PLEASE HELP-Major issues after installing new parts.

[Laban87]

Hello good people of the XS400 world! Where do I even begin? Well...I got a few new parts for my bike (I have an 81 XS400 H). First thing was the new turn signals. They're small and cheap (pics below) They have one green and one orange wire. Initially I installed the rear ones and at first they blinked along with the old ones on the front but once I installed the front ones, none will blink. They turn on but the wires are too short to stay put in the slots where they connect. So I need to know why they wont blink, which wire goes to which slot and how to find a way to make them reach.

I also put on some new handlebars and grips and levers. These did not seem to be an issue until I realized there is an extra cable coming from the perch that the parts I ordered do not have. Is it possible to remove the extra cables from the clutch and brake sides? I understand they have to do with the bike not being able start outside of neutral unless the clutch is pulled in.

Somewhere along in this process my brake light decided it wants to just stay on all the time. I never touched it and have no idea how that happened.

I think that light may be draining power because my electric start no longer likes to work and I keep having to jump my bike. This wouldn't be problem except that my kick-start wont work either all the sudden.

Lots of issues, no idea how most of them happened. All I did was install the signals and slide the old controls on to new handlebars. I am about as novice as they get with mechanics and am completely overwhelmed with all of this. I tried to search solutions but it's time to give in and ask you fine people for some much needed help.

Pics below: Old bike bars and signals (the ramshorn bars and big signals), new bike bars, new grips, new turn signals, and the place they connect to.

Thank you all.

 

[Wolfe_11B]

I wrote a long explanation for you but my phone freaked and I lost it.... So here's the short of it- make sure right side switch box is grounded on new bars(bad ground will cause starting issues amoning other things). New lights are drawing less power so flasher won't work as designed. Change flasher, add resistors, or change bulbs to higher wattage. You can ditch clutch switch but not the brake switch. Check battery, as low battery will cause starting/electrical woes.

 

[doubleextramayo]

Change the flasher. Your new lights draw less power which in turn causes the flasher not to activate and not completing the circuit. Flasher is located close to where your seat and tank meet. Auto value or Napa or any automotive store of your choice should have new flashers. Remember to buy a 2 prong instead of a 3. The plug has 3 holes, I know, but the 3 prong flashers from the store are wired differently then the OEM flashers. As for cables not reaching, I'd see if you can move some wires around to give yourself some more slack. If not, just go buy some new wire (18 gauge I think?), some butt connectors, and a crimping tool. Splice on whatever length you need. Maybe not the most professional way, but unless you've redone your wiring harness completely, i can almost guarantee that theres a crimp connection somewhere on everyones bike lol. Or the best option is to rip the old wire out and run a new one that's to your desired length.
As for your brake light I'd check if you didn't switch the wires with the regular running light. Easy mistake to make. Consult the wiring diagram as I don't remember what colour everything is off the top of my head. Whenever I mess with wiring I like to write down what all the colours mean before I start ripping everything apart.

 

[doubleextramayo]

Also for the next time, maybe put your thread in the proper place in the forum. This is more of an electrical issue then a carb issue. Not trying to bag on you, but everyone likes a bit of organization. Good luck!