Modern Vespa

Hi All, my indicators flash but not in unison, ie front flashes whilst back remains unlit, and then front remains unlit whilst back flashes…

I've checked earth connections on all four lights and am satisfies there is good earth connection.

Other possible reasons?

Thanks.

Earths are always a good start, bulbs and a good secure fit in their sockets. Also the blinker relay. Mine was done. A 3 pronged 12v automotive blinker relay would work just fine. Nothing special about the original. Does the tell tale light on the headset work?

All you can do is run down the connections. I'm in the habit of trying the indicators and checking the lights before every ride. Sometimes giving the cowl a jiggle or tightening up the earths in the glovebox is in order.

I recently learned that this is how they are supposed to work. The original flasher gives both front and rear indicators power, but they have to take turns.

You read the post more carefully. Yes, they take turns flashing.

Taking turns flashing divides the load in half and reduces voltage fluctuation.

If they would flash in unison with 15w bulb the load would be 30w, 0w, 30w. Flashing in turns results in constant 15w load (plus couple watts for indicator bulb half of the time).

Dividing the load is especially important when sitting in an intersection, engine is idling and power output is limited.

And if you have an AC powered sealed beam headlight that goes from the brightness of a lit cigarette at a stop sign to a broom closet bulb at full tilt, you need all the spare power you can get.

…though I think they are separate coils.

That's how they're supposed to work. They run on AC and there's not enough power to run them simultaneously. There's nothing wrong with them…

Thank-you for all the replies! It has been doing my head in, but the explanation does make sense, at least from my limited technical perspective.

And thanks to Modernvespa.com for facilitating such a great forum. 🛵👏