Droopy Rear Turn Signal Fix for Kawasaki Ninja 650R

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If you own a 2006 through 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, then you are probably wondering what to do about the rear turn signals -- or as the Brits would say -- indicators. 

If you don't own one of these bikes, here is what happens: 

See the right signal hanging down?  Droopy, I'd say. 

The reason why they fail is that they are made with a rubber piece so that they have some flexibility and don't get broken off by a careless boot when mounting, or when they get crowded by a set of side bags,

or when you have a minor tipover. 

That rubber piece deteriorates with age and sunlight until it becomes cracked and broken.  ...and you can't buy the rubber piece by itself.  You have to buy the whole assembly. 

I have fixed mine using Dap 18384 Flexi-Clear Elastomeric Sealant (UPC code: 70798 18376),

along with a stiff wire covered in rubber tubing to support the lamp from the side reflector. 

Rubber-covered wire beneath signal lamp,
supported from reflector mount.

Underside of fender view.
The wire support has a loop that wraps around
the screw and under the nut on the back of the reflector.

Be sure to apply the sealant into the cracks and then smear some on the outside to smooth out the cracks.  It is very messy, but solvent removes it from your hands. 

This holds up fairly well, is inconspicuous, and is very inexpensive. 

If your signals are in much worse shape, then an alternative is needed.  New signals cost about $70 each. 

Eek! 

I have been unable to find a set of used ones that are in any better shape than mine, and I won't spend that kind of money to get new ones. 

You can buy a set of Chinese LED lights that look almost like the originals, but since the originals are incandescent, you do have to install a different flasher or install parallel resistors to make the lamps flash at the correct rate with this option.  It is also not certain that those meet DOT light output requirements. 

Most of the other cheap aftermarket LED signals are very weak and almost invisible in daylight. 

You could also install an integrated LED tail/stop/turn signal.  The disadvantage is the flasher replacement issue above and the fact that the separation distance between the tail light and the signal does not meet DOT requirements.  In other words, a following driver may not be able to distinguish the brake light from a turn signal because they are so close together. 

One other solution that looks factory is to replace the signals with some from a later year bike.  The ones for the 2009-2011 are a different shape, and have a different rubber piece, but they fit the same opening and use the same mounting hardware and electrical sockets. ...and you can be sure that they meet all DOT visibility requirements. 

Here are some pictures for comparison:

2006-2008 signal showing mounting hardware.

Top, 2009-2011.
Bottom, 2006-2008.

2009-2011 signal shown mounted on 2006-2008 rear fender flap.

The later year rubber piece is of a different design, it does not appear to deteriorate as fast as the older design, and it fits the openings in the rear fender flap properly.  You can find them used for a fairly low price (certainly well under the $70 each retail price new). 

I bought my set on ebay from seller mxnmama (Sooner State Cycle in Tulsa, OK) for $4.90 + $5.00 shipping each. 

Here is a rundown of part numbers and current retail prices to help you find what you need:

2006-2008 

• 23037
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,LH
  23037-0077
  $69.78
• 23037A
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,RH
  23037-0078
  $69.78

2009-2011 

• 23037
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,LH
  23037-0235 (was 23037-0161)
  $69.85
• 23037A
  LAMP-ASSY-SIGNAL,RR,RH
  23037-0236 (was 23037-0162)
  $69.85

Mounting Hardware for either 2006-2008 or 2009-2011 (one of each part number required for each signal.)

• 92200
  WASHER,SIGNAL LAMP
  92200-0164
  $2.32
• 92200A
  WASHER,SIGNAL LAMP
  92200-0165
  $2.32 
• 224
  SCREW-PAN-WP-CROS,4X8
  224AB0408
  $2.48

Here is an exploded 2009-2011 parts diagram:

OK, so now you have no excuse to run around with those droopy turn signals.  

See you on the road soon!  I'll signal 'ya.  

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