CG125 Wiring issues (indicators/switches/dash lamps/starting

[bovinelactate]

New guy here but I've had this forum recommended by a couple of people as a good place to ask for help. I've just bought a 1989 CG125 J and got a few issues with it. It was cheap, VERY cheap so I've had quite a bit to go through (spark plug loose, no air filter, carb not set up at all, front brake cable seized, adjust chain etc etc) but the bit I'm struggling with is the electrics. I'm mechanically minded but have never need to work on electrics and this is my first motorbike too. The issues:

-indicators working intermittently, particularly the right. Left works pretty much ok but is delayed in coming on. Is this a sign the relay is on it's way out? I can hear it clicking once the indicators come on. Why would it be different left to right?

-Indicator switch only locks on to the left (related to above problem?) not a biggy but could be annoying having to hold the switch when turning right

-other stuff intermittently not working. I sometimes have difficulty getting it started, as though there is no power getting to the spark plug and the neutral warning light doesn't always come on. Not sure if these are related. I'm waiting on a new spark plug to see if that helps. Could be an earth issue but I've checked the connection to the frame under the seat (cleaned frame to bare metal and reconnected) is there another earth?

-Some of the connections in the headlight seem to be a bit 'loose', the bullet connections are just sat together rather than being solidly connected. Is it worth replacing them with new bullets or possibly spade connectors, as someone has done elsewhere on the bike?

-Also, I've got a wiring diagram but I'm not sure which connections are inside the headlight and which aren't, does anyone have a guide on this?

I've tried searching and found some part answers but nothing that seems to fit with my exact problems.

The bike:
G reg 1989 CG125 J, Kick start, drum brake front. Pictures here (including a video of it 'running') https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattbowns/sets/72157629249289761/with/6851849133/

Thanks in advance

Matt

[dungbug]

Firstly well done on picking up some cheap wheels.
If your indicator can't be switched on and left (meaning you have to hold it to keep it flashing) then change it, PITA when your riding. Is the battery good? A dead/dying battery will effect the operation of the electrics. The neutral light not coming on, sometimes it doesn't if you don't 'catch' it right, wouldn't worry too much about that.
I think if it was my bike I'd give the electrics a good going over, clean every contact, anything loose/suspect, get it fixed/replaced. No point in guessing what a fault might be if it may be a simple loose earth or connection, not a great deal of wiring with a 125 so take your time and check the whole lot over. Also check the condition of the wires, the brake light on my GN packed up and turned out the + wire had rubbed against part of the bike and was shorting put.

For the starting issue do you know for certain there is no/weak spark? Should have a nice fat blue spart there.

BTW if you decide to replace the indicator give Wemoto a call, I've brought quite a bit off them for my GN and they've been very good & well priced.

[bovinelactate]

I'm quite proud of my bargain, only £150, hopefully I can get it sorted

I'm going to take the indicator switch apart and have a look, but failing that I will replace.

Battery was replaced by previous owner then had problems with charging so something else was replaced (rectifier maybe? I've got invoice at home so will check) so I don't think it's the battery. I've lost my multimeter so can't check at the moment

I'm planning to go through everything, I'm just wondering if there is something specific I should be looking out for.

I think the spark issue is intermittent, sometimes starts first kick/couple of kicks, sometimes won't start at all. It's the only thing I think is changing, could also be the cold weather though. I've got the new plug now so will try that soon

thanks
Matt

[numpty2]

Since you got a bargain, splash out on the Haynes manual. I think the CG125 manual was quite a good one. New for around £16, lots of secondhand ones on Ebay. Lots of useful information etc. They've often stopped me making expensive mistakes or buying spares I didn't really need.

[dungbug]

Haynes would be helpful chap, even ifor just explaining where stuff is.

[bovinelactate]

I've downloaded a copy from the manuals thread, so I've got that covered

[bovinelactate]

UPDATE-

just spent some time working on the bike, new spark plug seems to have solved the starting issues, first kick now and I've been able to lower the idle speed.

pulled the headlight off and addressed the loose bullet connectors. Pulled them apart and slightly squeezed them so they grip properly. The bulb seems to be the problem for the neutral light, little bit dodgy so I've put the high beam buld in it's place and will get a new bulb.

Cleaning the indicator switch has helped massively, they come on when they should. The switch was locking on to the right straight after but has now gone back to how it was, I think a more thorough clean is in order but probably a new switch.

Annoyingly the bike is now pretty much road legal (just need an L-plate for the back) and I've got all my kit, but I need to wait till next payday to be able to tax and insure it

Thanks for the advice

matt