couple electrical questions

[forcefanajd]

first off im curious where you guys get your electrical connections from? im getting ready to redo my wiring on my cb550 and i need battery terminals for it. also, what size wire do you guys use for battery cables? im thinking 4 gauge?

 

[teazer]

Vintage connections or sometimes at the local auto store if I just need one or two.

Oregon motorcycle parts is another source and if you want the best waterproof connectors go to Eastern Beaver - it's a company in Japan run by an American. Or if you are in the UK, Demon Tweaks have some nice European connectors.

 

[forcefanajd]

well i am in the US, im not too worried about anything being weather proof because i solder and shrink wrap every connection, even terminal ends. my main problem is finding the small copper batter terminal ends and weather to use 6 ga or 4 ga wire.

 

[crazypj]

There are a couple of charts showing minimum wire sizes for different amp ratings.
550 will probably need around 70 amps for initial starter load then drop to about 40~45 amps when starter is turning.
Personally, I would get battery leads from a new model sportbike.
8~6 gauge will probably be fine, your not trying to spin a 600 cu/in big block at 500 amps