Broken indicator switch

[bangpaul]

It was getting pretty sticky today, then just on the way home it broke. It's gone all loose and is stuck flashing left (although it seemed to be the right turn that was stickiest.)

Pretty reluctant to open this can of worms. Any suggestions? I really hope this can easily fixed. I wouldn't know where to start....

Just saw it's $280 for a new unit at my local parts supplier. Not only can't I afford it, I can't ride the bike without it working and I need this bike to get around.

Sorry about the whine. A bad end to a bad day.  

[montmil]

[smiley=steinigung.gif] Been one of those kinda days, eh?

There may not be much you could do to repair the turn signal switch. They can become rather fragile as they age... switches and riders.

Troll eBay for a replacement. They show up rather frequently at reasonable prices.

When my turn switch went gerfunken, I bought a complete good, used handlebar switch cluster from RePsycle BMW in Ohio USA. http://re-psycle.com/ Even with shipping to you in Oz, you'll be miles ahead, price wise.
They can, on occasion, be slow with email responses but I always call 'em. Ask for Mark or Marco. Good guys.

In the meantime, you could disconnect the turn sigs and use hand signals to stay legal- if that's legal in Aussie-Land.

Hope your luck improves. There once was an auto rally known as the "Carry On Regardless". What was the line in Monty Python's Life of Brian... "Could be worse. Could be raining."

Monte

[bangpaul]

Cheers Monte. I'll shop around and try getting by with hand signals in the meantime. Now, disconnecting turn signals...? electrics are my greatest weakness. I don't suppose pulling the bulb out is the best way.

[rwait]

Looks like prices have gone up some since I purchased my switch, but you can get a brand new indicator switch for around $100 U.S. at the places below.  Even with shipping it should be under the amount you were quoted.  

http://www.bikebandit.com/1979-bmw-r65/o/m280#sch340551

http://www.bobsbmw.com/

Not sure if the $280 mentioned is U.S. or Australian dollars but either way it seems an outrageous price!

Randy

[bangpaul]

Nice one Randy. The quote is in Australian dollars, which these days makes it even more in US. Everywhere else seems to have them for around half the price, even with shipping, as you said. It's not unusual for people to take advantage of the lack of competition in this remote corner of the world. I often don't have the time to wait for shipping though, and appreciate the advice I get at the dealer. In this case I think I'll just have to wait.

[montmil]

... I don't suppose pulling the bulb out is the best way.

Don't see why not, but pulling the flasher relay could be easier.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

In case you need it:



Good luck.

[montmil]

Thanks, Rob. I was hoping you would post up your most excellent photo.[smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I should load some of those into the forum gallery.
If (when) something should happen to me, my PBase account would disappear once the subscription money ran out!  12 months as of right now.

The free sites are "forever", but I have really grown fond of PBase over the years.
And I can't see the free sites through the firewall at work - but that will only be an issue for a couple more weeks.  25 August and my career with the water company is finished.  

[bangpaul]

Yeah, cheers Rob. Your photos are always a great help. I really did need it.

Sorry to hear about your troubles.... Hope it pans out well for you.