Why would a motorcycle without electric start need a battery?

I recently bought a 1980 Honda xl250s dual sport that has been parked in a shed for 5-6 years. I have been tinkering with it and riding it and running it and it all works fine except the turn signals don't work and the brake light doesn't work. I haven't had a battery in it because the one that was in it was dead and I haven't bought a new one yet. I'm curious if that's why the turn signals and brake light won't work or if I'm going to have a wiring issue? And if the battery doesn't do anything for the turn signals or brake light why would it need a battery in the first place?

95 honda shadow vlx600 electrical problems?

So I took it out for a ride this morning and it starts up fine, shifts fine, accelerates and does everything it's supposed to. I always have it on a trickle charger when not riding. Tested the battery after the incident and it came out to be 12.6 off the bike. I rode it for about 10 minutes, I started to pull into the parking lot and it completely shuts down on me, no lights, no dash, no power no nothing. Any suggestions? I was told it could possibly be the ignition switch?

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much a 2012 250cc Honda Rebel would retail for?

Color is matte gray. EXCELLENT condition. Has 32 miles on it. Goes in to a heated winter storage every year from November-April. Gets maintenance done every year. Unfortunately for me, I injured my back after I purchased it back in December of 2012 and I haven't been able to barely ride it. I haven't been able to bring myself to sell it, but we'll be moving into a smaller space so I won't have a spot to put it unfortunately. I feel like the dealer gave me a low offer at $1,500. Wondering if anyone can help.

Honda magna v45 revs while driving?

When in gear and driving my bike will rev really high while driving. Yes, as I'm driving along and I throttle hard the bike revs high and loses power.

Is a Honda CB300F a good starter bike?

Just purchased a 2017 Honda CB300F with 300 miles on it. Never rode a motorcycle before and the biggest dirt bike i have driven was a Honda 125.think i will Have trouble with this bike? Still have to take my permit test too