replacing the indicators, splce or do It properly?

Vexon101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Karma :

Buying a new pair of indicators tomorrow since one of mine is broken, I've never done It before so I'm not sure If I should just splice It instead of attaching the indicators properly, I've had a look and the broken indicators had been spliced so I could use that to attach It to the new indicator wires.

I've found the part where the golden metal part at the end of the indicator wire goes, but It' covered In a plastic cover which I can't get off, even If I could I would have no idea how to connect It, the mechanism works but the indicator casing Itself I completely broken so I decided to replace them completely.

So If you could give me some instructions that would be great.

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

You're better off fitting the correct connecters if possible. If you splice the wires together, eventualy the tape will come off and then the wire could short on the frame or something else. It's sometimes possible to solder a good wire to the indicator body and, if you're lucky, it might be screwed on and not soldered. There are scotchblocks but they're bulky, ,look horrible and are prone to moisture ingress. These look pretty good:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bullet-Connector-3-9mm-Male-Female-/120741595396?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1c1cc28904
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Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

If you can solder the best solution is to cut the original wires where they are soldered to the bulb holders then pull them out through the body. THen when you receive the new indicators simply solder your old wires in place of the new ones by the same proceedure.

If you can't solder, or if the wires are moulded into the body of the indicators, the next best thing is to cut the old wires off about 2" from the indicator body on both old and new ones then solder/crimp the old wires onto the new ones & insulate with heat-shrink. Stagger the joints by an inch if you have to pull them through any tight holes.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy

Vexon101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Vexon101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Karma :

Stinkwheel is going to punch you in the face.[/quote]

Lol, I know It was an amateur/short term solution but that was how the original indicator was done by a previous mechanic, I guess when I get the spare cash I can get some decent looking ones and have them installed properly, halford's indicators don't look very nice.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

pits · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Karma :

Remember if you solder them on, it makes it an arse to take the fairings off, should you ever need to, get some decent insulated connectors and do it properly, there is very few times and even fewer places twisting wires and taping should ever happen.

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Nothing wrong with a tape joint as a quick fix to get you home. But while in halfords you should have bought a cheap soldering iron, solder, heat shrink, wire strippers and perhaps some bullet connectors.
Bullet connectors are useful to have on indicators so that you can unplug them when you take the fairings off. If your bike is a naked just strip the ends of the wires, push a length of heat shrink down one wire, hook them both onto each other, wrap the wire round and solder. Then slide the heat shrink over the joint and heat it up. Strong & Water proof.