Looking at LED conversion kits, I read that load balancers are needed. What are they and what are their purpose? Any insight appreciated.

 

The new-fangled electronic modules on the bikes "look" at the electrical resistance of the turn signal circuits. If they "see" something other than what is expected, they may not operate, or they may operate in a whacko manner. The resistance presented by LED circuits is usually different than the stock incandescent lamps, so a load balancer circuit is installed between the LEDs and the electronic flasher circuit to present the correct resistance to the flasher circuit.

Even replacing turn signals on older bikes with the old-fashioned plug-in flasher can mess things up. Often a so-called "heavy duty" flasher has to be installed to make 'em work.

 

LED's draw virtually no current compared to an incandescant bulb. The TSM/TSSM will see an LED as a burned out or missing bulb and throw codes. The load equalizers simulate the load on an incansescant bulb so this does not occur.

 

What pococj said, but you do not need a load balancer if you are only replacing your run/stop light.