Just wondering. Any ideas why a 91 DR 350S with under 3750 miles (6000 KM's) would have turn signals that flicker quickly instead of the normal flashing? ...and also have a tach which shows too high, maybe twice normal or higher? Apart from being less than easy to start, the bike appeared to ride ok. Any ideas why the electrics could be weird for those items?

Check the charge rate. It could well be overcharging. I take it the rev counter is electronic and not cable? If you have a multimeter, set it to 20v dc range and run the bike. Connect the leads to the battery and check your voltage. Rev the bike, you don't want to see anymore than 14.4v (12v battery/system). If it goes up and up, your regulator needs replacing. Sometimes having the wrong bulbs in the indicators causes this. Are they standard?

Thanx for the feedback. This regarding a bike I am looking at potentially buying within the next few days. I am making a list of things to check out. It is selling for a fair price, looks quite good and drives well too, so I am just making sure there are no major gremlins waiting for me. I have no idea about the signal bulb voltages, but the seller did say a signal light may have had to be fixed before it was last certified. I have no idea how DR 350S signals are supposed to flicker. My Virago 500 turn signals were very conventional, with a slow, deliberate ON -pause -OFF -pause -ON -pause -OFF. Where as this one flashes, or rather, flickers like this - tick, tick, tick, tick...like four or five times a second. The tach looks like it is showing double or higher than it should be.

Someone has also told me to look for water damage in case the bike took a spill in a pond etc. Check a few of the turn signal electrical signals and check the oil to see if there is any white colour or sign of water. I was also told to check the rear suspension bearings.

Any other thoughts?

Any other thoughts?

Also, once acquired, how does one ensure the easiest starting with the old beast?