Topic: Indicators not working....

[toycollector10]

I recently bought a Z1 Kawasaki.

The indicators won't blink but just come on and stay on. When they do decide to work if I put the headlight on they stop blinking. I have not been able to get the engine running yet so this is just on battery power alone. I have cleaned all the earth contacts and also the positive battery strap where it connects to the electrics. Any ideas on how to fix this?  Thanks.

[TwoTired]

Many stock flasher relays are resistive and as such sensitive to the system voltage level.  Higher voltage = faster flashing/ lower voltage = slower or no flashing.  Adding more load (headlight) will lower system voltage.

What is your battery voltage level?

[mattcb350f]

+1,  I've found on bikes with a small 6V battery like a CB125, If the blinker bulbs are not the right wattage or worse 12v bulbs than she won't blink.

this could apply to your Kawi

Also, a short or high resistance along the wires to the lights is the same as "too big" a bulb and cause the same thing.

But as TwoTired says, it's likely low voltage.
 Matt.

[toycollector10]

Thanks guys.

It's a 12V system. The problem seemed to get worse the more I worked on it so maybe the battery was getting drained. the battery is brand new and was fully charged when I started on the problem.

I will check the voltage of the indicator bulbs.

[MrZxp]

I have found it quite useful, when working on a motorcycle's electrical system for long periods, to plug in my 12v DC power adapter to which I have attached a pair of alligator clips (suitably marked positive and negative, as determined by my multimeter) and connected in place of the battery. Thus I can leave happily on charge my brand new battery, and never fear of "running out of juice" while diagnosing any fault...

Just a thought...

Cheers, Phil

[Bob550four]

I"ve found that when I got my 550, and attempted to use the signals, fully charged battery and motor off,  they wouldnt flash.   I came to find out it was my relay was no good. 
Once I replaced that, all was just fine and functional.