Self-canceling turn signals question

[chuckycheese]

I've got 'em on the new GS1100....the guy I bought the bike from said they didn't work but they seem to be fine almost every time. One thing I've noticed is that the thumb slide that makes it turn on, doesn't return to the middle position; almost like it needs to be oiled or greased. It seems to me that that might be why it doesn't work perfectly with each turn.

I've never had them on a bike before so I don't know if that's normal or not. Should it return to the middle? Any comments would be appreciated.:-D

[twr1776]

Mine do not return to the center position either. I think that is normal. I normally manually return the switch to the center position after the turn but I do not think it makes a difference either way.

[focus frenzy]

there are actualy two positions to eather side of center and the switch does not self return by itself.

it is up to the rider to return it to center or reset the timer so the signals keep working.

when you push the turn switch slowly you will notice it clicks one notch but the lights don't come on at first. when you keep pushing till it stops it triggers the relay (flasher) control module and the module actualy turns on the relay (flasher)
the module looks for two things, bike speed and distance.

below 20mph +/- it defaults and the lights will flash till you manualy put the switch in the center off position.

when it see's that the lights have been triggered above 20mph +/- it then starts a timer and watches for distance traveled.
it will then turn off the signal when you go over a preset non- adjustable distance, or if the pre-set un-adjustable time expires.
you can push the switch to its stop and it will rest the counter.

the control module uses a tiny magnetic reed switch that snaps into the speedometer housing to detect speed and distance. it looks like a odd tiny glass tube with a wire soldered on each end.

[focus frenzy]

Mine do not return to the center position either. I think that is normal. I normally manually return the switch to the center position after the turn but I do not think it makes a difference either way.

if you leave the switch in a turn position after it has self canceled. the module will blink the turn indicator light at you something like once a minute to remind you to turn it off.

I discovered that on my G, I was catching a random light flash just out of my normal line of sight but didn't immediately realize what it was.

[chuckycheese]

Thanks!

Thank you both for the great information!! I've never had them on any of the bikes I've owned so I'm very unfamiliar with them. From what you've both said, it sounds like mine are working just as they should be.

I've never noticed that they blink about once a minute in the on position but I'll experiment with them today and try to get more comfortable using them. I'm pretty old-fashioned...and oftentimes just use my left arm!:-D

[Steve]

If you examine your switch carefully, you will find that there are five distinct positions for the knob.

From left to right, let's number them 1 through 5.
1 is spring-loaded and will return the knob to position 2. It turns on the left signal and starts the timing mechanism.
2 is where the knob rests after initiating a left turn
3 is the center. Move the knob here to manually cancel the signals before the timing mechanism does.
4 is where the knob rests after initiating a right turn.
5 is spring-loaded and will return the knob to position 4. It runs on the left signal and starts the timing mechanism.

I have never noticed the indicator flash at one-minute intervals, even on multi-day rides, and we have never worried about moving the knob back to position 3.

From what I have been able to learn, the signals are designed to cancel after travelling at more than 10 mph for more than 9 seconds. This allows you to sit at a long light with them on, but they will cancel when you get around the corner. If I am approaching a long left turn lane or just want to give plenty of warning, I will restart the timer by simply pushing the button again before the canceller takes effect. I have had cancelling systems on Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki since 1979, and have gotten into the habit of starting the timer two or three times, sometimes, when approaching a turn.

.

[bonanzadave]

If you have ever had the switch apart and you know how the side to side spring goes back in there.............. let me know.

[chuckycheese]

Yeah!

If you examine your switch carefully, you will find that there are five distinct positions for the knob.

From left to right, let's number them 1 through 5.
1 is spring-loaded and will return the knob to position 2. It turns on the left signal and starts the timing mechanism.
2 is where the knob rests after initiating a left turn
3 is the center. Move the knob here to manually cancel the signals before the timing mechanism does.
4 is where the knob rests after initiating a right turn.
5 is spring-loaded and will return the knob to position 4. It runs on the left signal and starts the timing mechanism.

I have never noticed the indicator flash at one-minute intervals, even on multi-day rides, and we have never worried about moving the knob back to position 3.

From what I have been able to learn, the signals are designed to cancel after travelling at more than 10 mph for more than 9 seconds. This allows you to sit at a long light with them on, but they will cancel when you get around the corner. If I am approaching a long left turn lane or just want to give plenty of warning, I will restart the timer by simply pushing the button again before the canceller takes effect. I have had cancelling systems on Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki since 1979, and have gotten into the habit of starting the timer two or three times, sometimes, when approaching a turn.

.

Steve, your explanation seems to exactly replicate what I found in my beautiful afternoon ride today; I guess it's working fine. (I also didn't find any minute 'blink' while leaving it in any right or left position.)

It's kind of a complicated thing...considering it's 28 years old. I suspect the new ones work far better!

As far as taking it apart, Dave, I don't think I will.8-[

[Steve]

I suspect the new ones work far better!

I only have two newer ones to compare it with. Had an '84 Kawasaki Voyager 1300 that had cancelling signals. In fact, it also had another switch that allowed you to select manual or auto cancel. I re-wired that switch for driving lights and left the signals in auto-cancel mode. That signals on that bike worked OK, but turned off sooner than the Suzuki.

I now ride a 2000 GoldWing and yes, it's wonderful. There are only three positions on the signal switch. Spring-loaded both sides of center. If you want to cancel them manually, just push the switch IN. Besides having sensors for time and distance to cancel the signals, there is another sensor on the steering stem that senses when you have completed your turn and will cancel them. 8-[

Yes, technology has improved since Yamaha introduced auto-cancel signals on the XS750 back in 1976. \\/
But, I am still waiting for a car manufacturer to come up with cancellers as good as any bike system. Ours turn of after time and/or distance parameters are reached. Cars only react to wheel turns, so you can be blinking all the way across country.

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[saddlewarmer]

If you have ever had the switch apart and you know how the side to side spring goes back in there.............. let me know.

had mine apart on my 82 gs1100l and the 82 gs850l. it is actually 2 springs for side to side that fit in a groove behind the knob. i'm missing the springs on my 1100, i compared it to the 850, thats how i know the springs were missing and there location.

[psyguy]

on mine, the knob sometimes does not return from the (either) of the outer positions...
i had the whole thing appart and cleaned it well, but the knob still doesnt slide freely

i think this may have to do with the springs loosing their strength / elasticity or possibly worn plastic sliding parts?

[chuckycheese]

Yes

Yeah, that seems to be the general consensus. I'm really glad to know that; otherwise, (knowing me), I'd tear the whole thing apart and end up very sorry!

[chef1366]

I have a spare self cancelling turn signal box if anyone needs one.

[TCARTER]

Mine doesnt return to center either, but I do believe there is a detent in the switch assy that let you be able to use the switch from either side on mine I can push it left for left turn from the left side position and push it right from the r/side position to go right. Hope this helps

[chuckycheese]

Thanks!

Yep, mine too. Thanks!

GO DUCKS!!\\/