Hitchcocks Forum

The bulb in the speedo which flashes when indicating on my 2015 B5 bullet is so weak I didn't even realize I had one for the first three weeks of owning the bike. Finally, when one bus driver, a fellow motorcyclist and a policeman have all pointed out that I have forgotten to switch off my indicators on just one 15 mile commute home from work, I have decided that enough is enough. So fellow enthusiasts, I assume I can change the wee bulb but A. How do I get to the buggar without the tiny hands of a marmoset and B. Is there anything I can change it to which is brighter?

ta!

Assuming it's like every other one I've seen, you should just be able to remove the front of the headlight unit by loosening the screw on top of the chrome ring and pivoting it forwards. You should then be able to reach in and pull the bulb holder out of the bottom of the clock to change the bulb.



You could fit a brighter bulb or an LED replacement. They are a BA9s fitment. Be aware not all LEDs will work here because the current can flow either way.As such, you should get one that is designed for a positive earth vehicle (these will work both ways round). I'd also suggest using one with SMD LEDs and getting one the same colour as the warning light. They can be so bright that they overwhelm the tint on the lens.



I'd get one of these: https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... gauge-bulb



Another solution to your problem is to fit a buzzer.



A third solution is to fit an electronic self-cancel unit. I personally find both of these a total PITA and instead tend to just use hand signals and never touch the flashers (in fact, the ones on my bullet only get fitted for the MOT, which is arguably illegal). Nobody pays a blind bit of notice to them anyway.

Thanks for that! Part A is solved anyway, it helps to have a friend who is a surgeon (forceps please nurse!).

I'm with Stinkwheel. Here in Denmark we have to have indicators fitted to the bike. Wether we use them or stick out an arm is up to the rider. Both signals are easily understood.. Personally, I don't use the indicators much.

Having extracted one with a pair of forceps, they are capless Toshiba M4 A12V 1.7W bults. I'm going to see if I can find an LED equivalent...

Sorry about the bulb number. I saw B5 and assumed it was a 2010 one.



From that bulb number, I think you're probably looking for a T10 wedge (the base should measure roughly 10mm across the flat if it is). Assuming that's it, one of these should do the trick nicely:



https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... -sidelight



I keep linking to those guys because I've had a lot of bulbs off them in the past and they have all been good quality. Whichever you get, the advice about positive earth still stands. This one is multidirectional so will work in both directions. Incidentally. I've sometimes found that LED dash lights can be intrusively bright. A simple solution is to paint over part of the LED surface or the inside of the reflector with enamel paint

Thanks for that, I've ordered some green ones. To be honest, too bright shouldn't be a problem with my inability to cancel indicators. I'll feed-back on how well they work....

Well, that was worth a go, and to be honest, it would work as long as I only ever turned left. It seems that the indicator bulb in the speedo for left and right work on different polarities. Being an LED it will work when indicating one direction but not the other. Who knew? Seems I'll just have to search for a slightly brighter incandescent....

Did you get the ones I linked to? I was particular to link to non polar ones that ought to work in your application, they are listed as suitable for both positive and negative earth. If you got these and they are only working one way, give the company an email/call, they are very helpful.

I no longer look at the warning light on my C5; it’s easier to notice one of the front flashers working....If it flashes at double speed you know the equivalent rear one is not working. I do wish the neutral light were a bit brighter though.