I've done the 1157 socket conversion on all of my previous bikes, I wanted to give the relay conversion a try. The single element 1156's are brighter as running lights, and it's less mechanically involved to do the relay conversion, but obviously a bit more electrically complicated (but not terribly). Now I do need to buy an electronic or "LED compatible" flasher to go along with the conversion to get the flash rate correct, but they are available for about $25 shipped. I have and enjoy the Buck's Tail Brights as well, one can never have too much visibility! Also have a few extra LED's and marker and brake lights wired into the Givi box. I did check on the Nighthawk, and for some reason I was right, the flash rate is correct. Jon may be right, in the bike's nearly 20 years the flasher may have been upgraded to an electronic one.