One critical installation tip that can help prevent damage to the wiring inside your LED motorcycle mirrors.
Example: KiWAV Lucifer Dual-LED Mirrors for Motorcycles
Quick answer: Install and position the mirror on the motorcycle before securing or taping the electrical wire. The wire should remain free while the mirror stem is being rotated into its final position.
If the wire is fixed in place first, rotating the mirror during installation can twist the wiring inside the mirror repeatedly and eventually damage it.
Install the Mirror Before Securing the Wire
When installing an LED motorcycle mirror, leave the electrical wire free while threading and positioning the mirror.
Below is what the wiring inside the mirror should look like. The wire is not twisted, and some extra length is left inside the mirror to allow for normal installation and adjustment.
What Happens When the Wire Is Secured Too Early?
If the external wire is taped, tied down, or otherwise prevented from rotating before the mirror is installed, turning the mirror stem can transfer that rotation to the wiring inside the mirror.
This example shows what the internal wiring looks like after being turned and twisted approximately 10 rotations:
The mirror may still work immediately after installation, but repeated twisting places unnecessary mechanical stress on the wire and its electrical connections.
This Is a No-No
If the wires are secured before the mirror is installed and positioned, repeated turns and adjustments while fastening the mirror can eventually damage the internal wiring.
The damage may not cause an immediate failure. The mirror can initially appear to work normally, while the twisted wiring has already been weakened.
The photo below shows an actual example of wiring damaged by excessive twisting during installation:
Recommended Installation Sequence
- Leave the LED mirror wire free and untaped.
- Install the mirror onto the motorcycle.
- Rotate and position the mirror stem to its final orientation.
- Adjust the mirror head and confirm the viewing position.
- Only after the mirror position is finalized, route and secure the electrical wire.
For the basic mechanical installation of standard threaded motorcycle mirrors, see our Motorcycle Mirror Installation Guide.
If the LED Lights Turn On but Do Not Flash
That is a different issue from physical wire damage caused by twisting. LED turn-signal behavior can also depend on the motorcycle's electrical system, flasher, control module, and electrical load.
For a documented real-world example, see our 2002 Harley Sportster LED Mirror No-Flash Case, where the mirror LEDs illuminated but stayed on instead of flashing and the rider ultimately confirmed a load equalizer as the working solution.
