Headlight Relay Failure??

[Airbear]

Absolutely correct.
It was the 6 pin/5 wires plug just under the left side
rear of the tank. Another problem solved online.
Plug was completely apart. Seems to be tight enough
when pushed completely home. Then the blinkers wouldn't
blink until 30/40 seconds after the motor was started.

Ah, good news. We love a fix that doesn't have a dollar sign in front of it.

[Deleted User 62]

Thanks for that info.
Oz gets the Euro version.

You guys have all the fun...

[John Falconer]

I had a similar experience, but worse, last night on returning home from a friend's house. This on my '88RT.

It was dark. Suited up. Turned the key, headlight, etc., on - start motor, then no lights - instruments, headlight and tail light all out. WTF (even though I knew it was the relay ... I was in no mood to address it at the time).

I had about 20 miles to get home - rode the entire way with my finger depressing the high-beam switch and, when other vehicles were nearby, lightly applying brakes to illuminate the rear brake light. Made it home uneventfully and did notice that in addition to the high beam, brake light, and high-beam indicator, the turn signals did work (but were too difficult to operate much while holding down the high beam switch). Anyway ... maybe a helpful experience to share with someone who could end up in a similar situation.

No to go out and fix it.

[kutter]

Closely watching the blinker action for the last week
or so it was obvious that the blinker blinked very slowly
with the motor running. Even with the motor running
there were times when they did not blink at all.
Pulled the tank off this morning , removed the blinker
relay (Plastic case) opened it up, cleaned the points,
washed with metho, dried. Blinks slightly faster than before,
even without the motor running. Strapped the offending six pin
plug together with a zip tie. Two problems fixed.
Total cost = 1 zip tie.

[dougie]

Strapped the offending six pin
plug together with a zip tie. Two problems fixed.
Total cost = 1 zip tie.

How did people ever ride motorcycles without zip-ties?

[guy]

Before zip-tie and duct tape it was machinist wire or baling wire, and butchers twine.

[dougie]

Before zip-tie and duct tape it was machinist wire or baling wire, and butchers twine.

Ah yes, we've come so far.