Hello all,
A friend of mine and I are putting my 1965 Electra back to stock and getting it back on the road for the first time in who knows how many decades. The bike starts and runs very well and we're very fortunate in that most of the work is minor. At some point in the bike's history the original bars and switch gear was removed. The part number for the turn signal switch listed in the parts book isn't coming up as available anywhere and I don't have any idea what it even looks like as I've never seen an Electra with it's stock turn signals. I know the signals themselves are the same as found on BMW /2 bikes, so reproduction signals are easy enough to source.
Could someone post or email me pictures of the switch gear that came on their Electra? I'm particularly interested in pictures of the original turn signal control switch which I believe should be located on the right side of the bars. Hopefully it's a Lucas switch that's still available somewhere. If I cannot source an original or reproduction switch, I'd like to find the closest possible match. If someone would like to email me pictures directly, instead of posting them here, my email is davidebehnken@gmail.com
Thanks for your help gentlemen!
David B
Bloomsbury, New Jersey USA
The Wizard of Oz-
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NO
The turn signal switch will not be Lucas. Electra electrics where Wipac. Not only is the turn signal switch no longer available but the starter switch, which was a Wipac triconsul is not available. There is a 'look alike' Triconsul, but the starter button connects to earth. The original starter button was a 'live in and out' To use the switch to earth you will have to use a relay.
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Many Thanks!
Thank you gents! Your help is much appreciated.
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Riding Electra
Hi David,
I ride an Electra like you aim to rebuild. The ergonomics of the Electra switchgear are crap. Honda beat Norton just by putting the starter button under the right thumb, and providing a winker button that moved left or right under the left thumb.
I cannot restart a stalled engine quickly with the clutch pulled in. The gloved left hand just can't do it.
But of course I keep to the 'original' design for reasons that are beyond me.
Peter
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As an aside..
..with the bar-end indicators running the feed wire through the handlebar, there must presumably be an exit hole(s) for said. On the underside of the bar, and between the clamps?
I might one day actually start assembling my "project" (cue hollow laughs) and expect I need to drill the hole?
I was missing only one of the 4 lenses: purchased via that well-known shopping website. Lens not much bigger than an old penny, albeit thicker. Could've posted it in a jiffy bag but no- arrived from Germany in something larger than a couple of shoeboxes.
And I thought the Germans were all Green and environmentaly friendly!
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I can.....
I Can sell you a lovely grommet for this hole on your h/bar for the wires to come out Mike.
But of course you could source an original set of bars with the hole already present. (More hollow laughter). Much preferable to be able to chuck the plot against the garage wall though. Try hand signals, they have built in automatic cancel.
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Pics of Stock and a close replacement
As a follow up, a friend of a friend restored his Electra a while ago and passed along the following pics he came across as well as the switch he found and used. It's a pretty close match, if anyone knows where it's from, please chime in!
David
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Hella indicator switch
Hello David,
I think the indicator switch is from the German firm Hella .They also made the bar end blinkers.
Also used on Hercules motorbikes
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Thanks!
Thanks Ulrich! that's just the info I needed. The switch is probably relatively difficult to find in the US but I'll keep an eye out at the swap meets. If anyone has one they'd be willing to part with for a reasonable price, please let me know. ;)
Thanks again guys for all the assistance.
David
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Hella indicator Switch
Hello David,
these switches were also used on the military version of a Hercules 125cc for the German Bundeswehr. Here is an Ebay link for the olive drab version:
Uli
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Another point ....
...from Electra Switch 3 above. It shows the choke lever nearer the right thumb that the indicator switch. So the machine hasn't been ridden any distance or the rider would work out the indicators get used far more often that the choke control. Some people do some funny things, as Peter H mentioned above. Original is one thing, ride-ability is another. Very often they aren't the same thing.
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Wow - so much chatter! …
Wow - so much chatter!
Thanks to Uli for your assistance!
1) Uli - your picture is the correct item - branded "Hella". https://www.nortonownersclub.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_8188_0.jpeg
2) Uli's eBay link above is for a Hella switch - but its un-chromed and unbranded - and not sold to UK - I don't know why, as customs only get interested around £100 value.
3) Could Uli contact the seller & ask what the problem is - & how a UK buyer can get this item?
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Um, David is in the US- or…
Um, David is in the US- or are you "asking for a friend" Andy? ;-)
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Hella indicator switch
I tried to contact the seller directly by phone so far without success.
I just filled out the contact form and wait for an answer.
Here it the link to the online shop ( not via Ebay):
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No individual shipping to UK
Bad news!
Mopedgarage does not ship individual items to the UK.
However, if it is a large order, an exception can be made.
That´s what they answered me.
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Original Hella indicators and switch
These are the original Hella indicators and switch for the Elctra.
I bought these for my 1965 Jubilee because for bikes build later than 1961 blinkers are mandatory here in Germany.
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Our very own Alan Osborn,who as well as the NOC's go-to man for all things electrickery, is also the owner of an Electra.
He can be contacted direct through the website.
PS All the main electrics on the Lightweights were of Wipac origin, this included the "Tricon" handlebar switches for the lights, horn etc.
FWIW, from my original factory parts list, "Direction Indicator Control Switch, #24899"
PPS have found this item online
https://www.classicbikepartscheshire.com/electrical-c3/indicators-c11/universal-indicator-switch-for-classic-motorcycle-fits-7-8-handlebars-p200
Admittedly not much help for you over in the US, but may point you in the right direction (no pun intended!)