Motorcycle Repair: 72 CB 100 Blinkers, blinkers, charging system

Question
Rich,

I have an all original 72 CB 100 which runs great except that the turn signals blink very slowly and then not at all. It sounds like the battery or charging system is not keeping up with the draw from the blinkers. I've tested the voltage of the battery as the bike was running and it shows 6+ volts until the blinkers are thrown on then down to 5.6 or so. Increased rpm's bring the voltage up but not much over 6. Any suggestions of which system to test and how? It's a new battery by the way.

Thanks,

Dave

Answer
David, the alternator doesn't have a lot of extra capacity so when the blinkers or the brake light is on, it's pulling the majority of the current from the battery and not the alternator.  So the voltage will drop. The slow blinker is typically a tired blinker unit.  

Regards
Rich