Actually an FXLR, but that designation was also used on later bikes. Not confusing at all H-D.

Anyway, only just obtained this 1987 FXLR (EVO) and still trying to figure it out as I'm not familiar with this model and particularly what previous owner(s) have done to it. It is actually pretty standard, but has some wiring mods, so would appreciate help with some basic questions regarding the turn signals.

This bike was imported (from US I presume) to the UK a few years ago. The OEM turn signal lights have been removed and replaced by some LED things that I want to replace with better. So I'm trying to figure out the wiring and how the turn signals are even supposed to work.

Currently, if I press a turn button on the bars, that side flashes, as long as the button is held on. Let go and the light stops flashing. Looking at the wiring diagram, this looks like how it is supposed to be. I cannot see how the lights can continue to flash once the button is released, but is this actually how H-D intended it to work, are they supposed to flash only while the button is pressed?

Not yet located any flasher unit on my bike, but the parts diagram is confusing on this subject, showing a 'flasher' unit at the front and at the back. This seems unlikely, so could someone confirm there is actually only one flasher unit and the parts diagram confusingly inaccurate?

Beside the battery there is a red rectangular box (about 60x30x20mm) with 3 wires. A Violet, a BrowN and a BlacK (to earth). So looks like it's turn signal related, but whether simply ballast resistors for the LEDs or is actually a replacement flasher unit I've no idea yet. Has anyone else seen such a red box on their bike - likely an import to the UK? It could be a unique mod to my bike, but maybe a common mod after import, so if anyone has any idea, please let me know.

Only had the bike a matter of days, so a lot still to learn. All info anyone can provide would be a great help however as I get to grips with a bike with which I am completely unfamiliar and worse, has been modified in unknown ways.

 

The signals will only flash while the button is held down, eventually you will get used to it.

This configuration was used through 1990 model year.

The signal lamps get power from the flasher, the flasher is powered by the accessory circuit.

The red rectangular box you describe is not an OEM part of the electrical system.

Wiring Diagrams

 

Thanks, that explains it. Not a problem at all (rather the opposite), but just wanted to know if that's how it is supposed to be.

I thought not, but wondered if anyone had seen anything like it. I suspect it is ballast resistors to allow the LEDs to flash at the right rate. I'll look for an LED compatible flasher unit and eliminate this box - once I find the one on the bike so I know what shape/connections etc.

Got them. Well the relevant one. That's how I got this far.