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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach?
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Message started by HotinTopeka888 on 04/29/25 at 11:57:38

Title: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach?
Post by HotinTopeka888 on 04/29/25 at 11:57:38

Has anyone ever figured out a clever way to screw on a typical universal aftermarket rear turn signal on a 2005 s40 Boulevard? Or am I stuck getting the expensive OEM part.

I can't speak for any other Savage, but the 2005 turn signal stem is a metal bar held on by a screw perpendicular to the bar through the bike's pinion. The universal aftermarket signals just screw on directly and are held in place by a washer and nut.

I'm surprised so little info is available on these things online. I bought a pair of aftermarket tail lights ovee a month ago and now I can't refund them. They were apparently compatible with the Savage... but this doesnt seem to apply to my model. The screw on stem makes it seem impossible to attach without an adapter of some kind (which doesn't seem to exist!).

These are the turn signals I bought:
https://a.co/d/4YimIIX

On the picture I attached, the OEM stem is on the left and the aftermarket screw-on stem is on the right. Is there any hardware solution, any adapter to make the aftearket one work, or do I just have a wasted part on my hands?

Title: Re: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach
Post by Dave on 04/29/25 at 16:57:20

I suggest you send those turn signals back to the seller and get your money back.

The cheap LED turn signals are not bright enough to be seen in daylight - especially if the sun is shining on them. I have ridden behind motorcycles with this type of turn signal - and I can tell you from experience they just don't make enough light to be seen easily.

My wife and I almost collided with a rider who was turning and had a similar LED turn signal - in the bright sun we just could not see his turn signal and had no idea he was going to turn. Once I saw that he was slowing rapidly I got on the brakes as hard as I could - but if he had not turned right and gotten out of our path we would have hit him (we could not go left of him as there was another rider there and a ditch on the right - we only missed him by a foot).

Stay safe and use turn signals that are DOT approved.

Title: Re: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach
Post by Savard 05 on 04/30/25 at 02:48:47

Hey man I used I5 brand on Amazon paid 30 for pair fit like oem only bad part was they were more savge style turnsignals pre 05 longer style not bullets but fit and work great. ALSO USED SAME BULB NO LED.

Title: Re: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach
Post by Savard 05 on 04/30/25 at 02:57:49

Also not sure but I think the style you bought might work if you remove pillion handle / side rail install directly through fender. But like I said i5 brand on Amazon work great I've had them on 2nd riding season and still holding great.

Title: Re: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach
Post by HotinTopeka888 on 04/30/25 at 08:58:56

Hey Dave, thanks for the advice. I'm FINALLY putting the finishing touches to rebuilding my savage with a new clutch, petcock, brake flush, spark plug, carb clean, etc. And im gonna just test it out once I replace the pair of broken turn signals. I guess I'm not inclined to make this one, my second most expensive repair.

Even if it wasn't a test to see if my bike can run again... the cost of the plastic OEMs is just unreasonable. I bought these a year ago so I can't return them. They are chrome and according to the guy who recommended them, they do seem pretty bright. I've gotten used to hand signals anyway, so in a way these are just a formality. The area I ride in had little to no traffic.

I am aware of the i5s though. And that's my last ditch for now.

I looked through the site and found this: https://suzukisavage.com/home/tech/lights/

Any recommendations as far as these posts are concerned, anyone? I'm gonna read through them tonight

I don't think screwing them onto the fender and exposing the cords is the preferable option.

Title: Re: Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals... How to Attach
Post by HotinTopeka888 on 04/30/25 at 09:34:11

Yep, this is the direction I was heading. I did remove the rubber to the old stems this morning... just wish I didn't go all the way.

https://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1137475021

Seems failsafe to me. Hey, I don't want to be too irresponsible though. If the LEDs don't shine in the light, I'll get the i5s down the line I suppose. I think those have bulbs.