorcycles in the table already use LED indicators. Replacing factory LEDs with aftermarket LEDs can still change the electrical load, so a relay change may be needed even though both the original and replacement indicators use LED technology.

  • Rapid flashing: commonly called hyperflash.
  • Slow or erratic flashing: the replacement indicator and relay may not operate correctly together.
  • Steady light or no flashing: can indicate an incompatible relay, very low-power indicators, incorrect wiring, or another electrical problem.

The KiWAV product page specifies 12V operation, a 0.1-100W output range, and compatibility with both LED indicators and traditional halogen bulbs.

KiWAV 12V 0.1 to 100W Honda 8-pin flasher relay for LED and halogen turn signals
KiWAV 12V, 0.1-100W relay for compatible LED and halogen turn-signal systems.

What About Honda ESS?

Honda's Emergency Stop Signal automatically flashes both turn indicators rapidly when the motorcycle detects emergency braking under the applicable conditions. The system is intended to alert traffic behind the motorcycle.

The KiWAV product page specifies that this relay is compatible only with specific Honda models in Europe, the UK, Australia, Asia, and South America that are equipped with ESS and a matching 8-pin winker relay. It is not compatible with USA or North American models.

This guide follows the compatibility statements published on the KiWAV product page and does not extend fitment beyond those stated conditions.

After installation, check left, right, and hazard operation. Do not perform an unnecessary emergency-braking test on a public road. Follow the motorcycle's owner or service information for any ESS verification procedure.

Related LED Upgrade: ClrVisible360

If you are also replacing the indicators, the KiWAV ClrVisible360 LED turn signal uses a transparent arrow-shaped light body designed to remain visible from the front, side, and rear.

KiWAV ClrVisible360 transparent motorcycle LED turn signal with yellow light
KiWAV ClrVisible360 transparent LED turn signal, available in selectable quantities of 1, 2, or 4 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will this relay fit a U.S.-spec Honda Rebel 500?

A. No. KiWAV does not list USA or North American Honda models as compatible. A U.S.-spec Rebel 500 may use a different relay, including 38301-KZZ-J01.

Q. Does it replace Honda part number 38301-MKJ-D01?

A. Yes. KiWAV lists 38301-MKJ-D01 / 38301MKJD01 as the direct replacement reference.

Q. Can an 8-pin relay replace a Honda 3-pin relay?

A. No. The connector and electrical functions are different. Do not use this relay to replace a 3-pin unit.

Q. Can factory LED turn signals still have problems after aftermarket LEDs are installed?

A. Yes. Different LED indicators can draw different amounts of power. Factory LED equipment does not guarantee that every aftermarket LED indicator will operate correctly with the original relay.


Sources checked August 13, 2026: KiWAV relay SKU 501970808000000; Honda Rebel 1100 launch announcement; Honda's official ESS explanation; and KiWAV ClrVisible360 SKU 100733328531111.

Optional Honda Mirror Upgrade: KiWAV Blok

KiWAV Blok black motorcycle mirrors for compatible Honda 10mm threaded applications

KiWAV Blok Black Motorcycle Mirrors - Pair

A standard-mount mirror option for compatible motorcycles with 10mm threaded mirror mounts. Check the linked product page for the current Honda model list, thread requirements, and supplied adapters before ordering.

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Thursday, 24 September 2026