No turn signals?

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Vulin

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I happen to see alot of pics of commando w/o turn signals. Is there a reason for this? are they not ridden much? Im rewiring the bike this winter, and need to decide on a couple options.
 
Aha!
Been mulling over the same problem myself.
Ripped mine off in the seventies because they looked uncool. I am quite happy not to have them, but the missus wants them.
She keeps forgetting to signal for me. Havn't got mirrors either.
Considering these small aftermarket ones, look better than the old ones.
 
so do you guys just throw out the arms or just not signal? I agree with them not being pleasing to the eye, but they do add to some level of safety
 
In Texas (in the 80's anyway) if you had them they had to work
but
no turn signals?, no problem!

On the aftermarket ones, be sure that there are no polarity issues!

Unclviny
 
If they have real bulbs in them, the polarity isuue wouldn't be there, but the new LED ones, haven't got a clue.
Funny how the word "safety" creeps into everything you do these days, used to just get on with it.
 
If you have the later alloy switch gear on the handlebar controls the appropriate wiring loom and a flasher unit then it is easy to have the indicator facility available if required and just needs the indicators to be plugged in. There are a lot of aftermarket indicators that look much nicer than the originals which look like they are marking a hazard to shipping. However as Flo points out the LED ones may not work because of polarity issues.
 
Not all Commandos came with turn signals. When I bought my '73, the Interstates at the dealer had signals but the Roadsters did not!
 
My 73 850 didn't have them but I added them. Not required for inspection here in MA, but if you have them, they have to work. The handlebar switches and the taillamp are the only original Lucas electrics on my bike, and predictably the switches have to be taken apart and rejiggered from time to time or the indicators stop functioning.

Daytimes, around town, I use hand signals. I like having the indicators for nighttime and/or highway driving.
 
Greetings,
Supposedly every motorcycle sold for street use in the US since 1973 on was required by the Department of Transportation to have directionals. That being said, I have never heard of anyone being pulled over specifically for having no directionals. However, state safety inspections (depending on the state, and who you know) can fail you for inspection. Lately the sport bike crowd has come under scrutiny for removing the DOT directionals and installing flush mount and/or mini non-DOT directionals.

GB
 
Back when Commandos were new, turn signals were not mandatory in many jurisdictions, so were normally installed by the dealer if desired by the purchaser. Mine may never have had signals before I got it (chrome bolts holding the headlight, rather than the signal stalks), but I put the Emgo pattern ones on ($14 vs $70 for Lucas).

As stated by others above, if they're on the bike, they have to work. If not, hand signals!
 
Hand signals for me when I'm riding my Nortons :!:

I'll probably put a set on my 850 one of these days when I finish up the wiring. I've got them on all the other bikes. They're certainly nice to have when riding home after dark.

Debby
 
Some really nice ones here http://www.oberon-performance.co.uk/aca ... ators.html I bought mine on e-bay, they are cheap Chinese ones, not very bright, but probably good enough for the inspection. My back flashers are really bright and they are my main concern, make sure I am seen from the back, I can see what's in front of me without any problems.

Jean
 
Even though a bike may not have had turn signals installed originally I believe the wiring harness would typically have all the appropriate color coded wires there ready for use. The Norton wiring diagram is pretty easy to use.

Old Britts has nice custom light brackets that mount to the license plate bracket and hollow threaded headlight mounting bolts for mounting lights.
This allows a neat mounting of nini stalk lights that are tucked in pretty tight.

Bob
 
My 850 came with a set of brand new Lucas ones in a box, so I may fit them; especially as my daughter is showing more than just a little interest in riding pillion.

My other bike never had them and never will!

No turn signals?
 
Vulin said:
I happen to see alot of pics of commando w/o turn signals. Is there a reason for this? are they not ridden much? Im rewiring the bike this winter, and need to decide on a couple options.
Click to expand...

Some bikes didn't come with them. And some riders just don't like the looks of them.

I couldn't imagine riding at night without them.
 
ludwig said:
swooshdave said:
Did you get the LED ones?
Click to expand...
No , I had them long before the LED version was available .
They are 10 W halogen bulbs , so you need an electronic flasher unit .
They are really very bright .
Click to expand...

This is what they say about the LED ones. "The LED ones are so bright they hurt your eyes to look at. "
 
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