1982 XJ1100. Start the bike and the turn signals work, though the right blinks slower. When riding, the turn signals work only as long as I hold the switch in position. As soon as I release it, they shut off. A real pain while trying to turn, work the clutch, and hold the turn signal so it stays on. The right signals are slower. Possible solutions: bad switch, bad flasher, lose wire, dirty connections. Anything else I could check?

since you are having to hold the switch. I would say it is time for a teardown of the switch and a good cleaning. Electronic cleaner works well here. Just dont for get the dielectric grease when you are done. Take it off and take it appart. I usually do this over a nice white rag, just in case something falls out. Take it appart slowly. So you know how it goes back together. Good luck,ride safe.

Alternator bushes.

You're losing the battle to keep your electric demands satisfied.

Pop the cover.
Measure the brushes.

You need 11mm -- Minimum on that bike.

The bike only has 14,000 miles on it. Would the brushes go bad this soon? Would there be other evidence of the brushes being worn?

burtmonro wrote:

The bike only has 14,000 miles on it. Would the brushes go bad this soon? Would there be other evidence of the brushes being worn?

Maybe, it is a case of undoing 3 bolts and having a look at the brushes and the condition of the surfaces they run on to make sure. Might as well to discount the brushes as a cause.

They can cause other problems, battery not charging, bike not starting, dim lights, etc.

Does your bike have self cancelling turn signals? The unit might be faulty.

Check for corrosion on contacts and plugs. Check or (better) replace the fuse box, even if it is ok eventually they give problems.

Here is a good pic of the alt brushes and contact plate. If you look closely on the bruches you can see the wear line on them. Even if it not the brushes. It is definately good peice of mind to know. I am still betting the switch has junk in it that needs cleaned out, since you have to hold the switch.Brushes pic

[quote="KiwiXJ750D)

Maybe, it is a case of undoing 3 bolts and having a look at the brushes and the condition of the surfaces they run on to make sure. Might as well to discount the brushes as a cause.

They can cause other problems, battery not charging, bike not starting, dim lights, etc.

Does your bike have self cancelling turn signals? The unit might be faulty.

Check for corrosion on contacts and plugs. Check or (better) replace the fuse box, even if it is ok eventually they give problems.[/quote]

I haven't noticed any other electrical problems. The self cancelling turn signal unit worked when I first got the bike, about two weeks ago, but it didn't last long. I wouldn't bother fixing that, but if it's somehow related to the other turn signal problem, then I will.

KiwiXJ750D wrote:

Maybe, it is a case of undoing 3 bolts and having a look at the brushes and the condition of the surfaces they run on to make sure. Might as well to discount the brushes as a cause. They can cause other problems, battery not charging, bike not starting, dim lights, etc. Does your bike have self cancelling turn signals? The unit might be faulty. Check for corrosion on contacts and plugs. Check or (better) replace the fuse box, even if it is ok eventually they give problems.

burtmonro wrote:

I haven't noticed any other electrical problems. The self cancelling turn signal unit worked when I first got the bike, about two weeks ago, but it didn't last long. I wouldn't bother fixing that, but if it's somehow related to the other turn signal problem, then I will.

It could be related. Did the other problems start after the self cancelling unit stopped working?

You should be able to bypass the unit.