How To Wire a Motorcycle Series, Introduction // Revival Tech Talk

[@k.compton8995]

I have an American Ironhorse that I got an estate sale. The wiring is rigged as a mofo. I want to redo all of it, and this video has given me the confidence boost that I need. Thanks for making this. I’ll be buying my stuff from you guys.

[@nathanielselvidge4157]

Did you ever do it? How did it go man

[@DirceuCorsetti]

Love the ideia of a series that doesn't necessarily has your products as the main subject. A lot of wiring is common to all bikes, like horn, headlights, turn signals, tail light, etc. If you guys could give Alec the opportunity of address these in small chunks of knowledge I'd recommend these videos to everyone. Cheers!

[@theloneviking9145]

I have bought loads from Rev Cyc during the past several years. They have always answered questions, replied to emails etc. In fact Stefan wrote me a lengthy email a few years back explaining why my bike wasn’t starting and how to fix it (it was an oddball MZ bike and I couldn’t find the answer anywhere!). They are the excelsior of customer service!

[@RevivalCycles]

AWESOME! Thanks!!!

[@GamePsycho123]

I’m pretty much self taught and get help from KZbin but I’ve rewired a few things on 3 different bikes so far and picked up my biggest project yet. A full wiring harness rebuild on a 95 Suzuki savage ls650

[@dexlab7794]

I've entirely rewired two bikes and still need videos like this haha.

[@JohnMRossi]

Impressive overview gentleman. Thanks !

[@francisstraughniii2473]

Just started following you from N.J you guys are giving me brain overload on wiring but I'm definitely going to be checking out all your videos and those bar switches are sweet ok hope I learn something cuz wiring is something that just overwhelms me.

[@RevivalCycles]

Welcome aboard!

[@Anomalygoods]

Thank you for posting this, I buy from y'all because of your love for the industry and the products you sell are sold because you back 100%. Thanks again!

[@Mr13bIRL]

This was always the big issue for me when I started my build. These videos will be invaluable to me when I get to wiring as Id like to trim down the excess and keep the wiring clean and to the bare minimum ! Keep up the good work guys :)

[@linelevelmedia7357]

Really appreciate these videos, normally looking through bike building videos, you'll find one or two good pieces of info in a 10 minute video. These videos are ALL great info the ENTIRE time. Can't thank you enough. Great work y'all.

[@RevivalCycles]

Much appreciated!😘

[@A.Hisham86]

Interesting stuffs you're presenting here.

[@geoffography]

Revival has been a huge reason I, as someone without any prior working knowledge of motorcycle tech, has been able to get as far as I have w my R100 project. Eager to learn more and thankful for all existing content/help

[@Whaleoilbeefhooked628]

Massively impressed with this channel!!

[@markwollander2002]

You reading my mind?? Going to be starting a ground up wiring harness soon!! :D thanks!!

[@RevivalCycles]

Don't wait for the next in the series! We have an extensive series of wiring guides and diagrams available on our Tech Article site. technicalarticles.revivalcycles.com/hc/en-us

[@TastyChevelle]

@@RevivalCycles thank you!

[@gvigilante7830]

Perfect timing.... ordered an M-Unit BLue and various components and wire from you guys last week. Great video - keep them coming ...

[@Raleigh_Dean_Craighead]

YES! Cant wait for all of this. I'm doing a complete rebuild of my old CB360. Wiring it from scratch and will need every bit of help I can get. Thanks for the great content, keep it up!

[@midgetman4206]

Have you done it yet? I have a CL350 and I stripped the whole thing, not only will I not be able to put that absolute cluster back together but I also want to replace the lights to LEDs. But I have a feeling that the old electronics are not compatible with with modern counterparts, is my suspicion true?

[@mattpolitzer2920]

Thanks. Time to step up my game on next shop wiring job.

[@RevivalCycles]

You can do it!

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

Really enjoyed the video. Will definitely purchase something down the road. My project bike is BMW R1200CL I have converted from a full bagger tourer with 68000 miles on it to a naked bike.

[@CelebrateSuccessPodcast]

This series will be a godsend. I'm 26 and I just purchased a 67 Triumph Bonneville and there is not a single wire in the bike.

[@RevivalCycles]

Don't wait! We have a Knowledge Base on our site that will set you on the right path till the next video is released.

[@jasoncraig9633]

Really appreciate this return to howto / bike builds!!

[@RevivalCycles]

Jason Craig we like to cover a broad spectrum of subjects from iconic and groundbreaking design through to essential maintenance.

[@kelseyrichardson4367]

I really like these kinds of how to videos you guys do.

[@ratchill010]

Great vid, encouraging. I’m in the early stages of getting an old iron head wired up and this helps

[@Rattydo]

You guys seriously rock always love the content!

[@jasonwright9555]

Perfect timing! I‘m comfortable working on anything mechanical but electrical components just confuse the sh*t out of me! I‘m rebuilding a 1958 Norton Domiracer and I want an up to date modern wiring and charging system on it. I’m happy to try it but having some expert guidance will be really appreciated! Thanks for the content guys, keep up the good work.

[@shujin12345678]

Awesome.. This is where I'm at on my Ironhead build and am looking forward to this series ...

[@6235326]

I can't wait to see this new serie! I will soon have to start to wire my bike (an XV1000SE from 83) and I'll mostly use motogadget components. Can't wait to know your tricks and tips for wiring.

[@rongeernaert1208]

Very good tech parts used I go to use this parts on my Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans 2 1980 but were can I buy that electronic ignition in the EU or USA that can send it to NL !?

[@RevivalCycles]

Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we'll set you up with a complete all in one charging system and ignition system.

[@flytwin1772]

Waiting for the next video already guys.

[@drew657]

Perfect timing! Not exactly as vintage as most of the stuff I've worked on in the past, but I've been eyeballing a wiring refresh/customization on my SV650 I'm working on.

[@chaunceyallison1989]

I’m beginning the refresh the wiring and lighting on my 1978 Suzuki gs1000 and I’m diving in with the Munit for more consistency. I’m pondering tossing the same on my 81 Gl1100 but we shall see how it goes!

[@Ogkohl]

Really looking forward on those type of videos ! I rewired my Guzzi LeMans 3 with your videos and it helped me out a lot but would still love to find out and learn more stuff like this !

[@DD08DK]

Hi Luis Did you install the M-unit while rewiring Guz, and did you upgrade the ignition system as well? I bought a 78 T3 last year, and intend to upgrade/modernize it this summer. Cheers, Sven

[@SpeakerMunkey]

Making a custom build with an XS400 engine and want to modernise it where I can - I really look forward to your future "deep dive" videos.

[@jerome27100]

You guys are awesome! Greatly appreciate sharing all your knowledge and helping people out. Your videos and technical articles are super useful to us. Looking forward to the next videos!

[@ericx7476]

I have a 2010 Yamaha v star cruiser, is it possible to put those handlebar switches on the v star?

[@RevivalCycles]

Short answer: If your bike is carbureted yes you can and it will require a relay and other additions to enable the momentary buttons to work. If it is fuel injected it still can but it is far more complex. email [e-mail] for further questions abut this

[@sjreidkiwi]

Great vid guys! Keep being awesome.

[@X_Studios]

This is why I buy from you guys

[@gr33kthund3r]

VERY excited and interested in this series, can't wait for the next learnin' lesson!

[@SamEureka]

Yes! Can’t wait for this series!

[@ateliermerlin]

We do a lot of BMW R and what you tell is Perfectly right even for restoration to make the old BMW run when you like (even every day) looking forward to some of your special tricks 😜

[@comfysofa1549]

Hi - ill know what to order once youve done some more wiring videos. Just started the renovation of a 77 Honda 400/4 id like to keep it standard looking (switchgear etc etc) but would like to modernize under the hood, munit, led headlights, (charging system, points, coils etc etc - i didnt even know any of that could be changed) and ive no idea (if it can) what i can move to!!

[@abrahamsolar01]

I came to this video b/c I need a spool or two of 16awg stranded copper wire that's sunlight resistant & otherwise OK for outdoor conditions. I thought TXL or GXL would be my solution but the suppliers I asked said "nope". I was thinking black & red colors for DC plus & minus but I could do black for both wires if that's the best option for durability. Any sources or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@rica3680]

Awesome! Looking forward to the next videos. Thanks!!

[@HonorioSoto]

dang that intro was epic

[@Tactixish]

Keep the videos coming, love what you guys do!

[@woncameron24]

can you speak to what wires require additional thermal shielding and the best to use? Is it mostly points wires and the main power to ignition switch needing shielding? You guys rock!

[@RevivalCycles]

Graig Cameron email us in our tech support section and we’ll give you some pointers.

[@mikemiller7788]

Does the m-unit need to be sealed off from water/moisture?

[@jupiterjohnson7191]

Thank you 🙏!

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

Great advice! and cool vid. The Beemer rear tyre needs an urgent upgrade though to something like a BT45. I have some horrid memories of sliding around corners on them Metzeler Imperfects back in the 80's.

[@Marcspix.]

Not sure if this will get answered but......how do you get the slight HDR look to your video?

[@JacobTylerChoate]

Holy Shit! I cant wait for this series!

[@christophersmith7714]

Great vid guys! I gotta wire my 66 Triumph TR6 Bobber build. I have electronic ignition and magneto. No battery. Just the basics, lights, stop light, indicators, Horn and electronic speedo. Will this be covered? Cheers from UK

[@RevivalCycles]

Hi Chris, this series probably won't get quite so specific. When we do dive deeper into the process of wiring a bike we'll be using an m.Unit on the install. That said, there are many universal truths to applicable to any rewire of a bike.

[@mooman351]

Can you guys do a video on the vape system at some point please, got a R100 project atm and your passing comment got my attention

[@RevivalCycles]

There will be one soon for certain. 👍👍

[@jimallen199]

This series is going to be interesting, I'm planning a street tracker project from a 2011 Street triple. I like motogadgit stuff be cost become prohibitive here in Australia

[@bradb.4570]

Keep these coming!

[@shadferron7701]

On achete meme au Quebec !! Good job. Vous m inspirez !

[@mattduncan5500]

alright im in , where is the series ? its started?

[@robbymagen2]

Sorry for asking Allen, just wanted to know what happens to Stephan Hertel we have not seen him for a long time please let us know thank you very much Here in Australia love your work thank you Robert

[@RevivalCycles]

Stefan left Revival to explore other interests. That was maybe two years ago? It's in the past for us but he still lives on in all the videos so it often seems like he's still present.

[@williamjohonson5459]

Great channel really enjoy your films , as a professional bike builder I agree with your use of up to date electrical engineering , but in a previous episode you had a guzzi frame done in green powder coat , the use of powder coating is not a good, its not an outside finish , it doesn't cope well with ultraviolet ( sunlight ) spanner rash ( hitting the frame with a wrench , it happens ! ) & I have had bikes in for work that were coated years previously all cracked & faded , then you got to get the stuff off , let's just say it gets expensive, all of my stuff is painted I find it has a better finish and any indescrepencies in the metal work can be fixed with a little filler , and it's less expensive . Hope you don't mind me commenting just wanted to pass on a bit of experience . ; )

[@johnross6691]

Great video

[@Zern90]

Can you guys do a switch video with the motogadget relay + for indicator lights ?

[@2WheelsSometimes1]

Great intro vid folks. Looking forward to your more in depth vids. What do you folks think of making hand control assemblies out of composites, instead of plastic or aluminum?

[@RevivalCycles]

I love the idea, there's a lot of potential in 3D printed fiber composites. Can't wait to see what the near future holds.

[@josephbergin7017]

Hi guys . Super videos as always. Question if I may. Currently working on my project build which is a 2008 Suzuki b king . My question is about switch gear and wiring after market m momentry switches. I've purchased the m switches. M button. M unit basic as not interested in the m unit blue. My question is as follows I know where the oem switch gear plug connection plugs into the main loom . Can I wire the aftermarket m switches into the oem loom or do I simply make a new separate loom for the switch gear leaving the oem switch gear loom in place . Also could you do a video of this . Thanks again guys .

[@RevivalCycles]

The only portions of the factory harness that you are going to keep are those for the Charging system and Ignition system, assuming they are in good shape. There are detailed wire diagrams for this in our knowledge base. technicalarticles.revivalcycles.com/hc/en-us

[@TestTest-pf9qp]

WoW nice initiative

[@chrisfitts5564]

Can't wait for this series. How soon will the series be up? I'm ready to start from scratch on my cb550!

[@bobbyking6833]

How can I get my hands on a harness for a yamaha xv1900 raider?

[@Projectcafemuscle]

Please talk about wiring an m-unit and motoscope pro into a more modern bike Pre CAN/BUS with an ECM..

[@RevivalCycles]

It's coming….don't worry.

[@Projectcafemuscle]

Revival Cycles you guys are the best, look forward to it!

[@daveco1270]

What gauge wire are you guys using on your builds?

[@RevivalCycles]

It really depends on the application but most of the generall wiring is 18 AWG. We're using TXL wire which has a cross-linked PVC coating that has similar ratings to the more common and cheaper GXL while being half the thickness. It allows for a harness that is nearly half the thickness of a harness using Motogadgets wire kit.

[@bigdaddy741098]

I have a very weird problem with my Ducati 93 900SS. When I bought it 6 months ago electrical issues were expected, I owned the same model 25 years ago and it had electrical "quirks" lol and it was only 18months old when I got it. But my bike now, omg it's had some dodgy people work on it, it ended up losing all dash lights except h/beam, even if it wasn't on, but that didn't matter coz the headlight stopped working anyway, well it worked but was so dull you couldn't tell it was on. In the end the only thing that worked as intended were the blinkers lol. Oh and the starting and charging system, the bike itself ran beautifully. So of course I investigated, and found the entire wiring system bundled in a ball and zip tied together stuffed up under the fairing, patch jobs with bare wires, soldered joints that didn't stick but at least had elec tape to keep the wires in contact, even the fuses were upside down lol. I fixed it all and got everything working properly.... BUT..... I have somehow created a new problem. The bike starts and runs beautifully as before, all the lights and dash works, but whenever I turn the handlebars left or right, the bike cuts out like I've hit the kill switch, and then restarts fine, no fuses blown. I have checked the start button housing the best I can, without actually removing the throttle which I was hoping to avoid, and the wiring coming out of it up to the main harness, which I haven't delved into yet. Everything seems fine, and I can't think of anything that I have done to the dash and lights wiring that should cause a problem like this. But I am definitely an electrical novice lol. The bike is obviously not rideable like this so any help or advice would be much appreciated. I know from the state of all the oem wiring that I have seen so far that it needs completely rewiring, and I hope to buy the m-unit blue and a few other goodies asap, but realistically it will be quite a while before I can do that. Omg sorry this ended up an essay lol. Thanks for all your videos 👍👊 they have definitely helped me so far and given me the confidence to do the rewire myself 😁 but troubleshooting this first problem is proving difficult.... Please HELP!!! 😀😀

[@LarryP248]

The narrative of this content is rich with inspiration. A book with related themes deeply moved me. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[@kerwynfields980]

I'm about to embark on doing an overhaul on a 1978 Suzuki gs1000 can you message me some good recommendation for instrumentation to go with the m unit blue

[@RevivalCycles]

We get this question frequently and there's really no universal answer so we've created a guide to all everything one might need for an m.Unit install broken down into 3 stages starting with the essentials and moving on to the fine details. You can find this along with a detailed explanation of our approach and universal diagrams in the link below. technicalarticles.revivalcycles.com/hc/en-us

[@mrjarmai]

I have 1986 VFR750F that is heating up and sucking battery, please any advice, am in Africa.

[@RevivalCycles]

sounds like a charging system issue. You might start by searching for a video on testing a stator, and another for testing your regulator/rectifier.

[@mcdamike]

I have a 2006 Ducati s2r 800. I was thinking about getting this m-unit until you guys said modern bike don't' really need this type of unit. I do like the keyless go, and I have had no problem with my bike thus far and I am not picky about the electrical.

[@RevivalCycles]

A 2006 that hasn't been cared for might be in need of an electrical upgrade and we have done m.Unit installs on a few Ducati's from that era but it requires replacing the ECU to eliminate the immobilizer and is a monumental task for someone who is not familiar with motorcycle electrical systems, reading diagrams and working with EFI.

[@vintagebikes4215]

I know this sounds stupid, but I have one wiring connection that your products would be perfect for. I restored an old 1980 Suzuki GS1000G and the bullet wiring connections under the sidecover, just 2 wires, connect by soldered in bullet male and female. Unfortunately, this connection must be opened every time the tank comes off, which is lots in a restoration. So I'll contact you for help on that.

[@macc1370]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@jasonwebb3444]

Hi guys i live in thailand not many her do what you guys can do iv just got a honda steed 400 its old school but the wireing thats some one has done well they just twisted the wires together no soldering no connectors just tape fuses just melt not blown just plastic melts i would say dead short battery dont charge up but when i rev it lights do get brighter and turn bulb if on tick over flashes normal but rev it and goes fast then just stays on iv taken to garage but there wiring is just a mess any chance you could give me some points

[@RevivalCycles]

Hey Jason, That's a lot to cover. 1.The first step I would take is replacing all of those bad connections with wire splices with heat shrink over them. You can solder them but it's more difficult to do that correctly and there is the possibility of the connection failing. 2. Test your regulator/rectifier to make sure it is working correctly. There are lot of good videos on this. 3. Learn how to use a multimeter to locate a fault and then use it to work methodically through each circuit until you locate the issue.

[@Fieasco189]

This is great. Thank you.

[@jgambl02]

Alright, you have me hooked.

[@kaikruger1176]

What is this charging system on the bmw? Looks interesting

[@RevivalCycles]

Hey Kai, all will be revealed in our imminent Charging System film.

[@timothyswartz5292]

My problem is I want to do things in stages over an extended period of time. So eventually I want to replace my giant battery with a hidden LiPo, for example. But that means eventually using an angle grinder to remove the old battery tray attachment points from the frame. And I just got my frame painted.

[@RevivalCycles]

There are definitely ways to approach a complete electrical restoration in stages but it does involve some planning on the front end so that you don't have to repeat some things. We have a guide covering nearly all the components you might need when performing an m.unit install or really any harness upgrade. We broke the guide up into three stages based on either budget or the extent one wishes to go. technicalarticles.revivalcycles.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008817472-A-Comprehensive-List-of-Items-You-Need-for-an-m-unit-Installation-

[@shawnewaltonify]

Some old school guys would approve of alternator conversion and everything else mentioned, but still want to stick with points. I will probably keep one bike with points just to keep the gods happy.

[@cake8291]

Could you use that M unit on like a 00 r6?

[@RevivalCycles]

Yes, though if it has an immobilizer built into the ECU it will require an aftermarket ECU.

[@cake8291]

@@RevivalCycles Ok thanks ! Mine is made usa so shouldn't have a immobilizer? And what exactly is a immobilizer ? This M unit seems like its a pretty badass little block

[@X_Studios]

Thank you for this

[@DD08DK]

Hi Alan and Alec. I've got a failing ignition(not charging) system on a 78' T3 Guzzi i bought last year. I intend to upgrade and modernize the electrical system(M-unit blue), but also wish to have a more reliable ignition system. Which system would you recommend (e.g. C5 or VAPE , I can buy the VAPE in Germany (I'm from Denmark)), as I've up until now, only really looked at the 450W Enduralast kit (EDL450-ALTKIT105)? Thanks for the fantastic videos... Do you have a patreon or other donation-option, as I don't really wish to support you by buying stuff from your homepage, and then pay a guzzillion' düllars' for shipping and import taxes? All the best, and take care awesomenauts! BR. Sven

[@RevivalCycles]

Hi Sven, we do not have a Patreon account as of now but that is not a terrible idea. 1. don't have any direct experience with the enduralast systems so I don't have a lot to say about them. 2. The C5 systems are great ignition systems but production is on hold while they develop an entirely new system. 3.Obviously, the Vape system is both charging and ignition and we've had nothing but good experiences with them so far.

[@DD08DK]

@@RevivalCycles Thanks for the reply! I'll go for the Vape system, then. Would it be possible for you to make a series, featuring the process of restoring/customizing one specific bike? I've seen that you have already "build-videos", but it would be interesting to tag along from a bike enters the shop, until it's ready to go back to the owner/buyer. It might be short videos of the steps, but with some details/goodies about what you do and the entailed processes... like disassembly, cleaning/blasting, painting, wiring(e.g. how you "wire" a bike using a M-unit, and not only a breadboard) etc. ... I might have overlooked that video, if you've already done it... Apologies, if that's the case. /Sven

[@stugixer57]

I would love to purchase goods from yourselves, I was looking to get me some Mizu p25 connectors and a cool T shirt….added them to the basket it came to around £50 ( I’m in the UK)……the cheapest postage option was around £95🤷🏻‍♂thats without import duty and VAT… Unless there’s a cheaper way then it’s a non starter…no pun intended😉

[@dalecarr167]

I got a 883 2000 model sometimes a fire sometimes it don't

[@michalbielich9516]

Guys..... Thank you 🙏

[@thedood4713]

He sells good wiring for motorcycles? I usually get wiring from namz wire farm.

[@makiaadams4275]

This is bad ass

[@michelangelo3674]

Never use plastic tie wraps as they chafe through wires bundles, get brittle because they are exposed to the elements. I removed all the plastic tie wraps and did lacing instead

[@Asyss_Complex]

What laces are you using? Aren't they slippery?

[@franzkomantsche3712]

Why i did'nt find you earlier? 8)

[@prime_time2253]

"Now is the time oof the video where most people ask for money or donation or whatever. I'm not gonna ask you for that. " 8 seconds later - "go to the website and buy something" xD

[@RevivalCycles]

Imagine that, you watch a commercial free video then you pay for a physical thing which we send you and we spend the proceeds to produce more content.😘

[@davidleroth8644]

Hey, i have those metzelers on my 450 lol

[@daveyjennyville]

fab

[@LordPenny95]

Why do you want to know the temperature outside the bike 😂 you’re literally outside

[@miguelguimaraes4211]

Yey!

[@lulem400]

Why is he dressed like Hamburglar bro : ) Good vid, thanks.

[@CUZ_2]

Shit, I only play checkers ☹️

[@rcc8506]

Let the guy talk for heavens sake or you wanna prove your the boss??