Triumphrat

dazco · 12-08-2005

I hate the look of em because of those huge lenses that are 1/2 the length of the signals, and i've been going round and round about what to do with them. I think i know now. Flat lenses. If i can find some that fit it i want to remove the stock sockets which are molded to a plate the diameter of the largest part of the signal and sit right at the leading edge, which is why the lenses stick out so far.....so the bulbs can sit in the lense. Yes, i know they won't be real viable from the side, but then many signals are like that anyway and i'm nnot worried about the side view.

Then get some sockets from an auto parts store and fill the back end of the shell with silicone sealer at a depth equal to the socket length and set the socket in it with the back of it up against the back of the shell. (with the contacts covered if they are exposed of course, probably with heat shrink) then the bulb will be far enough in to not protrude past the opening where the flat lense will be.

I've taken off the lense on one to see how it would look and it looks real nice being much shorter and w/o the long lense sticking out. The only possible obstacle to this mod will be if i cannot find a lens that fits. But i believe they are jap parts and probably standard dimentions to many other signals and lenses. But iof anyone knows of one that'll fit please let me know.

i'm also thinking of clear lenses with amber bulbs. But if i do that i'll probably have to use some sort of disk with a hole in it for the bulb that will fit atop ogf the socket to cover the silicone for looks since the lenses woul allow you to see inside. Probably a metallic chorome looking material of some sort or maybe a huge washer polished with a dremel. if you have any ideas i haven't thought of speak up. i plan on looking for lenses this weekend and if i find them i'll probably do this. I'll post pics if i do. I really think they'll look a whole lot better. and i gotta say, i'm having a lot of fun with all these cosmetic mods ! It's a real joy to watch the bike look better and better.

1409 · 12-09-2005

Try to find a cycle salvage yard in your area...

04BB..

[ This message was edited by: 04blackbonnie on 2005-12-08 23:34 ]

jeffrey1 · 12-09-2005

Daz just a thought if you have installed a signal minder and used the option of using your signal lights as running lights you will need more clearance because those bulbs get really hot and will burn the lenses but if not the short time they are on as flashers will not be an issue

rodburner · 12-09-2005

Daz,clear lenses are not really "clear",they just aren`t colored.The bulbs shouldn`t be visable,nor the caulk. If you can run a red bulb in California legally [We can in WA.] try sourcing them at your local Asian import car hotrod shop. I got a set of deep blood red bulbs for my pickup that look cool at night. Also,if you can go the red route,your pals a Kuryakan make a wiring module that would enable your single filiment turn signals to act as aux brake lights.

PS,Dennis Kirk has a big selection of replacement lenses that you might be able to compare against yours.

[ This message was edited by: rodburner on 2005-12-09 06:28 ]

banjobart · 12-09-2005

I just ordered Kuryankyn deep dish smoke bezels for my VTX. I will see if it fits the Speedy, too, but I doubt it. Why not just install Kuryakyn bullet turn signals? They sell a stalk that should fit the Speedy or any similar typical cruiser set up.

Clear Alternatives makes repalcement clear lenses, email them to see if they are planning a part for Triumphs.

dazco · 12-09-2005

Quote:

Daz just a thought if you have installed a signal minder and used the option of using your signal lights as running lights you will need more clearance because those bulbs get really hot and will burn the lenses but if not the short time they are on as flashers will not be an issue

I've considered the heat but i'm not ever going to be using them as running lights, and as flashers it's not a problem. besides, the bulbs will probably be no closer to the plastic than the stock setup.

Quote:

clear lenses are not really "clear",they just aren`t colored.The bulbs shouldn`t be visable,nor the caulk

You are correct sir, tho some of them are moreso than others. I've seen at leat one that was pretty obvious looking thru it. But you are right for the most part because of the various beaded or diamond patterned inner surface. Some just have layered step type rings for lack of a better description and those are fairly visable. The bulbs are visable in any of them because you have to use red or amber so you at least see a colored blob. So i just have to see which one i end up with if i'm able to find one that fits at all.

Quote:

Why not just install Kuryakyn bullet turn signals?

I've looked at them along with a trillion others. I went thru FIFTY pages of a google search !!! Thats the furthest i've ever gone. the best i could do was to find a couple that i liked at a good price that seemed like they would fit as mounting goes. But everything else was either too expensive, didn't look right, or had mounting provisions that wouldn't work or would look horrid. Ya also gotta realize my front and back mount differently so there would definatly be some fabrication happening.Then to top it off, i not only had to find one that was right in all the ways i mentioned, but there was still now way to know certain things till they arrive at my doorstep paid for. So i'd really have to go local to be sure. So i think my mod to the stockers is the way to go if indeed i can find lenses.

If you wanna see exactly what i really want, THESE are as close to what i really want as looks go that i found, tho i'd prefer clear lenses. But the mounting provisions obviously aren't going to work and look neat.

banjobart · 12-09-2005

Can you just cut two discs out of plexiglass, drill two screw mounting holes and buff the edges shiny? This be very possible.

dazco · 12-09-2005

I could but the inner pattern that lenses have look good and disperse the light.

BTHUMPER · 12-09-2005

I bought a pair of the small custom lights from Bellecourse. they hook right up and are very unobtrusive.

markxtc123 · 12-09-2005

It's just a thought but have you considered using LEDs instead of bulbs? Kind of a marriage of old and new.

There are some interesting options here:

http://www.cfrlights.com/sdc.html

At least that would mean you could have a very flat lens on the front and heat would not be a problem.