rubber turn signal mount issue... Just glue it?

Hi Everyone,

Asked a few questions a long time ago but have a new (to me) bike with a new issue. I think it is minor but wanted to get your thoughts. In transport my 1981 KZ 440 LTD front turn signal got mushed. It doesn't seem bad but the metal "bolt" came out of the rubber mount. I have tried screwing it back in and it wont grip. Is there a trick to this? Does it need to be replaced or do I just glue it in there. If so, what glue might you recommend? As you might guess, I'm not as hand as I wish I were when it comes to bikes. Getting better though.

Thanks!

Come on guy, are you putting us on? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: The metal "bolt" uses a metal "nut" to hold it steady. These bikes are not made in China - they are not GLUED together. :S

Take a look at the other turn signals to see how they are installed. Ed

Some bolts are embedded in the rubber when made. I know of no glue that works on this. Buy a new one or go all metal.
Steve

He said metal "bolt" but maybe he means the stem ???

An epoxy like JB Weld might work but then some epoxy doesn't do well with rubber. I've gotten turn signals at local salvage yard and also bought aftermarket ones .Not expensive . Glue would only be a temporaryfix anyway

JR wrote: He said metal "bolt" but maybe he means the stem ???.........

I suspect you are correct. That stem is threaded on the end and is secured to the bike with a nut (see part marked 315 in image below). I can only image how long a turn signal would stay in place if it was glued onto the bike. :laugh: Ed

The picture shown by 650ed above was likely found on partzilla.com. Go to the site and figure out how to find parts for your bike. For each sub-assembly on your bike, a picture like the one above will be displayed. Those pictures help a lot. Especially when you are putting something back together that you tore apart last week.

He may have to reference the 1980 model diagrams. Hopefully, the 80 440 Ltd is the same as the 81.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the comments. I was gone for a few days. Yes the metal "stem" seems to be embedded in the rubber. The stem goes through the mount (frame) and uses a nut on the other side to hold it in place. The diagram provided by 650ed is not the same as mine. Perhaps mine is aftermarket, or off of a different bike. Anyway, I tried gluing the stem into the rubber with a glue/epoxy that says it works on both metal and rubber. Perhaps it is a temp fix but it got me back on the road. I will take your advice for a longer term solution.

I also could not get it to run correctly for a year. Idol was "messed up." Yeah I'm not great with mechanics. Drained gas (eventually realized the best way on these bikes is to just take the tank off). Changed the plugs, Added some seafoam to the new gas. Did not want to add a lot of new gas because I thought I might have to pull the carbs. Still not running well. Put it on reserve and ran fine. Problem with the petcock or something? Then added more gas after I realized that I might not have added enough for it to run in the on position. Sometimes the most elegant solution is the easiest. More gas. Purrs like a dream! Another KZ back on the road. Now I just need a side cover and a horn. Gonna check out ebay today. Thanks for all of your help.

pic of it.

That's not a KZ turn signal. Ed