Topic: Wiring Harness Salvation - Some Good News Here

[RRRToolSolutions]

Guys,

I have brought new life to an old factory wiring harness and you can do the same. I thought I'd pass this on since it is effective, very cheap, and easy to do. I recently found a great source for the plastic terminal ends for the CB750's and just about all bikes. I know several of these will work on the Kawasakis too.

I bought a reproduction harness for my project because my factory harness had brittle, cracked plastic male/female connectors. The wire was in great shape except for the darn plastic. Well for less than 10 dollars I was able to fix the harness and like it so wel that the reproduction will never see the bike.

You buy these and simply take a small pick or very small screwdriver and bend the lock pin from each spade and push it out. I changed one wire at the time so I would not get them mixed. They are an absolute 100% match for the originals. In fact, these new ones will fit into the old couplers if you don't wnat to change but 1 side. I took PJ1 (any cleaner should work) and wiped the harness clean. I then bought 3M electrical tape and recoved the harness in the same way the factory did, installed the new ends -- and my harness looks great, plus I keep the hard sleeve in-place for the steering neck and tank area. The repro did not have that added protection against abbrasion.

Here is the link. Scroll down and you'll see the 2,3 4,6, and 8 blade connectors.

 http://www.mikesxs.com/mikesxs-electrical.php?category_id=2.6

Regards,
Gordon

[RSV12K]

You can also buy connectors at:

http://www.cyclewareables.com/pages/electrical_connectors_terminals/electrical_terminals_and_connectors.htm

http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=17125&Category_Code=ECONN

http://www.vintageconnections.com/

VC sells a kit, which I assume works out to a better deal than buying them individually, but I didn't do the month.

[puppytrax]

...but I didn't do the month.

...??...   

Oh!!! You didn't do the math!!!   

I tell ya...Nothing separates us Yanks from you Brits like the language...   

[eurban]

One additional tip here is to dip the brass/copper connectors into Tarnx.  It is truly amazing how it shines them up.  I worried a bit about dipping the entire connector including the plastic into this stuff but in the end, it didn't seem to harm the plastic.  If you are pulling the terminals out anyway then then there is no issue.  Of course, the Tarnx doesn't do anything for the aluminum type connectors . . . .

[burmashave]

I picked up a kit I got from Vintage Connections, and I think it is superb!  I had tried several types of connectors (bullet, spade, etc.) from different shops; however, they were no good, despite the cost.  They either wouldn't crimp well, the male/female connectors couldn't be separated, or both.  The bullet connectors in the Vintage Connections kit are close to OEM, and the ratcheting crimper comes with a die to fit the connectors.

It's always a good idea to solder connections; however, I like to use a professional quick disconnect type of connector for components that may need to be removed.

[oldbiker]

If you are in the UK you can get all the authentic wiring products you need from 'Vehicle Wiring Products'   Telephone 01159305454  or eMail  sales@vehicleproducts.co.uk