Indicators don't work (sometimes!)

[sdhobbes]

So this has happened 4 times just recently (not on every trip).
Indicators working as normal when I check them before setting off.
Within 1/2 mile or less they no longer work (don't flash & don't come on at all).

Tried switching off ignition & switching on again (while moving as too lazy to stop at side of road or risk total electrical failure).  Success!  worked for rest of 8 mile trip through city traffic.  This 'reboot' technique Didn't work the other 2 times.  But they were working again at end of the day when re-starting the bike.

Any ideas?  Any one had a similar problem and solved it?
I was going to have a look this morning on my day off but sods law they are now working perfectly after refusing to come on at all on the ride home last night.
Intermittent faults, don't you just love em?

1995 NTV650.  75,000 on clock & paperwork supports it.  Bought the bike last month and it is ideal for my present usage.  I've been riding bikes for last 40years almost and am ok with a spanner but electrics are not my strong point.  my diagnostic tool of choice is a bulb pen with earth clamp to check for live volts in a wire (& of course hopefully wiggling wires around whilst scratching my head).

[sdhobbes]

Managed to get a look at bike this afternoon.

After managing to locate the indicator relay (tucked in behind the plastic toolkit holder under the right sidepanel) and doing my pulling wires while scratching head troubleshooting technique).

I found that pulling on the block connector caused the indicators to stop working while pushing it into the relay started them off again.

Took the 3 wires out the block connector and checked for corrosion/poor fit etc and all ok.

Reconnected everything and found squeezing the relay would start them working (This was of course all with the ignition on and indicator switch on).

So my clever diagnosis (well, it will prove clever if correct I suppose) is a faulty flasher relay.  new one on order from my-moto-parts £12.25.  Will let you know if this effects a permanent cure.

In the meantime the old relay is being squeezed together with the aid of strategically place cable ties and is just as temperamental as before!

Old fashioned Hand signals it is then (I actually had to perform some of those on my bike test many years ago).

[jack]

I remember having to do old fashioned hand signals on my bike test but in those days we had friction twist grips which were handy when signalling to turn right.

[brendan0]

Hmmmm, mine can occasionally do this. 1993 bike with 52k miles, and heated grips earthed thru indicator wiring (previous owner!). Think it is nainly bad earths, bad aftermarket connectors, and corroded wiring. All hidden under fatfairing. I have tried to stop worrying a out it, but do keep an eye on the dashboard. It always seems to work at MOT time (yippee!).
Currently the fairing is off, and I have white mini indicators at the front (can see when they flash). At some point, I will have to deal with it, but at the mo I am dismantling the whole effing bike to do tappets, plugs, and coolant (have always ignored these, but now 7 yrs and 26k have passed...)