what's the problem with early model T80 indicators?

Just wondering, as many seem to have an issue with the front, almost flush-fitting type indicators (not the later model ones on stalks). My recently acquired 1986 Townmate has had the right-front indicator 'bodged' by the original owner with a homemade bracket underneath to hold it in place, and it is still loose! Replacements of these early ones look to be unobtainable now. I may have to glue it in place before risking an MoT. Other T80's I've seen advertised for sale recently often seem to have a similar problem, with at least one fitting completely different after-market indicators. That could be a possible solution, I suppose.

I think the original short indicators were replaced due to UK legislation that they needed to be a certain distance apart, hence why the rubber ones were fitted to the later models. The weak point is the bracket welded to the handle bars, these are rather flimsy and tend to crack. I would recommend replacing the older type short indicators with the longer rubber ones making sure that the brackets on the handle bars are sound. The rubber ones are basically the same as the rear ones with different mounting brackets. These seem to be readily available on eBay etc.

Thanks John. Yes I have seen the later type indicators available and reasonably priced generally, although I do like the 'neat' look of the originals, including the rear ones which given the feeble lights generally must be almost invisible at night. I've so far resisted the temptation to dismantle the bike too much ( the original plan being an oily-rag, minimal cost type restoration! ) as I know once I start it will likely never end! I think I shall consider glue initially just to hold them secure for an MoT then look for a longer term fix as you suggest. Thanks.

The important aspect is that they are legal and function correctly, personally I think the later rubber ones (front and back) are more visible & safer

Fit 6v led bulbs world of deference

Yes, I may have to investigate fitting LED bulbs on these small 6v bikes.

hi guys
my tidy 1985 T80 has the original indicators and like JW said the wider fitting ones were to comply with some later spec. however I like my original ones which are in great condition and I improved the light output by super glueing small 12mm square mirrors behind the bulb on all four sides of the "reflector". It works a treat and only takes a few minutes to do.
It might sound a bit Heath Robinson but it works ! A fellow T80 owner commented how much brighter they were compared to his later spec ones?
Fitting LED lamps might not like the dirty DC/AC voltage but if it works why not?

I got my mirrors from a handicraft shop

cheers

Steve

Led work fine I have them fitted on my 84 T80

hi,Detec52

That's nice to know - all you need to do now is fit mirrors inside and you might have to wear sunglasses ?

Cheers

Steve

No need as they are super bright but you also need a electronic flasher unit to make them work £12.00 Ebay.

Have just fitted 6v LEDs to the indicators and stop/tail bulb. New flasher relay fitted in order to handle the LEDs. What a world of difference! The indicators are really bright and now have a steady flash, even when the brake light is on - they used to stop flashing before.
I got mine from Classic Car LEDs Ltd at Cheltenham. Not cheap at about £50 for the total set up but they arrived the day after I ordered them.
The new relay could not accept the plug from the wiring loom so I had to add some spade terminals on a wire to bridge. The new relay also has a black earth wire which does need to be earthed. I found that there is a screw near the speed connection which makes a good earth point. The extra advantage is that I can now run my sat nav from the USB I have installed. Previously it hated the demands made on the 6v supply by brake light and indicators.