bike wiring.

[MICKREEVES]

I would like to rewire my C15. It has a new generator system, and the wiring is rather a mess, with multi colours on each wire end.
Do modern bikes still use the old Bullet connecters? Or what?
I now have LED headlights, and would like to replace all lights with LEDs. Difficult!
Mick

[Bess]

Hi,
    Modern bikes use a variety of connection systems mainly waterproof. I tend to use continuous lengths to and from, soldering together and using heat shrink over the any joints. I only use the connectors supplied on the device (horn, headlight, battery, switch etc.). I use LED and have changed to -ve earth on all the latest builds.

None of it is difficult, I start by making up a wiring diagram reducing the wiring and joints to the absolute minimum. Loosely put the wiring around the bike to find the best routes, I try to hide as much as possible. I use earth cables taking them back to the battery so not relying on the frame a a return path unless its a direct path through the frame (not the fork bearings or mudguards etc). Then put on the outer covering making a loom, zip connect to frame, connect to the equipment connectors, turn on and watch the whole thing catch fire (hopefully not  )

Hope this helps...

[MICKREEVES]

Thank you for that
Mick

[AdrianS]

If you are staying with the same colours as in the original wiring diagrams, it can be expensive to source all the different permutations of wire colours used. I have made my own looms in the past using different wire colours but if you do this make sure you have a very accurate copy of your personal wiring diagram to avoid confusion in the future!! I have used trailer wire with 7 different colours in as a cheap source of wire.

[Bowen]

I bought a loom and found the original bullet connectors.  Allows me to continue to use the original diagrams, manual and service sheets.  I'm in U.S. so sourced all my stuff from BSA Unit Singles and British Wiring, including tools.  Pretty simple, only had to make a couple of changes and add pieces to complete it complete with conversion to 12 volt.

[ROBT]

I rebuilt my 1970 Victor as close as possible to the original specification and sourced my wiring components from here to make up a new loom which I found it to be quite a satisfying job.

https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk

Rob