Bare Bones Wiring for a 1980 XS 650

[rewindstuff]

So getting into wiring and electrical is, for me, like floating in space. I'm totally hopehelpless. Does anyone know anything about these bikes and how to wire them? I just want to run the motor. No lighting, no riding. I just want to hear it run.

 

[teazer]

That is so simple it's not funny - well it isn't funny, but it is simple.

With points, it's Battery to switch to coils to points/condenser and that's it.

With electronic it's almost as simple but different systems are wired different ways.

Grab your Shop manual and print out the wiring diagram, then trace the ignition circuit. Some shop manuals actually show each circuit separate from the others.

Electrics are only complicated when we look at the whole system and then it can be overwhelming. Just break it down into chewable lumps and it's much easier to digest. It's like that old saying "the only way to eat and elephant is to cut it into pieces".

 

[rewindstuff]

Grab your Shop manual and print out the wiring diagram, then trace the ignition circuit. Some shop manuals actually show each circuit separate from the others.

That helps. I was under the impression that, given that the loom is lumped and bundled, all the wiring was kind of tied in together...the whole "common ground" thing is kinda throwing me off a little too. I guess it would be easier if it were linear...but instead its like a fucking redwood root system.

 

[Tim]

Back up a few steps. What's the plan for the bike? Are you going to wire it up from scratch custom with the minimal stuff needed on the bike?

 

[teazer]

You are right that there are lots of common cables for ground and power in a stock harness, but if you just want to run it to hear it run (which is different to running on the street) , all you need are a few wires as detailed above. Nothing fancy.

For the street you obviously need a charge circuit and lights and horn etc, but not to get it running off a battery (any battery)

 

[rewindstuff]

Tim, long term...I would like a "custom" wiring job with minimal lighting. Maybe even redo the loom. Simple ignition switch, maybe kickstart only, no rear indicators, front brake light switch only, etc. But first: I had this bike given to me gratis, covered in dirt and non operational. I want to hear it run to make sure I'm not in over my head in terms of finance. The carbs are rebuilt, new plugs, both cylinders have good compression, . I have a spare battery lying around the shop and I just need to slice and splice some of the switch wires to get it hot. Any advise?

 

[teazer]

It might be simpler to disconnect all the old dirty/corroded wiring and switches and just string a few wires as described above. It's about a 10 minute job.

If the bike has all its wiring, add battery, turn key and see if there's a spark.