Turn signal fix/mod using stock pieces, cost: about $10

The '85 VF500 I just bought is pretty clean, but it suffers from a common problem with these bikes - droopy turn signal stalks. I like the look of the stock turn signals, but the rear ones on a VF500 look kinda weird to me, hanging way out there like that. The front ones tuck in OK, but those rear ones....

The first pic is the before-after shot. I'll add additional posts describing how cheap and easy this is! This mod may work on other VF bikes as well.

 

The first thing to do, obviously, is remove the turn signals. Then use a sharp knife to cut the rubber stalk. I cut mine at the second "rib" from the base, but you could make it a little longer or shorter. Using a knife with a long blade will make it easier to get a straight cut.

 

These are the parts you will need, (one side shown) two 1/4-20 bolts, 2 washers, 2 nuts with nylon inserts, a threaded nipple (the kind used in a lamp), and some nuts and washers for the nipple. I used stainless bolts and still got everything for about ten bucks.

 

After cutting the rubber stalk, you'll notice a half-moon shaped hole where the wires go through, and a hole that lines up with the original stud. Once you cut the stalk, however, these holes will no longer line up with the stock holes in the bracket. I used a carbide bit to elongate the holes in the bracket, as well as opening up the half-moon hole in the rubber to allow the threaded nipple to pass through it. There is some metal inside of the rubber that will need ground away, so don't try to just hold it in your hand - the bit will hit the metal and spin the piece around, possibly causing injury! Don't ask me how I know....

 

Once you have the holes opened up to where the bolt and the threaded nipple go through them, you can attach the shortened stalk and tighten everything down. I found that I had to open up the hole in the washers a bit for the 14-20 bolt, as the washer wouldn't fit into the tight corner on the bracket.

When everything is tight, use a file or grinder to clearance the bolt head and the nipple nut so they are flush with the rubber. Old plastic doesn't like to be forced over new stuff, so make sure everything clears before attempting to slide it back on. The new T/S mount will actually be better and stronger than the stock one-stud setup!

 

Here is the finished product! Now all you have to do is run the wires through the threaded nipple, bolt the handrail/bracket back on, and hook the wiring back up. A cheap and easy improvement!

 

Looks good, nice work.. I run short stalks front and rear on my 700, stock look and people can see them but no droop is good thing.

 

Old versus new. I don't have a pic of both sides yet, as I am sanding and painting the brackets before final assembly.