What gauge wire for '76 cb750

[msimm43]

Hi all,

I need to extend the wiring harness for a 76 cb750F by about a foot. my plan is to insert a foot of new wire in the middle section of the harness, but I am not sure what gauge wire to use.

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[VonYinzer]

First question, why? Thats a lot of wire... Drag bike? doesnt matter, just wondering. And 16g will work (if I remember off of the top of my noggin, hours after I shouldve been asleep, haha). To be sure, just measure it with your snips/strippers.

 

[msimm43]

Thank you sir. Most appreciated, and I will double check with my snippers (I did not think of that. I am new to the wiring game)

The one foot is a generous guess at the moment. I am trying to get this mess of connectors:

into my headlight shell.

 

[hillsy]

If you're anywhere near a car wreckers / breaker / boneyard walk in with a 6 pack of beer and they'll probably trade you for a couple of old car looms. That'll be enough wire for ya

 

[msimm43]

Thanks for the heads up. I will check out what is in my area.

 

[teazer]

Car loom has always been my preferred way to get a lot of different colored wire - cheaply.

Or try a completely different approach: Grab some modern waterproof multi pin connectors like these excellent items
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/Connectors/Sealed/sealed.html

Or something simple like this
http://www.vintageconnections.com/

Or get a simple 9 pin connector from Anthony Weeks
http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/connectors.html

What I'd do is to SHORTEN those wires and clean them up with a couple of new connectors under the tank out of sight. Then I'd rebuild the headlamp wiring with new longer wires with matching connectors. Wrap them in braided cover with shrink wrap ends
http://cableorganizer.com/fray-resistant/

You would end up with less wire to hide and all in a clean custom package.

One tip: Do one switch/connector at a time and document everything plus grab a wiring diagram for when you forgot what wire came from where.

 

[hillsy]

Another tip - whenever you are shortening or lengthening a harness, snip the wires at different points along the length so your solder joints are not all at the same place. Otherwise when it's all finished your loom will look like a snake that's swallowed a golf ball.

 

[msimm43]

Hillsy-- Thanks for the reminder, I have seen that advice about spacing the cuts on here before.

Teazer-- I looked at harness tonight, and the shortening idea seems like a better solution. Thanks for the heads up, and all the links. It is greatly appreciated.