So it's 65 here in Ohio, so I rode as long as I could. So new for 2017 I have an electrical problem.

It's night, I use my turn signal, and she starts to stall. She does the same when I turn my lights on when it's running; and I thought it was the switch, but the blinkers too leads me to believe it's something else.

Need help and education on this one.

1989 FXSTC

 

Sounds like your bike either a bad battery, loose cables, or a charging system problem. Use the charging system procedure in the sticky at the top of the page and come back with the results.

 

I guess this is for the 1989 FXSTC of unknown condition, unknown miles, with unknown modifications and unknown ownership history.
Based on the limited information provided,
Diminished charging
Poor battery condition
Loose electrical contact
Get a simple digital voltage meter and check voltage at battery when bike is OFF, then while CRANKING, then at HIGH IDLE.
Something on the electrical side is causing a problem.
Could be a simple item like a loose battery cable, a bad battery or it could be related to charging system.

 

hmm...weird. You can crank\start your '89 without the headlight being on? My '88 doesn't work that way. Is your ignition switch original?

 

i had an old CB550 honda that did that when i first bought it. Got a new battery and problem solved. Anytime i turned on the headlight or used the turn signals it would run rough then die. Bad battery.

 

Prior to '96, it's a very simple matter of removing a jumper wire at the ignition switch to enable starting/running without the lights. It got a bit more complicated in '94/'95, but I figured out how to do it.

 

Just a guess, but try checking voltage at the ignition switch outputs. I'm guessing that the switch has an 'ON' position that allows the bike to run without a headlight or running lights. In that position, I think you should have power to the ignition, turn signals, and brake light. If the switch was bad, it might not supply enough power to the ignition when you use a turn signal. Just a wild guess but worth a look. Let us know what you find.

 

I've read about people having problems caused by dirty ignition switches loosing voltage.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...le-riding.html

 

I absolutely hate the extra drain on the battery when cranking, so I'm pulling the dash and ditching the jumper. Good call! Thank you!

 

Depends on spec and original market. My International spec 1990 Glide master switch has an ignition-only position, then a lights position. On the other hand a PO may have modified your wiring as per Uncle G's post.