turn signals stopped working

[nhmaf]

There is an intermittent short in there that is going to require some patient investigation to find, unfortunately.

[montmil]

There is an intermittent short in there that is going to require some patient investigation to find, unfortunately.

First place I would look is inside each turn signal housing. The brown ground wires are a no-brainer so the main focus would be on the wires brining power to the bulb sockets.

Mike Bengt Phorqs Crenshaw and I had completed an R90 fairing install and began testing electrics. Pop! Turn signal fuse blew... and the R90 has fuses deep in the headlight bucket. Replaced fuse. Pop!

Long story short, ol' Phorqs had pinched a power wire while re-fitting the left/front turn signal housing. So, your mention of "turning handlebars" leads me to think there's a pinched wire up front.

[steven m]

Monte, I think you may be correct, since I have replaced the fuses and the relay.  What's left?  Yesterday the fuse blew after I had made a left turn, in traffic, and had not returned the switch to center, as we all have at one time or another.  Noticed the switch was still to the left but no flashing lights from turn signal indicator lamps in instrument panel cover.  Could be the wiring to the indicators.  Maybe the wiring to the instrument panel lamps?  If the fuse blew immediately it would of course be easier to trace.  I have not been able to trigger it, which is irritating.  On the other hand, I now know what the problem isn't...  

[steven m]

Victory in Rock City!  Pulled left turn signal off and long buried wire had rubbed insulation off and was shorting against metal tube.  Since turn signal draw is light, it probably took a little while to build up enough juice to blow the fuse, so the signal worked when used for short duration.  
I can't believe it, I actually solved an intermittent electrical problem, with help from Monte, of course.
Here are some photos of the problem and the expensive fix.
Thanks all.  That'll be me on PCH this weekend with the big smile.
Steve

[montmil]

That's one gnarly looking turn signal stalk. No wonder the wire insulation wore through.

Some time spent with a small file would be a nice preventive measure. Di'ja check both sides, front and rear?

[steven m]

The stalk itself is straight, undamaged, and clean.  I have wrapped the end with electrical tape to prevent the turn signal housing from drooping when clamped down and THAT is what looks funky.  Where the insulation wore through was not  at the end or by the notch but further inside the stalk, revealed only when the wires were pulled out, or I think I would have noticed it before.  Ironically, the front left turn signal is the only one that has ever come loose.  I guess I should check all of them...