Signal LightI Issue

my front left signal light turns on when I start my 83 KZ550H. The light comes on and stays on. If I turn that signal to on, it does blink. No other signals come on when starting.

I would like to track down the problem. Can someone tell me if it's likely source is inside the signal light control housing? Or would it be somewhere else.

Thanks

That is normal. However, you may need to replace the turn signal bulb on the right side.

Most bikes have running lights at the Fr, so when the ignition key is ON the Fr turn signals should be lit.
The fronts have 2-filament bulbs, so the right side may have a burned out filament for the running light.
The Rr turn signals have single filament bulbs, so those only come on when you use the turn signals or hazards.
If you look at a wiring diagram, you can see that the Fr have 2 wires & a ground wire.
The Rr have 1 wire & a ground.

Color Codes On Most Kawasaki’s (written for 1980’s bikes)

HEADLIGHT
RED with BLACK stripe, High Beam.
RED with YELLOW stripe, Low Beam.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

BRAKE/TAIL LIGHT Can be an # 1157 dual filament bulb
RED, Running or Tail Light.
BLUE,(sometimes with a Red stripe) Brake Light Circuit.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL Can be an #1157 dual filament bulb
GREEN, Left front turn signal circuit.
BLUE, Left front running light circuit.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL Can be an # 1157 dual filament bulb
GREY, Right front turn signal circuit.
BLUE, Right front running light circuit.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL Can be an #1156 single filament bulb
GREEN, Left rear turn signal circuit.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL Can be an #1156 single filament bulb
GREY, Right rear turn signal circuit.
BLACK with YELLOW stripe, the ground circuit.

I just recently bought a 1980 kz440-b and have a similar issue where my fr right signal running light works, but the fr left doesn't. I have the wiring map and can see that the wires are all connected, so is it likely that one of the filaments is just burnt out? Are replacement bulbs for an older bike like this commercially available, or do I need to look for something on ebay?

Front, dual filament light bulbs are the #1157 type, used in the brake/rear running and front turn signals. single filament are the #1156, used in the rear turn signals.

Thanks for the info. What's the general consensus on LED bulbs vs. incandescent? Will a 12v LED #1157 work in a 33 year old bike, or should I stick with the old-school bulbs?

As long as the wiring isn't twisted together & patched up with black tape & numerous splices, and the flasher cans are replaced with electronic ones(available at most auto parts stores, I see no problem. But you'd might want to take the time and go through the wires, cleaning up the electrical connectors.

Don't forget the handlebar switch pods, as they have been reported to have failing solder joints. If you need a repair procedure for this, just ask....

If you get new stock-type bulbs, you may have to replace the flashers w the electronic type MFolks mentioned. It has been reported that modern bulbs don't work right w the old flashers.

Okay, so would something like this do the trick? www.customdynamics.com/trick_flasher.htm

This is the electronic flashed I installed. It was plug & play and is available at any auto parts store. Ed

Tridon/Stant 552 2 prong