Motorcycle Repair: 6 volt electrical problem, honda cl90, bill silver

Question
I have a Honda CL90 and when I turn headlight on the blinker blinks very slowly.Could it be an earthing problem and where is the earth connected? What voltage should be at the battery when the engine is running or how do you test the charging?
Thanks
David

Answer
David, with a small 6v system to run the engine and lights, there isn't much capacity with that small battery.

First the battery (6V6AmpHr) MUST be in 100% great shape and fully charged. If the engine is running at idle and all lights are on, the blinkers are going to go slow even in the best of conditions, but should start speeding up when the revs are raised.

Power flow is
BATTERY+ to Ignition Sw to Flasher Unit to Turn Signal Switch then to either LEFT or RIGHT side lighting to Ground-(Earth). The lamps themselves are grounded through the signal bodies to the chassis directly. The common tie point for chassis and battery grounding seems to be at the speedometer case, so make sure your green wires are all clean and tight in their connections.

I have a CL90 wiring diagram from an owner's manual, if you need a copy. Contact me through my website and I'll scan it and email it to you.

Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com