4-way Flashers: Cheap & Easy

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'm not sure what happened to the original link, but here is a new link with the same information.
http://blog.mickargo.com/wp/2012/12/16/adding-4-way-flashers-to-a-motorcycle/

http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/hazards.html

Method #2 uses a DPST switch instead of the bike's kill switch, and no diodes. The diodes aren't needed because the switch's two poles isolate the left and right turnsignal circuits from each other mechanically. Solder everything together as shown and tape or shrink-tube the whole thing. The eyelet end goes to the battery + termi­nal and the other two ends go to the right (blue/black) and left (blue/red) turn signal wires.

[tagordon]

Thanks Rob!

[Bob_Roller]

To 'clean up' the installation, you could mount an OEM switch, into one of the openings on the instrument 'dashboard' .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And I recommend the 2nd set of directions provided in the link.

[Bob_Roller]

That's a more cost effective method, than purchasing an OEM kit .

I saw a kit for sale by S. Meyer, an eBay seller of OEM new BMW parts, the cost was $120US, plus shipping .

I got mine a few years ago, for $35US plus shipping .

Rob, if you ever need to replace the red cover over the switch for the hazard flashers, Motobins has them for under $10US .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Rob, if you ever need to replace the red cover over the switch for the hazard flashers, Motobins has them for under $10US .  

Thanks Bob - I may have to pick one up!

Yeah, I saw the OEM kit on eBay the other day.  All I could say was "wow", and I'm glad I got mine when I did!

[Bob_Roller]

Instead of cutting the wiring at the handlebar, on the R65, there is a 'spare' connector under the seat, it's a light blue, and should have a cover on it, if I'm not mistaken, you have two pins in there, that are for the turn directional circuits .  

[chewy4x4]

Hello again Rob and Bob. After all the help with the starter I am now wanting flashers. Just in case. I have downloaded the image file and wired everything up to the point where I have to tie in to the flashers themselves Bob what pin are the flashers in the Aux plug? Or where can I tie into the signals?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The two wires coming from the switch would (one each) connect to the Blue/Red (left signal) and the Blue/Black (right signal) wires.

Keep everything clean.  Good solder joints and heat shrink.


This thread has COLOR wiring diagrams for both the early and the late twin-shock R65's.
Save the images to your hard drive for quick reference.

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1257807660/2#0


You will notice in my post (1st reply) in that thread, my picture of my connector board shows the factory 4-way flasher plug.  It has one each of the blue/red and the blue/black going through it.

[chewy4x4]

why two seperate wires? I have the right switch but I dont understand the significance of using two seperate wires for left and right.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The reason for using a Dual-POLE switch, is that the switch has two separate circuits in it, that switch the same way at the same time.

This enables you to keep the left and right circuits segregated.

If you combined the two wires for your 4-way flashers, you would ALWAYS have 4-way flashers!  

Don't feel bad - E/E (electricity/electronics) was my chosen "field" in high school shop class.  So I can get this basic stuff.

Wiring up my heated grips for a high/low setting, is something I'm still trying to get my head around, though...

[chewy4x4]

Oh ok I get it. You are right it does seem very basic when it is explained. But couldnt a relay or a diode be placed between the switch and the l/r signals making some sort of one way valve for the electricity?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

It might, but I am not an engineer.  I just knew by looking at the other guys directions what what going on.
It is incredibly simple, and IMO, joining the two circuits when you don't have to, except by a mechanical switch, is just asking for more to go wrong.

If you like, and you have the will, you could try and duplicate BMW's kit from the schematic.
The dark parts are the flasher kit, the light parts are already on the bike. (78-80)
It uses at least one diode.  

I am pretty sure I have a scan of this schematic somewhere on my hard drive.  When I find it, I will update.

[chewy4x4]

Ok I got it. I think I would only build a hazard system that is for brokedown situations only as That is the only time I use mine in the car (except in cant see 10 feet rain which I wouldnt ride in). I think I will mount the switch under the tank It might be a pain to get to but It will be there when I need it.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

There are waterproof switches out there, some that even will fit one of the blanks in the dash.

IN FACT, I have one that is dual-pole that would work for you, and you could have it for free.

I bought it (mail order) in an attempt to hook up my heated grips with the high/low option.  For this you need a dual-pole/dual-throw, that is 'on' in both directions with 'off' in the middle.  Well, I'm having trouble finding a switch that 'clicks' on in both directions.

This one is momentary in one direction, and stays on in the other, with off in the middle.

It is useless, to me!  But it would work for you.