I have a feeling this may release a hornets nest of opinions...
So, I have my BSA that (fingers crossed) will be running shortly.
I have my newly acquired motorcycle license.
What I don't have is any indicators on an old BSA.
Has anyone, do people, fit aftermarket indicators or do you all simply rely on good old fashioned hand signals?
Seeing how busy roads are and how unforgiving most car drivers are, doesn't seem a bad idea to add indicators, although I realise it'll not suit the bike.
Or do most enthusiasts only ride their bikes on quiet Sundays (if there is such a thing living near the M25)?
Thoughts please...
Ian
Hi,
I would fit indicators. My wife's '51 Flash and both my A65s have them. Drivers today expect them and look for them even on Sundays. Having them avoids the need to let go of the handle bars to signal meaning that you still have control of the throttle and the front brake.
We opted for the Lucas type fitted to many British bikes but there are some very small discrete ones that are hardly noticeable until in use. Have a look at Paul Goff's website or just google indicators.
Unless you enter a concours competition, no body can reasonably justify criticism of indicators. It is your bike at the end of the day.
Dave.
I have fitted bar-end LED indicators to one of my bikes and it makes driving in town a lot safer.
Hi Drew
Ive fitted indicators to all my old bikes now. On my B31 rigid i opted to use Paul Goffs compact indicators with fitted LEDs. I think there are a bit less obtrusive on the smaller bikes and are not really out of place from a style point of view. I have used a left sided combined switch on the handlebar, incorporating the indicators, dip/full and horn ( as on the later Triumphs T120/T150 etc) on mine
Hi,
It is easier to use the Lucas type if a non-standard headlamp is being used or the stems could be re-threaded to fit the standard one.
The stem then acts as the headlamp bolt and keeps the wires out of the way. A simple bracket across the back of the numberplate works at the rear with an open sided one. Definitely use LEDs and put an idiot light somewhere to reduce the odds of leaving them on. A small 6mm led is quite unobtrusive and is quite bright.
Dave.
If you haven't decided what to do yet then me know and I'll take a pic or two of the Oberon bar end indiators
that I've recently fitted to a B25. These indicators are double sided so do forward and backword directions.
I combined them with their matching bar end mirrors but you can fit them alone.
They are beautifully engineered but not cheap.
Thanks for the info and pictures guys. I've put the bike back together today after cleaning out the carb, relining the tank and changing all oils. If she starts over the next few days then onto the indicators.
Cheers,
Ian
here's a picture of Hela type bar end indicators as supplied by Paul Goff (25 quid, 40 with switch, flasher unit and wiring diagram).
You will need to make a hole in the bars for wiring but apart from that easy to fit.
(https://i.ibb.co/zSVHm6M/indicators.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zSVHm6M)