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[Eqcons]

I'm having strange electrical happenings on my bike!

The last few times out, I've noticed a strange thing. When I'm slowing down, or it might be related to using the front brake, I get a flash of crackling over the audio system. I happened to notice the "CB" icon flash - it's as if the squelch is zeroed for a fraction of a second. Definitely associated with slowing down.

Today I got some more weird things, seemingly related.  First, the neutral light would flicker then stay on, regardless of speed and gear.  As it flickered, I again noted the audio interference with the flash from the "CB" icon.  Then I also noticed the "key" symbol LED (security system??) lit up too - at the same time as the neutral light, but not necessarily all the time - that is sometimes the neutral light would be on on its own.  Sometimes they'd both go off, but come back on again later.

As these bikes are CAN bus, I'm thinking something is injecting a signal, or more likely just noise, that's sending things haywire.  Why it's related to slowing down/front braking (the original symptom only - the lights can be on at any time) goodness only knows!

Any ideas???

[Chief]

I'm having strange electrical happenings on my bike!

The last few times out, I've noticed a strange thing. When I'm slowing down, or it might be related to using the front brake, I get a flash of crackling over the audio system. I happened to notice the "CB" icon flash - it's as if the squelch is zeroed for a fraction of a second. Definitely associated with slowing down.

Today I got some more weird things, seemingly related.  First, the neutral light would flicker then stay on, regardless of speed and gear.  As it flickered, I again noted the audio interference with the flash from the "CB" icon.  Then I also noticed the "key" symbol LED (security system??) lit up too - at the same time as the neutral light, but not necessarily all the time - that is sometimes the neutral light would be on on its own.  Sometimes they'd both go off, but come back on again later.

As these bikes are CAN bus, I'm thinking something is injecting a signal, or more likely just noise, that's sending things haywire.  Why it's related to slowing down/front braking (the original symptom only - the lights can be on at any time) goodness only knows!

Any ideas???

That is a strange one. One thing to keep in mind about the neutral light is that the positive wire to the light is always hot. The circuit is completed to ground, through the neutral switch. In order for that one to flicker on and off, the circuit would have to be shorting to ground somewhere along the wire to the neutral switch. I can't visualize how that would be able to be in synch with the other items you mention.

Sorry I can't be of any more help. Please update us when you do figure it out.

[Fired00d]

That is a strange one. One thing to keep in mind about the neutral light is that the positive wire to the light is always hot. The circuit is completed to ground, through the neutral switch. In order for that one to flicker on and off, the circuit would have to be shorting to ground somewhere along the wire to the neutral switch. I can't visualize how that would be able to be in synch with the other items you mention.

Sorry I can't be of any more help. Please update us when you do figure it out.

I remember reading somewhere that somebody had put a chrome neutral cover switch on, and started having issues I believe w/their neutral light. Have you put one of these on recently? Not sure if this would be the cause of all your other issues, but may be the problem w/the neutral light.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Eqcons]

In order for that one to flicker on and off, the circuit would have to be shorting to ground somewhere along the wire to the neutral switch.

Thanks Chief.  OR - the neutral switch could be faulty....

Jim

[Eqcons]

I remember reading somewhere that somebody had put a chrome neutral cover switch on, and started having issues I believe w/their neutral light. Have you put one of these on recently? Not sure if this would be the cause of all your other issues, but may be the problem w/the neutral light.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

No, nothing near the switch, d00d.  Started today after the stealer drained my lovely Redline Shockproof heavy at the 5000 mile service and replaced it with HD stuff. (don't ask - tech thought he was doing a 1000 mile service!!!  They've told me to buy some more Redline and bill them).  Perhaps that might be just coincidence....

Jim

[Chief]

Thanks Chief.  OR - the neutral switch could be faulty....

Jim

Very true. It's easy to test by removing both wires and riding. If it still flickers, not the switch. Based on all of the other issues you're having, I would fathom a guess that the switch is OK and you've got wiring problems towards the front of the bike. I wonder if the key indicator and the radio problems could all be tied to a bad ground, something common to everything up there. Everything except the neutral light that is.

Keep us posted.

[Fired00d]

No, nothing near the switch, d00d.  Started today after the stealer drained my lovely Redline Shockproof heavy at the 5000 mile service and replaced it with HD stuff. (don't ask - tech thought he was doing a 1000 mile service!!!  They've told me to buy some more Redline and bill them).  Perhaps that might be just coincidence....

Jim

Now that really throws a wrench in it (heh, maybe the tech left a tool somewhere that is causing a short/ground ). Sounds like there could be pinched/shorted wire somewhere. Wish I could be more help and tell you where to look.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Midnight Rider]

The dealer didn't mess around with your battery cables, did they?  Loose connections there can wreak havoc with all kinds of stuff.

Or, did they wash the bike before you picked it up?  They've been known to use pressure washers and give the job to the trained Chimp they keep in the back....

[Eqcons]

The dealer didn't mess around with your battery cables, did they?  Loose connections there can wreak havoc with all kinds of stuff.

Or, did they wash the bike before you picked it up?  They've been known to use pressure washers and give the job to the trained Chimp they keep in the back....

Never near the battery cables, yes to the pressure wash, but only in the oil filter area, plenty time for it to dry on the way home, and the original probnlem has existed for a few weeks.....  I hope this is going to go away on its own!!!

[Eqcons]

Now that really throws a wrench in it (heh, maybe the tech left a tool somewhere that is causing a short/ground ). Sounds like there could be pinched/shorted wire somewhere. Wish I could be more help and tell you where to look.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Well the same dealer did leave a cold chisel on my friend's engine last week - we found it 600 miles later!  But if the neutral light is an isolated issue (though I can't believe it is, as the security key light keeps it company some of the time....) I'd go for the dud switch idea.  If it's not isolated, I did have the fairing off yesterday, but the symptoms weren't there on the way to the dealer.

Jim

[bisounours]

In any case, it is too early to make the Christmas tree with the lights  

(Bad joke, sorry Jim !)

Jacques

[Eqcons]

In any case, it is too early to make the Christmas tree with the lights  

(Bad joke, sorry Jim !)

Jacques

 

[miker]

Bad grounds are a growth hormone for electrical gremlins...Need to check the grounds and then look for wires rubbing up on things.  Maybe up inside the fairing.

Miker

[Chief]

The easiest test you can perform is to pull the wires off of the neutral switch on the tranny and go for a ride. At least that will rule one item out if the problem persists.

You've got a strange one.

[Eqcons]

Bad grounds are a growth hormone for electrical gremlins...Need to check the grounds and then look for wires rubbing up on things.  Maybe up inside the fairing.

Miker

Yup. I can tell this one is not going to be fun.....