Blinker Stems for an 87

The blinker stems on my 87 VFR700F2 are starting to fail at their base, so I've been contemplating replacing them. I just found an aftermarket version on JC Whitney for about $18 for all four, with shipping. They might be junk, so I'll let folks know but given the price with shipping for all four was about the same as 1 OEM version, I figured it was worth a shot.

The JC Whitney part number is: 2JA 062851. Here's a link: TURN SIGNAL STEMS - JCWhitney

 

I don't see how you can go wrong at that price. Let us know how the quality is.

 

The only problem I've seen with the aftermarket replacements, is that they lack the full metal insert that keeps them rigid. The aftermarket ones are just rubber in between the mounts, and they bounce around a lot. They look exactly the same, but they eventually start to droop. I'm about ready to swap them around on my CB-1 so they droop upwards for a while.

Mike.

 

I know it sounds tempting to buy the aftermarket signal stalks, because, how hard can it be to manufacture good ones, anyway? But as it turns out...it does take a little effort, at least. I had the aftermarket ones and they were pretty hokey looking...all droopy and bouncing around like bobble-head dolls. Get the OEMs if you don't want to embarrass yourself.

 

Unfortunately, I already ordered them. After hearing the "sagging" issues, I examined mine more closely and it turns out they're aftermarket, hence the sagging. These do have a couple of voids that run the length of the stem, so I'll cement in some small tubes to keep them from sagging and go from there. I'll post an article describing them and a fix when I've got things installed.

 

At this point, are the OEM stalks even available through Honda? I've never checked but have replaced mine with aftermarket ones and am happy with them.

 

Yep, stems and signals are not cheap at this point though.

 

I finally got the blinker stems from JC Whitney. They are made by MotoAsia, part number 062851. They are not as good a fit and finish as the Honda part. They appear to be made of rubber, rather than some kind of flexible plastic. I have no idea if their going to droop, but they do seem pretty ridgid for now. Some flex, but not much. I'll certainly come back and report on drooping once the bike sees some 100+ degree days.

Roy

 

I bought aftermarket ones (rubber) and installed aluminum tubes in them, a year later still perfectly strait.