Funny Blinker Issue

[restorganize]

Ok y'all, I am having a bit of a blinker issue, and I imagine the guru's out there will be able to help me.
Let me preface this with, all the bulbs are new, and these are stock indicators on a '79F. The blinkers work on the right side of the bike, the front running lights work on both sides, but when I push the lever to turn left nothing happens in the rear indicator. I have tested the connections in the left rear and I am getting 11.something volts, same as the right. When I test the front left I don't recall getting any reading. I have taken the headlamp out and all the wires are in their "original packaging", I replaced the thumb switch (the whole things), and the flasher relay. So I don't know what is happening. This bike has been my LA commuter bike, so I haven't tried to fix this issue, but now that it is back in Houston, I need to get it inspected and it won't pass if the indicators are working.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Yard Dogg]

Sounds like your front bulb socket is dirty or has a bad connection somewhere in the wiring. It has a double bulb and it shares the same ground, so the ground is good if your running lights work. Somewhere in the wiring, or at the socket, your blinker circuit is not getting power from the flasher. I'd start out by cleaning the socket thoroughly. test the continuity, then test from the flasher to the socket. Do you have the auto turn signal canceller? If so you will have to look at the wiring diagram and test accordingly until you find out where the power stops getting there. another area you may check is in the headlight bucket where the turn signal is supposed to plug in. Those wires are easy to get mixed up and they can be a pain to stuff in there.

[CatatonicBug]

You say the bulbs are new? Did you get the proper wattage bulbs? The ones that work with the OEM flasher are a bit unique. Not sure what the wattage is, but they aren't standard.

You say you replaced the flasher? Did you replace it with an OEM one or a different aftermarket model? If you did the aftermarket one, you need to bypass the RLU. Also, be sure the signals are properly grounded at each stem. Add a dab or anti-seize to the contact point to aid in the connection and prevent future corrosion.

[natemoen]

OEM flasher needs 27watt bulbs. The 27 watt bulbs are motorcycle specific bulbs, they have a heavier filament to resist vibration which is why they are higher wattage. I think regular 1157 bulbs are 23 watt.

If you ditch the OEM flasher then you can use any bulb you want but you lose the auto canceling blinkers. You do however need to use a 2 prong flasher rather than a 3 prong like the OEM. Any 2 prong electronic flasher will work, if the lights don't flash one way plug the flasher in the other way (it fits 2 different way).

C-Bug, the RLU has NOTHING to do with the turn signals, not sure what you are talking about there...

[Yard Dogg]

OEM bulbs are 27W each adding to 54W for each side. The stock flasher needs 54W to operate correctly. Your bulbs should show the watts on them. Was your stock flasher broken? Why did you change it?

[CatatonicBug]

C-Bug, the RLU has NOTHING to do with the turn signals, not sure what you are talking about there...

You're right. My mistake. Not sure where my brain was going with that one.

[crazy steve]

Do you actually have a ground at the rear light? The XS turns don't have ground wire coming off the light socket, but instead depend on a 'ground strap' between the socket and the signal housing to make a ground. The front signal is attached with all metal connections, the rear light is rubber isolated and needs a ground wire from the metal part of the light to system ground (either the frame or to a ground wire). Do check the ground strap connection to make sure it's good...

[GARTHXS]

Hey is that you Judson ? Try unpluging the self cancel

[restorganize]

Sorry for not getting back

Sorry for not replying, but I haven't had to opportunity to do anything as of yet, and I haven't had the opportunity to get back to the forum and read all of the suggestions.

From what I can remember of the questions asked to me.

Yes, I replaced the flasher with OEM
The bulbs I have replaced are identical to the ones I pulled out of the indicators, and I bought them at Autozone

I am aware of the ground strap in the back

Garth, this is me Judson, and I will unplug the cancelation unit and see if that works.

If I can't figure all of this out, I will put antique plates on it, and not have to get it inspected. Then everywhere I go, I will be going to a "rally" or "show" or something along those lines. It is also cheaper to do it that way.

I'll let you know what I find out. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[crazy steve]

...The bulbs I have replaced are identical to the ones I pulled out of the indicators, and I bought them at Autozone....

Unless those lamps were marked as 'motorcycle', they're not the same... Automotive lamps (such as you'll find at any auto parts store) look the same but aren't. As Nate said, they're only 23 watts, not the needed 27. Any motorcycle dealer should have the correct lamps...

[jwhughes3]

I have gone the last 4000 miles with only hand signals Judson...It bothered me at first but now I dont even think about it.


Hope the 27 watt bulbs make the difference.

John

[DGXSER]

Funny thing about that John, I am not sure they even have the hand signals in the books for learning to drive anymore. With all the bike trails/paths out there these days, I doubt anyone under 25-30 knows the hand signals any more.

[GLoweVA]

Unless those lamps were marked as 'motorcycle', they're not the same... Automotive lamps (such as you'll find at any auto parts store) look the same but aren't. As Nate said, they're only 23 watts, not the needed 27. Any motorcycle dealer should have the correct lamps...

Steve, I have found 27W ones at the Auto parts stores, but you just gotta look at the package and read the fine print on them.

[crazy steve]

I have gone the last 4000 miles with only hand signals Judson...It bothered me at first but now I dont even think about it.

Yeah, the problem these days is even if you know the hand signals, that doesn't mean the drivers around you do (look mommy, the man is waving his arm around and waving! LOL). It's been over 40 years since the last street-legal vehicles without factory turn signals were built, it's become a lost skill....

[Yard Dogg]

I used hand signals on the way to and from State Patrol a few weeks ago. Man I felt ridiculous. Not in a dorky way, but trying to downshift, work around the 2nd gear issue, trouble getting it into 1st from neutral, changing lanes, and trying to signal at the same time, I just gave up and drove back roads. LOL. It was sort of fun at first, nostalgic. Then I realized how stupid I must look coming to a complete stop in the middle of a round a bout cause it was stuck in neutral. ARgghh.