[MotoJ]

Hi guys and gals,

I'm ashamed I've been neglecting my poor 1999 500 Bullet. It's been languishing unridden in the shed while I worked on other projects. I finally got her cleaned up and running (2nd kick w/new gas!) last weekend, and everything is cool, except I have no directionals.
I also have a blown low beam filament. Please refresh my memory: are they on the same circuit? If I get a new bulb will my directionals work? All connections seem tight and clean, flasher has been replaced. I haven't checked each bulb or done a check with a voltmeter yet- I am just making a game plan for this weekend, when I have time to fool with it. Where should I start?

[mrunderhill1975a]

If you have a four wire alternator, the low beam is AC so, it would not be on the same circuit as the trafficators which are DC.  If the trafficators are all nonfunctional, I would check the connection at the flasher unit under the seat,  get a volt meter and see if you have voltage at the flasher.  If not, follow the red wire until you have voltage to ground.  The open of the circuit would be between those two locations.

Likely spots for shorts or opens are the wire bundle that rubs on the steering head into the headlight nacelle, or in the handlebar switch.

Check the signal switch for voltage also, there may be a bad connection internal to the switch (the internal parts of the switch are plastic and my internal switch parts failed earlier this summer, the plastic was brittle from old age).  If it is the switch, N-field gear had about 14 of them in stock as of May 2013.  I paid approx $49 US for a shiny new switch.

[MotoJ]

many thanks Mr. Underhill! This will be enormous help.