88 GL1500 Overdrive Light intermittent

You are correct, if it were the gear switch the cruise would not work. May be a connection problem or could be the bulb.

My light socket is loose, so I had the same issue. I just removed bulb.

But without that light you'll continue to try shifting into that mythical sixth gear.:ROFL:

If your bike is performing OK and getting you good mileage, the light shouldn't be a big deal (loosebulb or similar). However, the ground signal from the gear switch (gears N, 3, 4, & 5 on your '88) is used in the engine load calculations for spark timing at the ECU... so, if the signal from the switch itself isn't behaving, you may end-up with unintentional timing maps.

Just to add another thought.

Haven't fixed yet. Just had a bulb go out in the dash. guess I will look into it then.

Yes Ken, I keep checking to make sure I am in high gear a lot.

First real road trip(200 miles) with my wife, I got 36 MPG. From what I read that is good. I got around 42 on my ST1100 when I had it when we went on trips. So not to bad. Plus I get to carry more too!

Thanks for the replies. I will post on here if I fix just a connection issue!

Fixed OD light. Bulb wire(wedge style bulb) partially broken. Replaced bulb. Light works every time now.

there is a OD light on the 88 :shock: where would this light be on the dash

I am going to have to look for mine as I have never seen it, didn't even know it existed

On left side lower. Beside High beam indicator.

what do you know,,,, there it is plain as day. I replaced the bulb this morning and now it works