Motorcycle Repair: Honda Rebel 250, honda rebel 250, ground connections

Question
My 1986 Honda Rebel has recently developed electrical problems. When I apply the turn signal (left or right) all other lights "fade" off and on with the blinking pattern. Also the rear running light seems to fade or flutter when I am riding. Incidentaly, the ignition switch sometimes will not turn the engine over until I turn the switch several times until it "catches". Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Larry,

You have a bad or missing ground wire on the bike somewhere.  So firstly find the locations where the ground connections are made, and clean those, make sure there is no paint between the connector and the frame.  Secondly it sounds like your ignition switch is going bad, I would look at replacing that.  It's giving you a warning right now, you don't want to get completely stuck!

Good luck,  Jan