when i turn blinkers on, ALL lights flash

[crazy steve]

FLUX

Fred, you should mention that the flux needs to be rosin type, NOT acid type. Acid-based flux will eat the wire up after a bit of time, creating more problems. Make sure your solder if it's a flux core is rosin-cored also. Rosin core solder by itself may not put enough fux on a joint, it's a good idea to have a can of flux so you can apply some 'extra'...

[blue83ranger]

I was just using Rosen core solder that says "for electrical repairs". But since i bought a new switch i'll add some extra flux to the wires the next time i need to repair some wires.

[crazy steve]

It really helps when soldering to 'tin' (get a good, 'flowed-on' shiney solder coating) the two sides of the joint before joining them. Don't worry too much about excess, you can remove the extra while soldering them together.

[fredintoon]

I know now Fred has tempted you to taste it for yourself but don't. - - - I have seen many people melt a bubble of soldier on wire and sling it to clean the excess but the soldier can put your eye out and worse mess up paint on the bike. - - -

Hi Ron,
believe me, my taste test was inadvertent. That's a good practicum BTW. Let me add that safety glasses will keep the molten solder out of your eye.
Also, if molten solder gets on your skin you are permitted a manly groan but screaming like a girl is for sissies.

[cywelchjr]

+1 on a hot enough iron. I have ALWAYS used a 75 watt iron and now have a nice temp controlled unit. But yes, part of the secret is heating the parts you are soldering to the proper temp BEFORE overheating the surrounding areas.

[blue83ranger]

I figured out that extra wire. I took both switches apart and luckily all i had to do is take them in half. The 1100 has that extra wire only it loops back to the solid yellow wire on the switch. So, i just spiced the yellow and yellow/black wire together. I got the switch on and all the lights and horn work correctly now. So the problem is offically 100% fixed. Now i need to clean the rust out of the tank and get it started.