getting rid of the turning signals

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Lorenzo

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dear All,
my commando is 1973 and of course it has stock turning signals.
at the same time, I like the look of the earlier bikes which were without turning signals, so making the bike much slimmer.
Now, I am very tempted of getting rid of them, but I am wondering what are the downsides of such move..
.. also taking into consideration that I will keep the style of the handlebar switches including the turning signals..

what is your experience?
 
Take off the mirrors and brake light too - they totally ruin the lines of the bike!

Safety be damned, it's looking good that's the important thing.
 
MODERN traffic barely responds to turn signal lights or hand signals.. stacking the deck AGAINST yourself is a bit of madness, if you ask me. :roll:
 
I like the look of cutting the stems down just about as short as you can. I did it on a Honda that I had. If I were to do it on the Norton, I would probably get a spare set of stems so I could go back to original if I wanted. I would not run without them at all.
 
this could be a good idea.. do you have a picture of your honda? .. I believe this won't pollute our Norton space! ;o)

drones76 said:
I like the look of cutting the stems down just about as short as you can. I did it on a Honda that I had. If I were to do it on the Norton, I would probably get a spare set of stems so I could go back to original if I wanted. I would not run without them at all.
Click to expand...
 
getting rid of the turning signals


You can get some very compact LED flashers for very cheap (under $20). These don't even go out further than the license plate.
 
I also like the look without turn signals, took mine off 20 years ago

I use the old fashioned left arm up or down for signalling
 
I don't know where you're riding this bike, but if in traffic at all, I'd keep them. I don't have any on mine and I always worry that some p***k is not going to know what my hand signals mean, but I don't ride in traffic. I've always thought it would be nice to have a set of turn signals I could clamp on and off as I wish.

Depending on your locale, you may find if your bike had them originally, you will need them for the law.

Dave
69S
 
I thought an alternative could be leaving the signals on the rear side, where it is very important to be seen from the @%£?&£ coming from the back, while getting rid of the front ones, so that the front end stays clean..
 
Ive put turn signals onto a couple of old bikes and I know some of my purists friends are not impressed.
Without signals, there is something haywire about trying to nod in a lefterly direction while making a left turn at a fourway stop, signal side hand busy with clutch. I want to get angry at the opposing car driver, but then remind myself that they are not mind readers!

A signal you might consider is the Oberon bar end LED unit. It can be used with Oberon or other bar end mirrors.Because the signal is at the widest part of the bike and has lights fore and aft, the visibility is very good.

Glen
 
In 1972 they were optional. In 1973 they were mandatory. I took mine off because every time the bike falls over it punches through the headlight shell. My shell is still fiberglassed up inside from a mid '70s farm pasture excursion after some ripple bumps in a turn.

If you do take them off don't cut or modify the stems. Original Lucas turnsignals are worth a lot of money.

I like the small ones similar in size to what swooshdave is using. There are some nice ones and some people have done a nice job with it. Check OB and CNW sites. I agree that no one understands hand signals anymore. I don't think it is even in the PA Drivers Manual these days. I am trying to decide how to handle this (very minor non-)problem. I think OB has some expensive thread adapters to allow you to use common eBay type metric small turnsignals - still tempted to do this. If you had to make them and then get them plated they probably would be expensive anyway.

Russ
 
You can mount the front ones down near the coils CNW style. Way lower profile, replaces reflectors too. Modern turn signal kit from CNW looks real good on Cdo's. Not for purists obviously.
 
I too like the looks of a bike sans directionals, but as has been pointed out they are a legal matter in the states since 1973. Fortunately hardly anyone is ever hassled about them (except during yearly state safety inspections). There are some alternatives that you can usually squeeze by with IE the aforementioned shorter stalks, or as worntorn mentioned bar end style (here's a link)
http://www.bellacorse.com/bcc175.htm

GB
 
Hate indies. In 73 we would just lose them. Nobody said squat at inspection nor out on the road.
Suddenly it is 2012. You need the blinkies. You hand signal the civilians think you are waving at them.
So, on the back pull them in tight to the rear lamp. On the front likewise. However, putting
them down on the coil looks much better. Using black body units, again better.
But think it was Mr Swoosh has done as good as can be done: tiny lamps.
They are very cheap if you look on ebay. You have to deal with the positive ground but
not a show stopper.
Swoosh, post the link to your primer....
 
Sorry it appears the OldBritts URL's showing their front and rear blinker mounts and lights will not copy successfully.
To see them go to
OldBritts.com
Manufactured Products and Services
Products manufactured by Old Britts like special brackets, Vernier Adjusta Isolastic Head Steady, etc.

You can see them on the front of my Bike
 
rx7171 said:
Sorry it appears the OldBritts URL's showing their front and rear blinker mounts and lights will not copy successfully.
...
Click to expand...

FYI, to copy that sort of link go to the parts listing page link, then instead of the usual left button click, right click on the link and copy that to the forum.

It then shows up as: http://www.oldbritts.com/17_062321b.html
 
Not to worry about it, ignore the ignorant that think traffic will not see you and your intentions w/o any stinking signal winkers. Bright brake light is all that required or needed. Use hand signals when ya can but otherwise just don't dart out in front of folks with or w/o signals, as any who ride has given up any and all logic about safety concerns for pure pleasure or forced too w/o another vehicle. Some may think I'm recommending to remove signals, I am not, what I'm saying is worse than that, even if Wes and I ain't had winkers for years, I'm just saying it really don't mater one way or the other, regardless of how quick and easy some may put ya down for being so silly or stupid.

Once signals are gone nothing else has to be done electrically to compensate.
 
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