WOOO HOOO!!! Got that thing figured out. Part stupidity and part low wattage. Turns out that the reason that the signals weren't blinking is because I had actually turned them on to test them BEFORE I bolted them to the bike. I assume that the bolt grounds it or something, because without having it connected the light just went on continuosly. Once I bolted them on today and tried it, no problems. Then I upgraded the bulb to a 23 watt, which fit the same socket and wallah! No fast blinking anymore either. No voltage regulator needed either.
Not being very mechanically inclined, gaining these minor victories is somehow really satisfying. Now my front signals match the back.
Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! I'm grateful it was an easy fix.
