First gen signal light repair

Anyone with a first gen that has been laid down likely has lights that look like these.


It seems that the little silver metal bracket was originally molded into the flexible rubber stem(?). Once the metal mount breaks free it comes out really easily no matter how many times you put it back. Get a little throttle happy and next thing you know just the wind and vibration has cause the light to come loose and hang by its wire again

Has anyone successfully repaired these, maybe with some sort of epoxy , or maybe high tack ultra grey RTV?

I thought of maybe putting a fastener or long small bolt with washers through the rubber and in front of the metal bracket so it can't pull out. But that would leave an unsightly bolt showing, tear the rubber stem if it were to get bent too far, and show itself as an obvious repair.

Anyone...thoughts, solutions?

Thanks
db

 

I have repaired a couple of these, basically clean thoroughly, use black silicone, force parts together and make several passes with thin copper wire around assembly through two holes in rubber. Thin wire will not interfere with wires or mounting. Sorry don't have any photos of fixed units.


PS: I can't remember if i had to drill a second hole or not. Wires take the strain off the adhesive.

 

Sweet idea , I will have to give it a try when I get done with mechanical issues, and on to cosmetics. For now I put a cheap set of aftermarket signals on the front. Maybe after I find the limits of my tires and handling and feel more confident that I can keep it under me, I will feel better about putting new body parts on....

db

 

What tires are you running? How old are they?

 

The tires on it are a nearly shot 120/80-16 michelin on front and a improperly sized 130/90- 18 cruiser tire on rear.

Got a new 120/80-16 Shinko SR712 for the front , and plan to get a matching 140/70-18 for the rear. Kenda K671 Ordered
Not the best tires and only rated to 680 pounds per tire so no good for bikes calling for heavier tires. Supposedly they handle at least predictably, and will squeal and slip in protest long before letting go.
Don't really plan to push it especially when I first put it on the road (waiting on carb boots and fork oil ATM). But I know myself well enough to say that one quite night when the roads are empty I will be having a little too much fun and end up at or past the limits and on my side.
It is said it happens to everyone sooner or later, whether it's debris in the road, a crazy driver in the wrong lane, an oily spot, or just plain inexperience.