Triumphrat

CBorg

'02 TB with a weird electrical buzz on coming from the clutch side flasher switch. I have read that an unbalanced electrical load in the flasher circuit can cause a buzz. The frequency changes when brakes are applied and if flashers are working. I have also read about adding a diode in the circuit to add load. Anyone ever experienced or troubleshot the same? CBorg

IrlMike

Sounds a bit strange? The brake light should not normally affect the flasher circuit. I think you should check the charging/battery system & that the various ground wires are all well connected. Maybe also the connectors in the headlight.

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98 Tbird tank/seat, Sprint fairing, ZX7R forks+Racetech Gold Valves, 08 ZX6R shock, Alcon 6-pot, Ignitech+TPS, T'bike 3-1+Beowolf can, airbox mods/rejet, tubeless wheels, lots :) per mile.

Slinky

I expect the brake light will add to the load and the voltage will drop. The buzzing could indicate that the flasher relay is going bad.

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98 Thunderbird, 03 Speed Master

IrlMike

If the battery is ok, the brake light should not cause much volt drop - not enough draw.

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98 Tbird tank/seat, Sprint fairing, ZX7R forks+Racetech Gold Valves, 08 ZX6R shock, Alcon 6-pot, Ignitech+TPS, T'bike 3-1+Beowolf can, airbox mods/rejet, tubeless wheels, lots :) per mile.

Slinky

42 watts is 3+ amps.. I know my bike has always had a strange quirk- when I switch the lights on, the idle speed drops about 200 rpm. When I apply the brake it will drop another 50rpm or so. I put it down to extra drag on the alternator. I went with LED rear bulbs to lessen the effect.

Of course, none of this may be relevant to the OP.. who's problem may be the alternator bolt thing? It has been said that applying the brake light changes the tone of the noise it makes.

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98 Thunderbird, 03 Speed Master

IrlMike

That's a little surprising Slinky, mine doesn't do that (drop 200rpm at idle) when switching the lights on? At idle the alternator wouldn't be producing anything, so not really loaded, although the rotor field would draw a bit, maybe 3 or 4 amps. A slight change in engine note on a cold-ish engine but not much otherwise.

But, more relevant to the OP's question, a battery in good condition, with good circuit connections, shouldn't drop too much voltage for a few amps draw. At least not enough to affect the flasher or other items imo.

Of course on our bikes, power all goes thru' the ignition switch, something I've never thought a good idea & modified on mine. Could be some excess volt drop there or at the associated connectors.

Basically, if the battery is ok, I'm suspecting excess volt drop/poor contact/connections somewhere in the circuit. I'd put a volt meter direct on the battery terminals & see what's happening there.

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98 Tbird tank/seat, Sprint fairing, ZX7R forks+Racetech Gold Valves, 08 ZX6R shock, Alcon 6-pot, Ignitech+TPS, T'bike 3-1+Beowolf can, airbox mods/rejet, tubeless wheels, lots :) per mile.

CBorg

Thanks for the troubleshooting tips. I think i will start with testing grounds and then the flasher relay. Good input. More to come after testing. Cborg.