Indicator rapid flash

[Woodside]

I was just sorting a few gremlins on my 500 k0 tonight all went well....
But since ive had bike the indicators flash like billyo...like if you had one lamp out...
I finally had a look and was expecting to find the wrong lamps fitted .....low watts
They were lower 21W
I think I'm correct that the book says 25W
now I think I may be on it but would like to know how much difference it would make.
If not what else may it be...
Cheers

[Mag1]

Double check you have correct relay fitted, some cheap ones are good others are garbage.

[Woodside]

Will do...cheers

[mike the bike]

Indicator bulbs are usually 21W,   A higher wattage will make them flash faster if anything as they tend to discharge the internal capacitor quicker.  I suspect the relay too.

[petermigreen]

21W is standard for indicators. I'd say relay fault as same symptoms i had recently on my 500.

I used one of these which works a treat and if it doesn't you haven't broken the bank.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/622/12-volt-2-pin-flasher-relay

Peter

[Seabeowner]

Presume that it is a US K0. CMSNL list the bulb as a 12V23W32CP. My K0 has the original Stanley bulbs and are marked 12V32CP whatever that means. I think US Hondas were often fitted with 23W or 25W bulbs. Also according to CMS the flasher unit is different in the US.
The US version was a rectangular shape and the UK one a cylinder.
The two wire flasher units are cheap and many now have a constant flash rate independent of load.

[Bryanj]

CP means Candle Power,  Too fast a flash on an old style can is too high a load but on a modern electronic type can mean a bulb out. Dont forget US front flashers are twin filament

[Woodside]

UK bike...
I'll check relay tonight

[Bryanj]

Dont forget the old style flasher can was basically a bimetallic strip that bent when warn(opens contacts) and straightens when cools(closes contacts). These do get temperamental with age and the cheapo two wire small one works fine

[petermigreen]

CP means Candle Power,  Too fast a flash on an old style can is too high a load but on a modern electronic type can mean a bulb out. Dont forget US front flashers are twin filament

On the two wire filament, only 1 is connected to the indicator circuit. The other is permanently fed with side lights so has no bearing on relay.
Peter.

[deltarider]

Some models/markets had 2 x 18 Watts, some 2 x 23 Watts and some 2 x 25 Watts. Read what it says on the relay flasher. There's some tolerance however. My bike originally had 2 x 18 Watts but functions fine with 21 Watts in front and 18 Watts in the rear. With 2 x 21 Watts mine becomes a bit too lively.

On the two wire filament, only 1 is connected to the indicator circuit. The other is permanently fed with side lights so has no bearing on relay.

Some markets had dual filament in the front indicators as running lights. I think it is stupid. It doesn't add to safety, on the contrary, it makes your indicators less noticeable, gives your bike the cheap appearance of a toy like an autoscooter in a fairyground and consumes 16 Watts, which is a waste.
For differences in flasher relays and bulbs, consult the various CB500 Parts Lists: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb500

[Seabeowner]

Woodside, UK K0s are pretty rare I think. Would be interested in seeing it if it's original as I was turning my K0 into a UK style and have made a list of differences, but would be interested to know if it's complete. Think Bryan might have one and Trigger used to???
Are you K** 89K?
Can't check my flasher as the side panel has probably not been removed in 40 years and will take careful removal.
For my F I just bought this and fitted the F bracket and works fine so far.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-550-K0-Four-1974-550-CC-Indicator-Relay-/400436006183?hash=item5d3bd88d27:g:I4YAAOxyQj9RQZ8e

[Trigger]

What 500 K0 ? Never seen one in my life, so must be very rare 

[adriangsmith]

Had the same issue with my 750. changed the flasher relay for an electronic one and all is good :-)

[Woodside]

New relay on its way..   
I did have a spare but that was shot....came on but no blinking...
Out of curiosity what is the third terminal for on the genuine relay
The oneI ordered nd my crap spare were just 2 terminal