Indicators on a 6V ST70

LITCH · 2012-03-15T21:56:09+00:00

Just wondering how people have fitted indicators to a 6V UK spec ST70? As we all know indicators were not fitted as standard to the UK models and while I recall that some people did fit them back in the 70's (my dad owned his first ST70 one back then) I can't remember how they did it and whether the installation was neat. Any photos of your installation would probably be appreciated as I can't be the only person going about this modifcation? Personally I am using the standard Honda indicator lamp from the 1970's. They are larger than what many people fit to ST's but like the UK spec rear light, they were standard across the range in those days and are "in keeping" with the period. For front mounting I am just drilling the 'ears' and bolting the stems to that. I had thought about using them to replace the headlight pivot bolts (thus avoiding drilling the "ears") but I recall one of my old Honda's having this set-up in the past and it was a bit of a pain, also the wires were susceptible to damage where they were in close proximity with the rear of the headlamp rim. The rear is a bit more awkward. The obvious answer is to use a non-UK spec rear light & bracket as these have the mounting lugs attached but the point is I am keeping it as close to standard UK spec as possible and that means keeping the original light. A rack is one solution and the "genuine" Honda one (made by Rickman if I recall correctly) had the lugs fitted to it but I don't have one and instead am using the (slightly smaller) one sold by CMSNL (not to be confused with the Chinese one which is smaller still). So, ignoring the rack the only other option (and the one I am doing) is to mount a pair of tabs on the rear of the number-plate bracket and bolt the stems to this (similar to the non-UK spec brackets). As for switch that is simple, the genuine Honda one replaces the horn-switch and does away with the need for a chunky aftermarket switch on the handlebar. For a relay I am using an electronic one and orange LED "bulbs". My reason for this is that the 6V system just doesn't cope with any load unless the engine is on more than tickover so the use of low wattage 6V LED's will stop this being an issue and an electronic realy will maintain the correct flash rate. I am using Orange LED's as the white ones are too bright and shine through the orange lense. LED's in light units not specifically designed for them are illegal for road use but I am willing to risk that as I will in not having a repeater light in the speedo (could replace the speedo unit but I want to keep the original unit which shows the correct mileage) but if it causes an issue at MOT time it is the work of minutes to remove the whole set-up for the purpose of the test. Likewise I am going to run with a red 6V stop/tail LED "bulb" in the rear light for the reason of low current draw. Anyway, anyone got photos of their set-up? Plenty of aftermarket indicators out there but has anyone used any of the various genuine Honda units such as the small bullet ones? As I say, this is aimed more at UK spec bikes.

Started by LITCH · 11 replies · 4563 views

LITCHStandard MemberPosts: 200
Joined: Mar 2009

Re: Indicators on a 6V ST70Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:50 am

arny wrote:Its just a indicator that works...................

Which is something of a novelty on the 6V system!

Indicators that are bright enough to be seen in daylight and keep a consistant flash rate whilst sat idling at a junction, ohhh how I wish I had that when I was riding bikes with the same electrical system as my daily transport.

arnyStandard MemberPosts: 121
Joined: Jul 2011

Re: Indicators on a 6V ST70Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:48 pm

Ya mines a 6 volt with working indicators,that work day and night after all honda included the wiring when making these little machines.No LEDs in the seventies !!!

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