It sounds to me that it is an oxygen sensor which is giving problems, this could be the reason why the earlier bikes don't have the issue. If in econo mode, it is possible to run a bit lean. The sensors could be burning or sensing a fault, in any case there should be an error code in the ECU which can be used to diagnose.
As for the Indicator problem, I would check inside the switch block to see if there is any dirt or corrosion. It could be that there is an intermittent short which triggers the flasher unit.
Noel
The 10s and 11s have an oxygen sensor? I didn't think any of the North American models got those.