Credit: Mike Nyugen
Disconnect Battery
Before diving into any electrical work on your ONYX, always disconnect the battery while the bike is on-this fully discharges the system and wipes out any lingering power. Doing this keeps you safe, prevents short circuits, and avoids any unexpected “oops” moments that could fry your ride.
- Avoid exceeding 14A on a single 18 AWG copper wire.
Tools You’ll Need
Mechanical wire connections beat soldering hands down! They handle tension better, won’t turn brittle, perform great in all temps, and keep resistance low-making them the ultimate choice for a solid, reliable connection. Check out the ONYX tools post and grab the gear you need from the list below!
- Brass Crimp Terminals Connector
- Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
- Dual Temperature Heat Gun
- Electrical Wire Loom Tape
- Wire Crimping Tool
- Flexible Socket Extension 3/8
- 10mm Long Socket 3/8
- Zip Ties - 8"
- Zip Tie Cutter
Side Panel LED - Beginner Level
The OG LED setup from the ONYX LA crew is the go-to choice for side panel lighting-now upgraded with built-in turn signal indicators! It’s a beginner-friendly mod and the perfect way to start exploring what’s possible while getting to know your bike.
- White LED Strip - Turn Signal - 12v at 2 Amps
- RGB LED Strip with Remote - Turn Signal - 12v at 2 Amps
Side Panel LED - Intermediate Level
The 360 RGB LED strip is a sleek, wraparound setup that gives the bike a bold, futuristic glow. Installation isn’t too crazy, but it’s definitely an intermediate-level job-requiring a 5V DC step-down converter with a USB output, tapped into the 72V feed, just like the stock 12V converter. If you know your way around the bike, you’re golden. If not, hang tight-I’ll be dropping a dedicated post on these LEDs soon!
Side Panel LED - Advanced Level
These neon RGB strips need a dedicated 5V DC step-down converter and a bit of creative wiring magic. If you know your way around the bike, you’ll have a head start-otherwise, stay tuned for a full breakdown in an upcoming post!
DC Step Down Converter 72v to 12V
DC Step Down Converter 72v to 5V
DC Step Down Converter 12v to 5V
Stock DC Step Down Converter
The stock ONYX RCR DC converter takes 72V from the battery and steps it down to 12V with a max output of 10A. LEDs and other accessories need a 12V power source, and while a portable battery bank works well, most accessories draw minimal amps-easily handled by the stock 10A 12V converter.
Warning
When adding multiple LEDs, a louder horn, floodlights, a brighter headlight, or speakers, check how many amps these devices will pull and ensure any switch you use can handle the load. If too many amps run through a switch without an inline fuse, it could burn out-or worse, catch fire. Stay safe and double-check your setup!
Power Source 12v Tap
Look for arrow #1-that’s your rear brake light harness, tucked behind the battery and just under the front of the seat. Arrow #2? That’s the headlight harness, right behind the headlight. These are prime spots to tap into the bike’s 12V power-thick wires, easy access, and perfect for mods, troubleshooting, or adding extra accessories. Let the upgrades begin!
Arrows #1, #2, and #3 mark great spots to tuck away the LED Decoder module. Just don’t place it in front of the battery-every turn will have the front forks smacking the LED wires! Spot #1 is the usual go-to, but #2 and #3 are even better. If you go with #3, make sure you’ve got a rear fender to keep water from sneaking under the seat.
LED Decoder Module
At spot #3, there’s a gap between the seat plates-perfect for zip-tying the LED modules securely in place!
LED Install Instructions
For the headlight or rear tail light harness, find the black (negative) and yellow (positive 12V) wires. Snip both, strip the ends, and crimp the LED decoder module’s red (positive) wire and the bike’s yellow (positive) wire together on one side of a brass terminal. On the other side, crimp the yellow wire from the headlights or rear lights.
Wrap it up with two turns of electrical loom tape over the wire and terminal, then repeat the process for the black (negative) wires.
Now, fire up your battery BMS app and disable the discharge port. Plug the battery back into the bike, re-enable the discharge port, press the red power button next to the throttle, and double-tap the lightning bolt on your key fob to test the LEDs. Blam-let there be light!
LED Indicators Install Instructions
If you’re adding an LED kit with turn signals, the process is nearly the same-just a new set of wires to tap into! Before crimping, twist each LED decoder module’s yellow turn signal wire with the bike’s turn signal wire to test it out first.
The rear tail light harness houses the rear turn signal wires, while the headlight harness is next to the front turn signal wires. If in doubt, follow the wires from the front and rear turn signals to be sure. It’s always a red wire for the right turn signal and a purple wire for the left.
Now, connect the LED decoder module’s yellow wire to the bike’s purple wire for the left turn signal. Then, connect the other LED decoder module’s yellow wire to the bike’s red wire for the right turn signal. If everything blinks like it should-crimp it up, and you’re good to go!