Turn signals flash fast when idling

[XV1100SE]

Custom Dynamics run/turn/brake lights on the back with load balancer...I've found that when I'm idling the turn signals (either direction) will flash quickly but get the rpm up a little and they flash normally.

 

I don't think it is a wiring issue since they've been working fine for the past couple years but wondering if it could be an indication of a stator or something else going? Battery is only a few years old (DEKA AGM).

 

I haven't done any tests yet (voltage/amps) but any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Flyinfool]

Start with a voltage check across the battery at idle. As the voltage drops the amps go down, as the amps go down the flash rate goes up.

 

This is why converting to LEDs without something to add the amp draw back in causes lights to flash fast. The lower amp draw of the LEDs is what causes the fast flashing.

 

So it is possible that your fast flashing could be a weak stator, or a weak RR, or a weak battery, or a corroded electrical connection, or, or, or......

A voltage check at idle and reved is the place to start.

[XV1100SE]

My first thought was the load balancer but if it had gone out then the turn signals would flash fast all the time. And because it isn't one side only, I don't think it is a problem "at the socket".

 

I'll do some tests tonight and post what I find.

[XV1100SE]

Might sound strange but worked. Was riding today and the flashers were fast when idling. So...I turned the idle up a bit....and fixed the issue.

 

Thinking my idle was too low. I only bumped it up maybe 50-75 rpm but the signals were fine afterwards.

[XV1100SE]

My rpm is confirmed to be at 1,000rpm and I've still noticed that the turn signals on the bike will flash quickly for a second or two occasionally. I checked the voltage at the battery - 14.1 with bike running, 12.5 with bike off.

 

I pull a trailer and have a Reese powered converter connected under the seat. The issue with the signals flashing fast happens without the trailer connected. On the return trip from MD, the running lights weren't working but the signals were. Stopped for the night and the next morning the trailer lights were working properly.

 

Wiring under the seat appears to have good connections (including ground). I've tested with low beam on, passing lights off, gps disconnected....

 

Will test further when I can.