Flasher Replacement

[82wingriderRev]

How do I replace the flasher unit on my 82 GL1100 Interstate? Flashers are doing strange things - bulbs all seems to be fine - assuming it must be the flasher unit itself. Don't know where it is or how to test/replace it.

[virgilmobile]

The flasher ,I believe is a electronic relay type , not a generic auto type thermal flasher.Here's a pix of it's location.There should be,with the key on,12 volts on one wire,another is ground(green) ant the third goes to the turn signal switch.

Can you describe what happens as there is also a auto canceler circuit involved here too.

[WingAdmin]

It is located underneath the false tank on the left side, as mentioned. There is a rubber mount that stretches around it to hold it in place, but to isolate it from the vibration of the frame.

The OEM flasher is a standard bimetallic thermal unit, similar to car flashers, but I suspect a bit more robust. Most people (myself included) replace it with an electronic flasher (electromechanical - an electronic timing circuit that actuates a relay with hard contacts). This is great if you put LED bulbs on your bike, but it will no longer flash quickly (or not at all) if a bulb fails, so you have to be a little more conscientious in checking the operations of your signals in your pre-ride check.

[virgilmobile]

Right , it is thermal,the 1200 is electronic.

Of all the things I've lost in life....I miss my mind the most.

[diversity48]

i just stuck a $2 or $3 auto zone flasher in and it works fine...but i have stock bulbs. no LED's.

[thrasherg]

I guess it depends by what you mean when you say the indicators are doing strange things. A bad earth will cause all sorts of strange things and has nothing to do with the relay/flasher!! Before buying another flasher, you might want to describe what strange things are happening and we might be able to suggest a cause and save you buying a new flasher un-necessarily..

Gary

[UKYiannis]

A bit late to the party but would it be possible to use an inline resistor with the stock flasher unit if only converting the rear to LED? Many thanks in advance!

[Rmyers104]

I've heard of inline resistors being used, and tried it myself years ago (without success I might add). In my opinion: totally not worth the headache. Inline resistors shed a TON of heat - more than enough to burn bare skin and melt plastic.

An automotive LED flasher will handle normal bulbs up front and LED bulbs in the rear no problem.

[UKYiannis]

Okay thanks, I will look into going that route then!