Older rider problem?

A proper sit up riding position really helps as does a flip up helmet , I have fitted indicators to my ALT 99 thats converted to 12v, problem with switchgear though ,still got to find something that works but not too modern.

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

I find with a full-face helmet on at my age I can't turn my head quite far enough to see the cars behind. A good handlebar-end mirror has helped a lot, but I'd be happier in poor light if my "dynamo" Domi 99 had trafficators. I wonder if anyone has found suitable lights for this? I reckon on using LED bulbs from Classic-dynamo-regulators and a 6v electronic flasher unit, (it being a 6 volt machine), and the other search would be for a neat handlebar switch. Cars don't seem to see hand signals these days, as a few bad moments when about to turn right have shown me lately. Any advice gratefully received.

hello yes I can sympathise very much with this comment if I were you I would use LED indicators that will work on low voltage and low wattages and has for your switch use the same one for dip head horn Lucasproduct on the right-hand side and fit the horn button for the cutout for the engine you couldput some red tap over the button and the head dip switch as left and right indicators and wire it all up has a separatewiring and the power feed from ammeter from brown and blue wire good luck yours anna j

I can't see how you could use a dip switch as there's no central neutral position.

VWP do a full kit in either 6 or 12 volt: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/1223/motorcycle-indicator-kit but a bit pricy.

They do the switch separately: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/316/chrome-indicator-or-on-off-on-switch - which looks as though it would match existing dip/horn switch.

dont know if this will help

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyindicators.htm

I've tried both of these type of indicator switches from Goffs.and they are Ok,but indicators really need a bigger,more positive switch,which is easy to operate with gloved hands.Finding the centre position when cancelling is the important thing. I have a Kawasaki which has 'push to cancel' on the Nippon switch gear,which is really easy to operate,with a very positive feel.If anyone makes such a switch for classic type applications ,i would like to know.

I know what you mean. I've changed the switchgear on my Guzzi V50 as the neutral position was almost impossible to find reliably. I've used a Yamaha switch block but that wouldn't look right on a Norton (although I did have a Honda one on my Commando).

I've also fitted a warning bleeper to the V50 which runs through a relay so doesn't sound when the brakes are on.

Greetings and Happy New Year.

Well you may not be happy about the source but been using one of these on my Commando for sometime instead of the lord Lucas Prince of Darkness thing. Works as advertised and also incorporates an nice headlight switch too. Several sources / other potential possibilities but a genuine OEM Yamaha part is preferable:

https://www.mymotoparts.co.uk/p/handlebar-switch-left-hand-yamaha-tzr125-each/?CAWELAID=120193280000001605&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7MrnwczI2AIVjBDTCh2fkwu7EAQYAyABEgJarPD_BwE

Good luck

Rgds Steve

I too fitted Honda switch gear to my Commando. The mistake I made was to use one from a blackbird which has the headlight on all the time. combining two relays I managed to make it work properly and removing the choke mech it was a bit slimmer. Horn, dip/main, indicators (with push for off) If anybody wants the wiring diagram let me know but the quality is much better than old brit gear. Fit and forget.

For your 6v dynamo bike Tom why not fit a stand alone 12v system with a small sealed 12v battery somewhere under the seat. just give it a charge every now and then. digital flasher and led bulbs should last well

hello yes I seen all these before but they're not Lucas dip head light switch with horn button in chrome has this is what was fitted to early Nortons

yours anna j

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

The website is brilliant, thank you all. I have sent an enquiry to VWP about them supplying the lamps with LED bulbs and a LED-compatible flasher unit as the old 99 has a dynamo and it is now LED all round so the dynamo, battery (and the rider) are all happy, and visible. The headlight bulb is a drop-in prefocus 6 volt job from Classic dynamo-regulators and is fantastic. The stop/tail lamp conversion I got from Goffy, and it is much brighter than the old bulb. You need good earthing for the LEDs, so I ran an earthing wire right back from the headlight to the battery.

I might try Anna's suggestion and start with the "age-related" chrome on/off/on switch and see how it works, as indicator lamps look a bit naff and plastic switches even more so.

Hello Its a Lucas round type Head Dip Horn Switch in Chrome as fitted to the left-handside just fit one to the right-hand side and use head /dip As left and right indicator and horn button has cut out for engine good luck with it all yours anna j

I found the classicdynamoregulators LED BFP headkight bulb to be excellent for lighting up road signs etc but hopeless for actually seeing where you are going after dark. The patch of road you would hope to see in front of you is a black hole. I reverted to a normal incandescent BPF bulb after the first night ride.

As mentioned above, I can't see how a dip switch could be used as an indicator switch. No off position.

I would be inclined to have the dynamo rebuilt with a 12 volt field coil and armature and use a solid state regulator and just go for a regular 12 volt indicator kit. The 12 volt E3L on my A7 BSA does a very good job. There is the advantage that 12 volt bulbs are universally available.

Hello Its a Lucas round type Head Dip Horn Switch in Chrome as fitted to the left-handside just fit one to the right-hand side and use head /dip As left and right indicator and horn button has cut out for engine good luck with it all yours anna j

Previously ian_soady wrote:

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Hello Its a Lucas round type Head Dip Horn Switch in Chrome as fitted to the left-handside just fit one to the right-hand side and use head /dip As left and right indicator and horn button has cut out for engine good luck with it all yours anna j

Anna, I still don't see how this can work as there's no "off" position, just (as you say) left and right. You need a switch with a central neutral like the VWP one.

Hello Ian What are you talking about I think you may have mistaken this for the headlamp switch instead of the Lucas handlebar switch head and Dip with top horn button in chrome plate, which can be used Has left and right indicator and cut out button for the engine as fitted on right-hand side of the handlebar next to the throttle the Lucas type Head and Dip with Horn Button is on the Left-hand side whichthen makes a matching pair and makes for a tidy Handlebar set up these are the correct handlebar switches for all Early NORTONS to 1966 OK Mate See JPEG LUCAS TYPE DIP/HEAD AND HORN SWITCH SCREW ON FITTING OR CLAM ON FITTING Price Around £15 Have Fun Yours Anna J

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

I find with a full-face helmet on at my age I can't turn my head quite far enough to see the cars behind. A good handlebar-end mirror has helped a lot, but I'd be happier in poor light if my "dynamo" Domi 99 had trafficators. I wonder if anyone has found suitable lights for this? I reckon on using LED bulbs from Classic-dynamo-regulators and a 6v electronic flasher unit, (it being a 6 volt machine), and the other search would be for a neat handlebar switch. Cars don't seem to see hand signals these days, as a few bad moments when about to turn right have shown me lately. Any advice gratefully received.

Vision ON!

With regards to helmets when riding on a Motorway I wear a Caberg full face with the dual visor system, that is a built in sun visor which obviously flips up and down! When riding on normal roads i use a Jet helmet, but as someone pointed out there are many "Flip up" type helmets now, but when on the move i am not sure of there legality when flipped up or from a practical point of view they induce neck strain!

However this Spring i will invest in another jet helmet because there is no doubt about it peripheral vision is much better and you do not get the feeling that your head is in a bucket!

i would think that because most accident s are caused by idiots then having a better visual panorama is the best option, especially with this new trend of pulling out of a side tributary road and expecting you to brake on the Main carriageway something that was previously a NO NO, to anyone with more than half a brain! if they do this to lorries what chance does a bike stand!. the standard of driving on the road is the pits!

Maybe looking at a Davida of something like that!

I used a Davida with Mk 8s for many years but got fed up of the elastic stretching when it got wet, and the problems with misting up.

So a few year ago I bought a Nitro 512. It was only £40 or so but comes with all the proper stamps etc. It has a visor and short peak and I have to say is a revelation. No more misting glasses and very comfortable.

I liked the quality of the Davidas but find the Nitro (I'm on my 3rd now) far more useable.

I have tried full face but just can't get on with them as I feel claustrophobic.

Previously ian_soady wrote:

I used a Davida with Mk 8s for many years but got fed up of the elastic stretching when it got wet, and the problems with misting up.

So a few year ago I bought a Nitro 512. It was only £40 or so but comes with all the proper stamps etc. It has a visor and short peak and I have to say is a revelation. No more misting glasses and very comfortable.

I liked the quality of the Davidas but find the Nitro (I'm on my 3rd now) far more useable.

I have tried full face but just can't get on with them as I feel claustrophobic.

Snazzy, but reminds me of "The Chronicles of Riddick", Necromancer anyone?

Previously john_hall1 wrote:

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

I find with a full-face helmet on at my age I can't turn my head quite far enough to see the cars behind. A good handlebar-end mirror has helped a lot, but I'd be happier in poor light if my "dynamo" Domi 99 had trafficators. I wonder if anyone has found suitable lights for this? I reckon on using LED bulbs from Classic-dynamo-regulators and a 6v electronic flasher unit, (it being a 6 volt machine), and the other search would be for a neat handlebar switch. Cars don't seem to see hand signals these days, as a few bad moments when about to turn right have shown me lately. Any advice gratefully received.

Vision ON!

With regards to helmets when riding on a Motorway I wear a Caberg full face with the dual visor system, that is a built in sun visor which obviously flips up and down! When riding on normal roads i use a Jet helmet, but as someone pointed out there are many "Flip up" type helmets now, but when on the move i am not sure of there legality when flipped up or from a practical point of view they induce neck strain!

However this Spring i will invest in another jet helmet because there is no doubt about it peripheral vision is much better and you do not get the feeling that your head is in a bucket!

i would think that because most accident s are caused by idiots then having a better visual panorama is the best option, especially with this new trend of pulling out of a side tributary road and expecting you to brake on the Main carriageway something that was previously a NO NO, to anyone with more than half a brain! if they do this to lorries what chance does a bike stand!. the standard of driving on the road is the pits!

Maybe looking at a Davida of something like that!

hello best helmets are BELL full face I still have mine from 1989 still in good orderin White, of course, you can be seen but some car drivershave difficulty seeingyou even if you wearing Hi-Vis yellow from head to foot like one Volvodriver pulled out right in front of me from a side road and stopped in the middleof the road waving his hands about I had seen him and knew what was going to happen so I had put the anchors on well beforehand and stopped some 6 yards in front of him he then looked that me and backed up and I just went on my way and its the same with tractor drivers to they do not do any singles just pull over to were there going and expect all motorist to stop for them so watch for them coming out of a field!!! they do not care one bit thay just pull out, one drive did just this and derailed a steam locomotive in Kent the DHMR but never the less the passangers was shocked the tractor took the blund of the collistion and was a right off the loco was rerailed and put back into steam with only paint work damaged and a few bent pipes and hand rails So Be carful out there and do watch out for those tractors I have seen the mess it made of a BSA A10 and no long after it had been restored the rider was lucky he ended up in hospital with conpound fracters to his lims he was some 8 weeks in hospital he is now starting again with a A10 frame and running gear yours anna j

Previously john_hall1 wrote:

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

I find with a full-face helmet on at my age I can't turn my head quite far enough to see the cars behind. A good handlebar-end mirror has helped a lot, but I'd be happier in poor light if my "dynamo" Domi 99 had trafficators. I wonder if anyone has found suitable lights for this? I reckon on using LED bulbs from Classic-dynamo-regulators and a 6v electronic flasher unit, (it being a 6 volt machine), and the other search would be for a neat handlebar switch. Cars don't seem to see hand signals these days, as a few bad moments when about to turn right have shown me lately. Any advice gratefully received.

Vision ON!

With regards to helmets when riding on a Motorway I wear a Caberg full face with the dual visor system, that is a built in sun visor which obviously flips up and down! When riding on normal roads i use a Jet helmet, but as someone pointed out there are many "Flip up" type helmets now, but when on the move i am not sure of there legality when flipped up or from a practical point of view they induce neck strain!

However this Spring i will invest in another jet helmet because there is no doubt about it peripheral vision is much better and you do not get the feeling that your head is in a bucket!

i would think that because most accident s are caused by idiots then having a better visual panorama is the best option, especially with this new trend of pulling out of a side tributary road and expecting you to brake on the Main carriageway something that was previously a NO NO, to anyone with more than half a brain! if they do this to lorries what chance does a bike stand!. the standard of driving on the road is the pits!

Maybe looking at a Davida of something like that!

Hello yes a kevlar Armored suit may do the trick yours Anna J

Previously ian_soady wrote:

I used a Davida with Mk 8s for many years but got fed up of the elastic stretching when it got wet, and the problems with misting up.

So a few year ago I bought a Nitro 512. It was only £40 or so but comes with all the proper stamps etc. It has a visor and short peak and I have to say is a revelation. No more misting glasses and very comfortable.

I liked the quality of the Davidas but find the Nitro (I'm on my 3rd now) far more useable.

I have tried full face but just can't get on with them as I feel claustrophobic.

Snazzy, but reminds me of "The Chronicles of Riddick", Necromancer anyone?

The only problem with LEDs for indicators (and indeed tail lights) is that they can be very directional so not show up when viewed from the side.

"there are many "Flip up" type helmets now, but when on the move i am not sure of there legality when flipped up"

Straying off topic, I've just bought a Shoei Neotec II (in Norton Silver) and stumbled across this link when doing my homework pre-purchase.

https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/all-about-dual-homologation-motorbike-crash-helmets/

In short in Europe they need to be tested with the chin bar up for it to be legal to ride with them that way. Some are and some aren't tested this way. Not sure how our roadside "friends" would know the difference.

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

GOFFY has been very helpful and can supply LED 6 volt flasher parts, the whole works: lamps, bulbs, flasher unit, warning light, suitable for an early Dommi (dynamo) 99 like mine. May help me stay alive a bit longer? I've had a neat LED stop/tail lamp conversion from him in the past, superior to the usual bulb for brightness. Useful bloke.

Hello, if you want to stay alive that bit longer then grow a set of eyes in the back of your head, or next best thing and good set of mirrors and bewareof idiot car drivers and lorrydrivers and vans and the worse drivers of all Tractor drivers they think they own the Road, so do stay very much alive and enjoy your days out on your Norton yours Anna J

No need to slag tractor drivers Anna. Tractor drivers suffer incessantly from idiot motorists overtaking stupidly and having no consideration whatsoever of the problems of driving an agricultural vehicle.

As for full or open face helmets, it's all down to primary or secondary safety. An open-face helmet gives primary safety with better visibility so less chance of an accident. A full face helmet gives secondary safety. In event of an accident, it gives better protection.

Previously Gordon Johnston wrote:

No need to slag tractor drivers Anna. Tractor drivers suffer incessantly from idiot motorists overtaking stupidly and having no consideration whatsoever of the problems of driving an agricultural vehicle.

As for full or open face helmets, it's all down to primary or secondary safety. An open-face helmet gives primary safety with better visibility so less chance of an accident. A full face helmet gives secondary safety. In event of an accident, it gives better protection.

Hello well you do not have tell me about Tractor drivers I have been there and got the T-shirt but we used the road with care, unlike today's drivers who could not give a dam yours anna j

Previously john_hall1 wrote:

Previously tom_mcewen wrote:

there are many "Flip up" type helmets now, but when on the move i am not sure of there legality when flipped up or from a practical point of view they induce neck strain!

Shark Evoline 3 is a flip type which is certified for use in the 'flipped-up' position. In the 'up' position the chin-bar actually flips right round to the rear so there is no increased wind resistance. I like the helmet but find it rather draughty open or shut (riders with beards report no problem!), and prefer the Shoe Neotec which is not suitable for use flipped up.