technical section

Wiring in bar-end indicators.

Some smallframe Vespas were fitted as standard with Hella or Triom bar end indicators. You see these on Australian, German and Japanese market products.

The indicators fit into special handlebar tubes that don't turn with the clutch and throttle. You can buy all the parts, for example as in this kit While conversion is possible, it may well be possible to do it without. Seeing as they are glass all round you could just have indicators that turn with the headset tubes. These instructions were supplied for bikes that already had the special headset tubes, but the general principles are the same. If you need to know how they are wired into the bike's electrical system click here.

Here you see the Hella bar end indicator as supplied — an orange plastic lens and the bulb mounting. The mounting is black plastic with a metal surround that earths the bulb to the scooter frame. Also included are a small spring and a brass conductor.

First you need to take the wire from your indicator switch and pass it through the handlebar. Piaggio make grips without end caps, that can be rolled back. pass the wire through the small spring and screw it into the brass conductor. This is the live feed for the indicator bulb.

Now get the indicator bulb (6v 16w festoon / fuse type bulb) and clip it into place between the two brass conductors. See how the spring keeps the bulb under tension.

Now you can screw the orange plastic lens back onto the bulb mounting.

You need a sleeve to secure the bulb mounting to the handlebar. It needs to be a tight fit both to the handlebar tube and the bulb holder. The sleeve has a hole to screw it into the bulb mounting. Roll back the handlebar grip.

Remove the screw from the indicator as shown.

Slot the indicator into the handlebar.

Replace the screw, securing the indicator to the handlebar as shown. This should now be tight, and should have created an electrical circuit. If not then you may need to run some cable from the headset switch on each side to make a definite earth connection.

Roll back the handlebar grip. That's it for this stage.

Now how on earth do you wire all this stuff up? Click here to find out.