Topic: Newb Question about Cafe Racers

[AddLightness]

So I am not only new to the SOHC bikes and this forum, but also new to motorcycles in general. I am learning a ton as I go and I really do like the cafe racer look on bikes and have thought about moving forward with some custom work on my 72 CB350F.
My question is this: Is it legal to not have signal lights?
I see so many cafe racers that only have a headlight for that matter, how can that be?

Thanks for the education

[j squared]

it varies from state to state.  Here in Georgia they are required on any bike manufactured after 1972, although I don't think too many people get tickets for not having them.

[Duke McDukiedook]

your location would help. look on the AMA website for guidance.

[MCRider]

I don't know exact current law here, IN,  but years ago it was a signal of some sort. hand signals OK in daylight, lites for nite. So you never ride at night.  

But in any event not strictly enforced. We don't have a State inspection now but when we did, hand signals were OK IIRC.

[flybox1]

one of the biggest excuses drivers give for hitting or running into motorcycles:

"I didnt see you"

signals improve your chances of being seen. no harm in getting mini LED winkers and mounting them in the style of your cafe'd bike. It can, and has tastefully been done. 
check the project thread for ideas

[AddLightness]

Thanks everyone. I am actually in GA, and I will update my profile shortly. So it sounds like my 72 model will be legal without signal which is a good thing for the moment as they are broke.
But I would like to get some in place eventually.

[j squared]

Actually...

http://law.onecle.com/georgia/40/40-8-25.html

(c) No person shall sell or offer for sale or operate on the highways any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1954, unless it is equipped with mechanical or electrical turn signals meeting the requirements of Code Section 40-8-26. This subsection shall not apply to any motorcycle or motor driven cycle manufactured prior to January 1, 1972.

Your '72 will need them apparently.


Although it could have been manufactured in 1971 and registered in 1972 as a 9172.  Its pretty common.


Although if 1972 is on your registration, you will have to prove the build date to a judge if you get pulled over and ticketed.


And the the time off from work will probably not be worth fighting the $50 ticket


And you should have turn signals anyway I think

[AddLightness]

I wonder how many cops remember Code Section 40-8-26 ?

[Gordon]

I wonder how many cops remember Code Section 40-8-26 ?

They don't need to remember it.  The officer issues you the citation and it's up to you to prove to a judge that it's wrong, if in fact it is.   

[cobra2411]

As a general rule if the bike was made with them, it's got to have them. In Pa if you have an antique tag you still have to have them but they don't have to work. Also you can only drive in the day with an antique tag.

I replaced my with smaller signals. Got them on ebay for about $25 for 4.

[AddLightness]

Seeing your mirrors makes me think of the need for those as well since I don't have any. What is the requirement on mirrors?
BTW, thanks for all the input so far.

[OWilde]

For the front,  there are some very inconspicuous bar end indicators.  Bright,  low current draw if you run total loss,  and depending on your bars,  can be seen from the rear of the bike as well.

Geoff