Electrical issue, turn signals and running light: 88 K75C

[ronbuell]

I need a starting point.  Just got the bike and working my way thru it to get it road worthy.  Bike runs and rides, goes and stops fine, but the lights gotta work to put it on the street.

Neither turn signal will work, and the running lights are out as well.  I didn't get the owners manual and I don't have a Clymer's manual either.  I did find a on-line manual, but it doesn't even have a wiring diagram.  So I found some wiring diagrams on line, and the K bikes seem to be similar between the the 1100 and 750.

Anyway, I'm more used to the Oriential bikes, this one with a controller is unknown to me.  I've got an ohm meter and a soldering iron, so I'm dangerous.  Watch out what you tell me, I'm liable to go out there and do it.
Anyway, post me some links here so I can go troubleshoot it.
thanks, Ron

[rbm]

Interactive wiring diagram for the K75/K100 is available here.
High res wiring diagram for the K75 is available here

My first port of call for the wonky turn signals and parking lights would be the right hand cluster connector under the tank.  If the bike has been sitting for some time, the electrical connections may have become corroded.  A common remedy is to disconnect each connector under the tank (and possibly throughout the bike for completeness), and clean them with an electrical cleaner such as DeOxit.  While under the tank, check the grounds that are clustered on the left side of the frame.  Bad grounds can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins.

Do you know if the starter motor has ever been serviced by the PO?

[ronbuell]

Thanks. Top link worked to wiring diagram, 2nd link went to Google............??

[rbm]

yes, that's correct.  The second link points to my Google Drive with four colour schematics, including K75/C/S without ABS.

[ronbuell]

Well, found part of the issue:
PO rigged running lights in the turns and mounted a switch down by the cylinder head so he could turn the running lights on.  Problem is, they don't.  And the downloaded owners manual got corrupted.... :musicboohoo:
So the saga continues..........

[ronbuell]

Sorted out.  Blown fuses kept other relays from working that PO had installed as accessories.

New Problem:
Left turn works and cycle properly, Right turn short cycles but lights up as it should.

[rbm]

Sorted out.  Blown fuses kept other relays from working that PO had installed as accessories.

New Problem:
Left turn works and cycle properly, Right turn short cycles but lights up as it should.

If what you mean by short cycle that it flashes very fast, that is hyperflashing and indicates a blown bulb in that circuit.  Hyperflashing can also be caused by LED indicators which don't present a high current load and "look" like a blown bulb.  Did the PO also fit LEDs during the customization work?

[ronbuell]

1157s, not LEDs.
And I just installed new front Turns, both 1157, not LED.
I thought only LEDs short cycled.  So what next>?

[rbm]

Standard K-bike turn indicators don't use dual filament 1157's because there are no running lights.  You want to use single filament 12V 21W with BA15S base.

[ronbuell]

Except on this bike the PO installed dual element 1157 sockets and wired the second element on a separate hot line with a relay AND a switch.  Not sure what his logic was, but its there.

http://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-2-Wires-Signal-Socket-Harness/dp/B00NQ7CE0I/ref=sr_1_43?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1413940902&sr=1-43&keywords=1157+socket
The S is a Single pole, single element.

Seems like I read a link to trouble shooting that recommended taking the cover off the signal flasher and cleaning the contacts.

Almost home free.  Ordered a new front wheel today, should be in by the weekend so I can get some miles on it and feel it out.

Had to change the narrow bars out for something that would fit my wide shoulders.   I had no idea until I measured... only 25 inches wide.  No wonder it felt like my fists were rubbing together in the middle.   
If I run bars narrower than 32, I get shoulder cramps from not having enough leverage.

[rbm]

Well, your challenges are greater with undocumented modifications.  I don't know if it is possible to reverse a 1157 bulb but, if it is possible, maybe you've connected the low wattage filament to the signaling circuit.  Try reversing each bulb and see of the behaviour changes.

[ronbuell]

Good thought Robert, I check that.
You can't reverse the bulb in the socket, but you can get the leads hooked to the wrong filiment when initially hooking it up.  I checked what I did with battery charger, so I know I had the bright filiments, but I'll check 'em all again.

[ronbuell]

Robert,  Thank you Sir, that was it...  1 bulb reversed... all working good now.... as they should.
Onward...........