Turned key, turned over but did not start. Subsequent start attempts fails. Turn key now, no lights etc.

I couldn't get it to start so called the tow truck. On arrival of the truck It started right up. 

I drove home successfully without having to restart but the turn signals we working most peculiarly. 

Turn signal did not work but If I hit the signal cancel switch both turn signal lights on the dash illuminated simultaneously.

When I tried to start it this morning ....... nothing. No lights or starter turn over.

I see from this forum talk about relays under the tank. Should I just replaced them as a first step?

Any ideas?

Bob

Wonky turn signals are often a symptom of the starter brushes getting dirty.

(The bike ground circuit involves the starter which is why this happens with a dirty starter.)

+1 clean the starter brushes. A quick cure when you encounter this is to roll backwards down a slope with the engine off in 4th or 5th gear and pop the clutch. Do this a few times until you can start it. Doing this can often clean off the carbon that has accumulated allowing you to start. I've found this to be a temporary fix at best while with  others it has worked for a longer period.
Regards Martin.

Hi Guys,

I took your advice and removed the starter and cleaned the brushes.

Before I started I tried to start her and of course she started right up.

I went ahead anyway as it didn't look that difficult a task from Robmac's Starter motor cleaning tutorial which was excellent. Thanks. 

The starter looked quite old, probably the original (54K miles on her now) It went pretty much as in the tutorial. I was a little anxious a few times but it came apart and went back together without a major hitch. There was quite a bit of black carbon dust came from the brushes assembly. I cleaned the rotor and brushes well. 

After reassembling it all I tried to start her. Yes, she started right up. Also all the indicator lights were working. 

I did take the battery out for much easier access.

I'm going for a ride!!

Bob