Indicator Laws

I am considering changing the indicators on the zephyr for something a
little more attractive, and less "out there". I believe that there are
laws governing the size and placement of indicators on bikes (not that
many custom bikers observe these). can anyone enlighten me please?

 

In Victoria indicator lamps must comply with ADR6 or ADR53, may move with
the steering, must be symmetrically positioned on each half of the bike, the
inner edges of the rear indicators must be at least 240mm apart and the
front 300mm apart and must be between 350-1200mm from the ground. I think
most states will be much the same.
Hope this helped. Roc.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Wed, 24 Aug 2005 12:34:54 +1000

Or have an old bike...

I did get a cop stop me when I was riding the Yellow Devil and want to
know where the indicators were.

I said it was built before you needed them and he could look for
himself - no provision at all for them. No switchgear, but more
importantly no possible way to mount rear indicators.

The Yam hoonbike doesn't have 'em either but only because I couldn't be
bothered. I did put wires in for them, but haven't sorted out mountings
yet.

Zebee

 

Yeah there are laws but I've never heard of anyone being booked for having
indicators which didn't comply (though I'm sure if you gave the cops
sufficient smart arse answers to questions you may be the first).

They do look good on some bikes, but be sure that the replacements are
practical as well as being a nice fashion accessory. I see some bikes when
I'm out on the road which have indicators so near to the centre of the bike
that from behind it's almost impossible to determine which direction they are
actually indicating... so if you go down that road, just remember to bear and
accept any consequences that leads to, and i'm talking about medical
consequences.

Nev..
'03 ZX12R

 

Yeah, I don't want to go silly. I'm really after a smaller lens, on a
slightly shorter stalk. I'll get the tape measure out when i get home,
and have a bit of a think.

Thanks to all who replied.

 

I got pulled over once for having a standard blinker on the left on the
front and an aftermarket one on the right (which was a slightly
different length).

After I explained that the Honda dealer had told me they could no longer
supply the original blinkers or mounts and had recommended that
aftermarket one he looked mildly annoyed, said they are supposed to be
the same length and told me to go and put another aftermarket one on the
other side on the front of the bike.

I asked about the back and he said don't bother. Didn't book me for the
front ones either.

Can't complain about that treatment really...


G-S

 

With regard to selecting \ fitting said indicators,I might "respectfully"
offer a litttle advice based on my
experience.
If you go for led's, be aware that they only use a small fraction of the
power that a conventional globe does. Thus
your indicator can might well become confused. Consequently the pulsing
speed will be up the creek.
I've put leds on the front and neat a'market conventionals
on the back of my bike. I have fitted resistors to either side of the front
to soak up the extra power. The cost is cheap, but there is a bit of mucking
around. probably an easy exercise if you are electronically inclined.
Check out led systems on google, there is a place in QLD. that assisted me
and might be able to provide some alternatives for you.

It was suggested to me that I get an a'market can to
make the adjustment, but so far as I can find, no such thing exists. Or
specifically, one to plug into your existing
system.
Although as said, I'm pleased with the job, I've had a look, and don't know
how I'll ever get a globe out of the rear one if it need replacing???...
probably have to buy another set of lights... only come in pairs.
If you select the rubber stemmed ones, both sets on mine are, the are
a'market plastic fill in plates available that are neat and fit into the
existing holes. Also with this type of indicator, the tubular threaded metal
piece, on which the securing nut does up, merely fits into the rubber stem.
There were a set of spring washers provided in the set..
don't go overboard in tightening them, as the thread will just pull out of
the rubber.
Actually I dismantled one of mine when putting on a bike cover ... have
since glued it, and all is ok at present, but I don't think that it would
take much for it to come adrift
again. Good luck
Rockit

 

Hmmm...

Jaycar have a pair of "ready-to-go" replacements with built-in
ballasting; not too sure how they'd work with conventional lenses, but
they're worth a look into;

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=ZD0317
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=ZD0319

Silicon Chip along with at least one other electronics magazine of old
(ETI? EA? AEM?) had electronic indicator controllers published many moons
ago, which didn't rely on bulb resistance whatsoever to determine their
flash rate. But looking through a few of the electronics suppliers' sites
now, I can't find any kits of such listed.

As you say, "for the electronically minded," it's relatively
straightforward - a ~2Hz oscillator (based around a 555 perhaps?) with a
couple of chunky FETs to do the switching (or if you like the traditional
"tick" [not that you can hear it with a helmet on]), a couple of relays.

- Bob.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 25 Aug 2005 08:07:58 +1000

"for show or offroad use only"

Arse covering I presume, but covering for what?

You can buy electronic flasher cans at Supercheap or repco or even
Woolies.

I use 'em because antique Italian electrics are very variable as regards
resistance and earthing, and the mechanical types don't want to know.

Zebee

 

Presumably because their output likely won't refract properly through a
standard lens (the LEDs give off directional light, quite contrary to the
standard reflectors & lenses designed for omnidirectional light given off by
incandescent bulbs).

Woolies???

I'd actually be interested in seeing what the prices're like at
SuperCheap & Repco; it's not that there'll likely be anything wrong with my
flasher for quite a while to come yet, but there's just an uneasiness I feel
about having a mechanical device handling relatively chunky currents.

- Bob.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:15:24 +1000

Makes sense. I see Jaycar only has a brake light, not brake/tail which
makes sense - I think doing dual filament would be a bit tricky!

Might try an indicator one, see how it copes.

Yup. BigW more likely, but I have seen them in the automotive section
at a large supermarket.

$13-$18 depending on when and where, from memory. Haven't had to buy
one for about 2 years.

Zebee

 

http://tinyurl.com/9gpqu

Nev..
'03 ZX12R

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:51:24 +1000

my jaycar search-fu is clearly inadequate...

Zebee

 

Makes for an interesting thought... On my bike (and I'd dare suspect
quite a few others), shoot-off from the tail light is used to illuminate the
rego plate.

Obviously not likely to be happening with LED-based illumination,
considering the rego lighting is taking its light source from the rear of
the bulb.

- Bob.

 

He pulled you up for a whine about a microscopic trivium. I bet he checked
your licence.

Gary

 

Saw them at Big W recently, along with a solar-powered 12V charger for $30.
Whipped that off the rack without without even thinking


Gary

 

Of course... and my registration... [1]


G-S

[1] One still can't complain about the treatment really... then they
look for roadworthy defects ;-)

 

I assumed the answer was in the "Note: Due to low series resistance, these
are not suitable for all cars, depending on the indicator circuit design."