The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: unibober on October 28, 2010, 08:05:55 PM

Title: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: unibober on October 28, 2010, 08:05:55 PM
I was thinking of shortening the round brackets (pipe things) that hold my front and rear turn signals. I think would like a tighter look but am not sure I want to go aftermarket. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on October 28, 2010, 11:28:36 PM
Quote
Any thoughts?
Have fun!  

A small rotary tool [Dremel] would probably work best - especially when it comes time to cut the lateral slots.  You don't want them to be too big or off "center" or the signals will be aimed too high or too low.

And the rear mount is easily replaced.  The front is a little more expensive if you mess up.
Title: Re: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: bruce_launceston on October 29, 2010, 05:18:23 AM
Its an easy job, I did my front and back indicators many years ago, never had any trouble with them.
Check out the photos on the 'photo album' tab, search for my user name. Cheers
Title: Re: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: montmil on October 29, 2010, 06:37:30 PM
Both my R65s have had their rear turn signal stalks "tightened up". Have about one inch of space between the turn signal case and the tail light lens. Looks much better. Also removed the "gem crack" rear reflectors discs and carved off the reflector mounting tabs.

My 81 has the turn signals mounted on the headlight ears and the stalks are cut off the "plate". Looks very cool.

Monte
Title: Re: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: unibober on October 30, 2010, 06:41:39 AM
Montmil- Do I understand that your front flashers  are now mounted on the "ears" that mount the headlight. I have thought of that and I really like the idea. Care to share some pics? Thanks guys for the heads up and the tips.
Title: Re: Shortening my turn signal posts?
Post by: montmil on October 30, 2010, 04:19:36 PM
Quote
Montmil- Do I understand that your front flashers  are now mounted on the "ears" that mount the headlight. I have thought of that and I really like the idea. Care to share some pics? Thanks guys for the heads up and the tips.

Head on view. The aluminum stalks are from an earlier BMW bike. I'm unsire of the model and/or vintage. They mount the R65 turn signal pods and have the correct "notch" to locate the plastic housing. The stalks are hoolow-bodied and accept the stock wiring. Rusty, old mirrors are long gone.

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FSansInstruments.jpg&hash=b2af51c8f7fe0e1df6c2ee0917a36f1b67897d58)


The design of the R65's headlight bracket ears gives a bit of a swept back position to the signal stalks. A tapered washer could be used to position the stalks more perpendicular to the bike's centerline, but...?

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FP6130046.jpg&hash=70bc978665198c17ef8d2bd3510787f05dc223b4)


Best close up view I have. Perhaps this will get you thinking in a different direction for a custom installation. The blue-booted toggle switch is my double-secret, hidden ignition. oops...

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FIgnSwitch01.jpg&hash=e0390c444e3b333c1301d2e37ff2558ddd06e362)