The bike we're talkin' about here is the chop in the 'Thompson's build' thread. First off, lemme say that I don't know squat about wiring a bike. On the other hand, I don't want to pay a shop to rape my wallet to do it either, so I'm going to do it myself. I've got a book ('Advanced Custom Motorcycle Wiring' by Jeff Zielinski), a friend who knows basic bike wiring, & all the resources I've collected online - yes, you guys are one of them. I've got a multimeter that I have to learn to use and a heat gun with nozzles to do the heat shrink once the harness is assembled.
I'd like to keep everything as simple as possible, but being in NY, I've got to run turn signals and a speedo, which will complicate matters somewhat (for me anyway!). As far as those turn signals go, I'm going for an old school look so I'm really trying to stay away from LED's. I've got a few sets picked out, but won't make a decision on them 'til I've got the bike downstairs with all the parts mounted. Probably gonna end up using mini bullets.
Earlier today I was going over the wiring diagram for our bikes trying to make a list of the items I need minus the wiring. I already have the starter motor & Nology coils. The plug wires will be copper braided lines made by Namz (Copperhead brand) & the battery will be bought locally. Other than that, the list is long. Alternator, regulator/rectifier, ignition, ignition control unit, starter switch, clutch switch, 2 brake switches, oil pressure switch (don't need this as I have an engine mounted oil pressure gage), kill switch, neutral switch, starter relay, turn signal relay(s), & a headlight cut-out relay. Some of these I can get at Pinwall cycle parts used from either an '02 or '03 America - rear brake switch, starter relay, reg/rectifier, engine ground, 2 pc. relay set, and diode for $112 before shipping which will save me a lot. OEM parts ain't cheap. Is this a good idea?
As far as the other parts, where can I find the O.E.M. electrical specs for each so I can be sure what I buy is compatible? And what in God's name is a pickup coil?
As far as the wiring itself, I'm gonna get sufficient lengths with extra of the correct gauge, colored per the wiring diagram. I won't know what length's I need till most of the hardware's on the bike & I decide where to mount the elec. components. I saw the A.W.G. wire gauge table on this site, but that's not gonna do me a lot of good, cuz as soon as ya' start throwin' formulas & decimal points at me I tend to get stupid real fast. Mental block. Or maybe, just mental... My book will list the correct gauges I need.
I could use a few opinions on what connectors to use. I've heard a lot of good about Deutsch, but Hitachi's are listed on this site & they're cheaper. I could also go with AMP MultiLock connectors.
I can get by with a 6 position fuse block, right? Something like this with the relay kit so everything turns off when the ignition's off:
http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5255For my keyed ignition, if I get a 3 position switch (off/on/spring start) will this bypass the starter relay and eliminate the need to wire a start button on my right handlebar?
I'm not going to use a throttle position sensor (disconnected), alarm, carb heaters - I's too old to ride in the cold. I'm not going to run a tach either. Di-electric grease will be used on fuses and connectors.
Any thoughts would be helpful & very much appreciated.
