Stuck changing rear indicator

[Loyly]

Afternoon lads,

I'm currently changing the rear O/S indicator on my old Triumph T595 Daytona, having come back from a ride out to find the stem of the indicator housing had snapped, and the bulb was flopping around on it's cable.

I've had a go at fitting a new indicator this morning but I've run into a problem. The indicator slots into the tail piece and a nut threads on through the inside of the tail piece to lock the indicator stem in place. However, when I'm trying to turn a spanner on the nut, it just rotated the whole indicator stem and I can't actually put any torque to the nut to loosen if and free the broken indicator.

Is there anything I can do to fix this? I don't really want to take it to a garage if I can avoid it. I don't have anything at home that could cut the rusty old nut off. If I sawed through the plastic indicators stem, would I cut through the threaded bolt and bring it off that way?

[Jazoli]

Loyly said:

Is there anything I can do to fix this? I don't really want to take it to a garage if I can avoid it. I don't have anything at home that could cut the rusty old nut off. If I sawed through the plastic indicators stem, would I cut through the threaded bolt and bring it off that way?

Yes that should work, just cut the old plastic indicator off then you can see what you are dealing with, if you can get a spanner on the nut inside the tailpiece you could probably turn the bolt with mole grips or similar.

[WinstonWolf]

Can you file the plastic away to reveal the stump of the broken indicator? You can then get mole grips on it.

A pic would help...

[Loyly]

Great advice on the mole grips. I was able to use a wrench to hold the stem next to the tail piece and loosen the bolt on the inside. Came off quite quickly!

However, I was knackered from the start as when I unwrapped the new indicators, I found they both have male connectors whereas the ones that have come off the bike have female connectors. fking Jesus. My damn luck. So my new indicators don't fit. Changing the connectors myself is beyond my ability or the tools I have to hand. I may see if a local workshop can change them over for a small fee (less than say, rolling the dice on another indicator).

Pic for illustration:



I have been looking at more and more VFR1200F adverts and wondering if I'm on the right bike. I need something that just works. I'm a hopeless home mechanic and whilst there isn't a job on it you couldn't do at home with the knowledge and skill, the need for constant attention and minor jobs is just getting in the way of me riding the fking thing.

[moanthebairns]

you can buy bullet adaptors for these, maplin, halfords or such.

[Loyly]

Something like this?

Edit: never mind, link won't display on the forum page.

[dern]

Open up the indicators, if you're lucky they both will connect to the bulb holder with spade connectors in which case you can swap the lead over.

Putting new connectors on the wires is trivial though. Tying your shoe laces is harder.

[Loyly]

By the way, thanks for all the assistance here guys. If you're ever in Northumberland and want a pint, just give me a shout, I owe you!

[jjones]

I would cut the males off the new ones, cut the females off the old (leaving an inch or so of cable) then use connector blocks or simply twist the wires together. (Yes there are much better ways of doing this but the OP doesn't seem to have the skillset).

[Loyly]

I'm going to head to Halfords tomorrow to get hold of some adapters as moanthebairns suggested. It looks as though they'll do the trick of getting these wires hooked up. The connector block suggestion is also very good.

In a slightly more drastic fashion, I've also tentatively put the bike up for sale. A dramatic turn of events but it's been on my mind for a while. I want to go longer distances and with less effort next year, so I'm hoping to have either a VFR1200 or K1300S by the start of the next season. If I can get the Triumph sorted and enjoy a few more miles locally then I'll be happy with that.

Edited by Loyly on Monday 21st May 18:20

[Loyly]

Back from Halfords, the leads ends on the new indicators doesn't fit the male to female adapters I've bought. I did get some connector blocks though, so I'm going to take the old indicator and the new one of work tomorrow to see if a garage can swap the ends of the leads over. It seems daft that to fit a new light, I need to be splicing wires. Still, that's easier than taking the bulbs apart and fitting the old bulb and wiring inside the new housing.

[Biker 1]

I find this sort of thing invaluable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-457054-271-Cri...

There are umpteen Youtube videos on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WN-lBkjkAc

The joys of tinkering with motorcycles - often highly frustrating, but you learn a hell of a lot!

[moanthebairns]

Biker 1 said:

I find this sort of thing invaluable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-457054-271-Cri...

There are umpteen Youtube videos on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WN-lBkjkAc

The joys of tinkering with motorcycles - often highly frustrating, but you learn a hell of a lot!

Yeah, thanks for that I just bought one, saves me stealing the apprentices.