Noob - 2 issues

I just purchased my first bike a 1982 xj650 Maxim with 22,000 miles.
In really good condition, except for two nagging problems:
1) Left turn signal will not flash at idle. So when at lights(when you need the flashing most) the light is constantly on. Right side works fine. Stock lights not LED.
2) clutch lever has a lot of vertical movement/play probably between 1-2inches top to bottom. Adjustment of the cable seems good. (I'm new so take that for what is worth) I was considering replacing the perch, but not sure if I need to remove LH controls and grip to allow replacement of clutch lever perch. I'll post pictures of the amount of vertical play in the lever. Is there a simplier fix than perch replacement? Since replacement perchs are hard to come by.

Thanks
Brian - Chicago western suburbs.
1982 XJ650 Maxim

 

For the blinking issues, if one side flashes with your foot on the brake at idle, and the other side won't, then remove your bulbs and clean them for starters.

 

Adding link for pictures of clutch lever and the perch. Note the space between perch and lever in the picture. other two pics show play when I lift the lever, the tip moves 1" vertically.
Is this a problem with the perch opening being too large? or lever being squished. Is there a measurement that might help me determine if it is a lever or perch problem. Or something else.

Here is a link to some pictures on the lever and perch.
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=A ... pcOG9dDG2A

 

Nothing XJ (except right side covers and original exhaust systems) is hard to come by.

Replacement perches, like most XJ parts, are certainly NOT hard to come by. And not expensive. Nor are lever "blades."

We have XJ4Ever, who stocks virtually any part you will ever need and will have it to you in 3 days or less. PM member chacal, click on the logo/link in the site banner upper right, or send an email to "info AT XJ4Ever DOT com" with your info and needs.

He does offer a replacement perch that doesn't require removal of the grip and switch pod; plus stock OE replacements as well.

Flashing at idle is dependent on the battery, not the charging system. The flashers depend on the load from 2 X 27W (1156) bulbs to flash; if the voltage is marginal you may get flashing from one side and not the other.

The fusebox and electrical connections on these bikes are one of their few Achilles' heels; you may have a corroded lamp socket or other connectivity issue.

A quick word of advice: this isn't an old car, it's an old bike. Different situation. You've got a bit of work to do, or you will have "problem after problem" with the bike. They won't be problems, they'll be all the neglected maintenance coming back to haunt you.

READ THIS your life could depend upon it: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

And track down a service manual. You WILL need it, you can't take a 30-year old bike in for service. Most shops won't touch them.

Oh, and at 22K miles, if your valves have never been attended to, you're in the danger zone.

 

My clutch lever also has a good bit of play, although propably not as much as yours. I recently broke the original lever and bought a replacement which has the same amount of play. I may try using a thin washer-like shim.

 

There should be some vertical play in your clutch lever, it is part of the design-Early bikes (like way back) had stiff levers w/almost no play and by WWII designers had figured out that was BAD! When it's raining or when you hit a dip in the road or if your riding off-road the lever can just slip right out of your grip. The play is there to absorb force so you can maintain control.

If the play is REALLY excessive-it should be between 1/4" and 5/8"- then it's possible your perch is damaged (bike was dropped)-or some genius put a huffy lever there. You should see fracturing if your perch is damaged are you sure your measuring device didn't move?