1977 ironhead turn signals

[stroke1]

I recently bought a 1977 ironhead. Its mostly stock (as far as I can tell.) It runs fine and the only problem I have is with the turn signals. they only flash while you hold the turn buttons in . Once you release them the turn signals stop. This is the same for both sides. Is this normal for this bike????
thanks

[ericfreeman]

Yes, you have to hold in the buttons to keep the signals flashing.

I see this is your 1st post: Welcome the the best Sportster Forum around! If you scroll down a ways, you'll find a section dedicated to just Ironhead Sportsters where there's a ton of great info on these old beasts. You have lots of reading ahead but don't be afraid to ask questions as you learn about your bike.

Eric

[Folkie]

stroke1, welcome to the Forum. This thread has been moved to the Ironhead section, where you might get more replies.

[IronHead78]

Welcome and yes as eric said you have to hold them.

[Shadowdog500]

Welcome from New Jersey.

I didnt believe it either, but yes this is normal for this bike.

At least you dont have to worry about leaving them on!

Chris

[72 Ironhead XLH]

They were the hottest thing back then, self-cancelling but then again what was wrong using the old arm to signal .Damm Goverment Interference

[gemeinschaft]

Welcome to the Forum!!!

I have a 77 also.

I don't have turn signals, but I am probably going to add them.

[Joesdaddy]

Welcome from Virginia, Badlands makes a product just for that, Part # ATS-03 for pre-91's or custom builds. Flashes for 9 secs. A bit pricey at about $75.

[timewarped1972]

yes i have those on my 77 as well...........if you ask me they are actually dangerous...you can't hold that button in right while trying to let out the clutch or use the throttle or any combination of the two like you'd be doing if making a turn!!!!!!!!!!! lol! great for lane changes though! i want to replace mine with some ones that click on and off...all it would really take is the right barrel switch in there....im sure they make them i just have'nt found the perfect ones yet..........and welcome to the forum!!

[IronMick]

yes i have those on my 77 as well...........if you ask me they are actually dangerous...you can't hold that button in right while trying to let out the clutch or use the throttle or any combination of the two like you'd be doing if making a turn ...

Actually they are not at all dangerous - they just take some getting used to. And it is not that difficult. You do have to not have the signal on during some parts of your turn.

[Hopper]

Actually they are not at all dangerous - they just take some getting used to. And it is not that difficult. You do have to not have the signal on during some parts of your turn.


:laugh:laugh:laugh Yeah, that is what I do, hold the turn signal on coming into a corner, let it go while I operate the clutch to shift down gears right before the corner, then hold the turn signal on again as I actually go around the corner. It is kinda like driving a steam train with levers and pedals and brass tap handles flying in all directions. But you do get used to it.