R80 Electrical problem - departing tomorrow!
 

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for an annual 4 day trip up north. I ran the bike late this afternoon and discovered that my indicators, brake lights and horn all refuse to work. My main beam is fine (both dipped and full beam). It starts no problem and the neutral and oil lights work fine. They came back on once for a 15min period then went off again in 2 hours of riding.

Anyone with experience of R80 (mines an 1986 RT) electricals have any ideas? I have very few minutes to spare tomorrow morning to trace the problem. Your help will be much appreciated!

Thanks.

86 R80 RT had one fuse for the tail/turn and horn. So, sounds like a blown fuse to me. The fuses were moved from the headlight bucket to the frame on the RT after 1984 in the US. Remove the seat and tool/storage tray. It looks like a small black box with a screw nut on it. The box is located at the end of the center support for the tank if memory serves.

Check the fuse connections for corrosion as that is a common problem that would lead to your symptoms. If the fuse block is clean, I would check the taillight wiring loom for possible short to ground. Check for chafing heading back along the subframe to the rear taillights, as there is a possibility that a short has caused the fuse to blow. Best to cure the cause rather than cure the symptoms only. Best luck.

Kindest regards,
John Downs

Thanks John. Will get into those fuses first thing!