I have a 98 fatboy with a right hand side indicator problem.

The indicator works randomly when i'm idling, but not when i'm moving. The left hand side works fine.

Is there a common problem that i should start with? Bad connection in the hand controls? One bad bulb takes them both out?

Thanks.

beehappier.

I had a similar problem on my 2002 fatboy. RHS indicators were playing up intermittently so I changed both bulbs and all was good for a couple of weeks until it happened again so I pulled the switchblock apart and found nothing obvious so i sprayed wd40 on it. Still wasn't working. (HEADFUCK) I put up with it for a few weeks but had to ride up to Sydney and wasn't game to go there without right blinkers. The bike was due for an oil change so took it to my local mechanic and asked him to fix the blinkers while he was at it. I picked the bike up the next day and asked him what the problem was and he said "what problem? they work fine" That was nearly two years ago and the blinkers are still good but every time I get on the bike I check them. I still don't know what the problem was but so far so good.
Does your bike have the self cancelling indicators bee? mine does. if anybody can explain how the self cancelling system works I would appreciate it.
Let us know how you go bee.

if anybody can explain how the automatic cancelling thing works would be great. Is it a computer thing or a gravity thing? CHEERS

Okay, I had a look in the online manual. The turn signal canceller is located on the top frame tube between the fuel tanks. How long they blink is influence by the speed you are doing and there are four different settings. The faster you go, the longer they blink.

There is a troubleshooting guide in the manual too. I'm hoping my problems can be sorted out with a spray of wd40 in the right place as well.

beehappier.

these bikes with computers have got me fucked

if any person can explain how the indicators work would be good. when how does the bike know when to turn them off?

Hey beaglebasher, do you have your bars internally wired? Sounds like you have an electrical gremlin somewhere on the right hand side of your bars. Make sure your hand controls are all nice and tight on the bars and then start giving the wiring on that side a bit of a wiggle with the ignition on and the right hand indicator on and see if they start working. Also check the rear RH bulb for working as it may be the culprit.
Not totally sure on the self cancelling on your 98'model, but on my 94'fatty, there is a circuit in the speedo which times out the indicators. I once had the speedo cable to the front wheel snap and the self cancelling stopped working - replaced cable and happy days again, but yours I believe has an electronic pick up on the trans and no cable. Don't think that's your issue anyway mate.
If you can't find any dodgey wires (rubbed thru insulation or just broken) maybe pull off the right hand control and check out the switch inside for corrosion and crap.

cheers

DocGreen

Cheers Doc. There is a gremlin in my bike for sure but it hasn't raised its ugly head for nearly two years but I wont be surprised if it happens again. The blinkers on my bike cancel themselves after it has been leaned over and straightened back up. If you don't lean very much they stay on. There is no timer involved. My bike is a 2002 model (imported 2012) . I would like to know how this system works. I think it would be a mechanical pendulum type switch or maybe a mercury fluid type switch but it might be an electronic thing, who knows? Anybody?

How are you going with your problem Bee?

 

Haha sorry beaglebasher, had the night shift brain on mate - reply was obviously meant for beehappier

cheers

DocGreen

Got it in the end. Figured it was worth posting about in case anyone has a similar problem.

It turned out to be a bad earth connection. The plug that the indicator bulb plugs into has a small screw on a bracket securing it and earthing it. 

Bit of wd40 between the bracket and the indicator housing and its as good as gold. 

Cheers.