16ga or 18ga for '78 CM185

[Koestum]

Most of the wiring (lights, rectifier, starter switch, etc...) on our 6volt CM185 seem to measure 18ga, does that sounds right or too small?

Also, if I swap for a 12v engine will 18ga be okay or would I want 16ga for all the low amp wires?

Thanks

 

[Maritime]

Generally fatter wire is always better. The CB125 I am working on is 6V and all 18G but when I am adding to the loom I am using 16G as I have it and 6V is fussy with corrosion etc so anything I can do to help juice flow I will. I am pretty sure the 12V Hondas use the exact same 18G on the regular loom. I am pirating wire and sockets from a CM450 and CX500 loom and they are the same gauge as the CB125.

 

[Sonreir]

16 for 6V, 18 for 12V.
14 for major runs (charging system, main ignition switch, etc).

 

[teazer]

Sonrier,
How can peeps determine what size wires they have, so they get it right?

 

[Koestum]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Koestum]

Sonrier,
How can peeps determine what size wires they have, so they get it right?

The stripper/cutters have the gauge and you be measuring the copper, not the insulation.