Motorcycle Electrical Problems : Easy Fix To Save Money

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In this video I wanted to share this golden technique for solving problematic connections on your motorcycle.
So many people waste time and money on parts they may have never needed when it comes to electronics and things not working.....
Keep this simple trick in your back pocket and you will be surprised at how often it is the solution!
Enjoy!
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[@OrangeChickenMoto]

Instead of buying new switches and clusters, I cleaned out and greased my kill switch and starter cluster during a throttle cable replacement. When I started the bike, the low beams were much brighter and all of a sudden, my high beams were working too!! Amazing what a little bit of cleaning will do for our bikes.

[@GrievenceCapitolist]

My friend is an electrician . He has a note on the dash of his van . It says , " Is it plugged in ? " . Great tips Cody 👍 .

[@crpth1]

TIPS: - Keep terminals tight. - Keep terminals CLEAN. - Keep wires and wire looms properly wrapped, fixed and protected. - DO NO pull terminals by their wires. - Protect terminals with a very light film of Vaseline, or any other commercial product of your preference. The first option is simply dirty cheap and readily available. Now to help cleaning those pesky brass fittings. If using "mechanical means". Example: Dremel with a small wire wheel make short work of having bright shiny metal staring at you. A wire brush or sand paper (>400) do the job, its just more work. For those inaccessible terminals inside plugs, females, etc.use (light) acidic solutions! Some examples of very effective safe and readily available acids, in any house. Vinegar, mustard, lemon juice... For what it's worth you can consume them. That's how safe it is. ;-) - Vinegar being a liquid is ideal to deep parts while soaking them. - Mustard has the advantage of the thicker consistence. You can apply on vertical surfaces, etc. Enjoy. Cheers

[@reginald4749]

Can you help me? I was tinkering with the wire of my bike's horn. One side was corroded, so I decided to cut it and replace it with a new wire at the same spot. Initially, everything seemed fine, but at a certain point, my bike suddenly stopped turning on. The screen didn't light up, and although I could start it using the kickstarter, the lights remained off. However, the engine was running normally, just without any screen display or lights.

[@ankhlee6283]

When that happened to me, I found out that one wire was broken in the ignition@@reginald4749

[@lanpanthet]

I'm your brother's from Malaysia, I'm so lucky bcoz God give me chance to watch your videos in KZbin and make me so happy , that my main benelli electrical problem for 3year...I pray to God, may God bless u and your all family, and may God give good health and more happiness in your life and your family... Amin, amin, amin.. I'm islam and i will say from my bottom heart amin for 3times.. for Christian religion say Amen. Tq so much bro❤

[@studvickwicklewire8181]

great tip for anyone who messes with any kind of vehicle

[@1Poe]

Cody, you are soo right.. few years ago I had my H Shadow at 2 different service shops for electrical issues and none of them were able to figure it out. One of them even told me to sell it for 300 Euro and be happy. So , I went home and started to inspect everithing from handlebar switches to the battery and found several rusted contacts in the terminals of the fusebox, (the fix was super easy and it is running perfectly ever since). But from that moment on, I have done all small task/maintenance by myself. Only if I would have some engine failure, I will probably go to a repair shop. I even purchased few 1983 oldtimers , and I have a running project for a cafe racer with H CB250N, and the Yazamha XJ550 is beautifull as it is, so I will just restore few parts.

[@AshfaQ9556]

That's why I specifically went to learn mechanics and electrics.

[@johnDukemaster]

A friend of mine had electrical problems with his Suzuki SV1000. The dash was crazy, the light and indicators didn't do what they were suppose to. He went to a garage who "went through the whole electrical system" and couldn't find anything wrong, therfore it must be the ECU, they said. Expensive! I said to him, "check the wiring, maybe it's a loose end or bad earth?" He did and found a loose connection at the rear light under the seat, plugged it back in again, and result! Cheap! Now, that garage will probably not see any of us again!

[@franciskretschmer2696]

Great video, checked out the course too, awesome information and way more than I imagined. Thanks for keeping the motorcycle community alive

[@1001CP]

I just saw this! Low tech, common sense approach to all things connected my friend. I signed up for your course. I have been riding for over 50 years and did a LOT of trail side surgery BUT always tr to learn more. Thank you for this and the great course I have coming. Stay safe and well in this new year.

[@Spitfireseven]

This is the finest kind of video available on KZbin. Practical common sense ideas like I see here are what makes the world go round. When I was sixteen years old working for an electrical company in Miami Beach we had a guy that not only did the repair to what was happening to the wall circuit, he knew how to assess what was happening in the whole deal with why something wasn't working. He would straighten out the whole deal. We sure did dump out a lot of lint traps down inside the washer or dryer that the customer had. This harness stuff is exactly what he would have shown me if we were involved with this stuff. JUST WONDERFUL!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Really glad you enjoyed it man! That guy sounds like a legend! 🤙🏻 Thanks for the feedback.

[@JoseyWhales-ii4dk]

Cody i have a 1991 honda nighthawk cb750 & you are my go to guy anytime i work on my bike...thank you so much for sharing brother 🇺🇸

[@Ian-ny6ux]

Pretty straightforward. Thanks brother!

[@fitzstermoto]

Excellent video and great tips/tricks! Thanks for sharing!

[@reynoldsfsu]

Good tip, thanks! Will take that course, too.

[@CapmLew]

Thanks, bud. Really solid tip. Appreciate you making this content.

[@jimseagle846]

Excellent job. Good explanation and at an understandable pace.

[@knrajuu]

Great common sense advice. Much appreciated. Keep making your videos

[@zimba599]

Great advice! Thank you so much Cody!!

[@edumendes1965]

Very good tips! Very well explained!! Right on!

[@Sample_pumpkin]

Been throwing money at my bike been watching your videos and gonna try some things you said especially tuning the carb and throttle

[@Snr_chege]

Much love from kenya ,big fun!! Thanks for the information.

[@MrLightning54]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@vstrom9586]

Great video, Thankyou for taking the time to share your knowledge

[@andrewjohnson6503]

Excellent advice thank you for the help.

[@thatsickbender]

this video was very informative, and through, literally 20/10 man!!! thank you!!

[@murraykriner9425]

Nailed it on that one. Take care.

[@digger8180]

Great tip, thanks

[@randallissimo]

DeOxit D5 spray. I am an electronics repairman, and I couldn't live without it. Won't help your worn out or loose connections, but it sure helps with oxidation.

[@danhjones7949]

Hay , I had a 83 Honda Shadow Vt750c follow me home . It's keeping me biz.. I just wanted to say thanks for all your help . Thanks

[@jpartieda]

The man is 💯right

[@asiantechhk]

Amazing tip, thx a lot

[@willieboy8798]

good vid cody ...i have several motors that i bought cheap and fixed a wiring harness problem in minutes. i buy bikes that generally have simple wiring harnesses to work on i ride them a few years and sell them at parts bike prices.

[@billbraxton7192]

Comment to increase algo strength. 👍🏼 - Thanks again Cody, God Bless.

[@robertadams4415]

Thanks for the info Cody

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

You’re welcome Robert!

[@WilliamJones-sf5pt]

Wonderful! I used crc electrical cleaner on my computer to get it to boot up.

[@shed6624]

Brilliant advice

[@ajkylen]

Awesome thank you for a great video

[@atruefreethinker1944]

good stuff Cody!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks brother!

[@Coolatta420]

Haven’t watched yet but I already know it’s a good video thanks kody I think that’s ur name

[@jontnoneya3404]

Great stuff - I was once left on the side of the road by my MC that had a total loss of power. EVERYONE I talked to said "Oh it might be this component that died" or "check the fuses" and guess what it was.....a loose terminal on the battery. I'd added a trickle charger and didn't put any sort of lock tite on the thread and after about a year, it had wiggled itself loose. That's all it was.

[@jthomp57]

Honda had an internal TSB captioned "a new twist on connectors", back in the early 80's. It worked wonders and the cars weren't even that old. Just a couple of years. If we got to the connector too late, and it was melted, either 2 harnesses needed replaced or you did what we did where I worked. We would cut the wires out of the connector and solder them together. It was a lot faster and cheaper than replacing 2 harnesses. It also got rid of the poor connection that caused the over heating.

[@murphmurph2124]

If you change enough parts you'll eventually fix it 😮$$$$ very good video thanks for posting

[@SgtProstar]

good vid man thx!!

[@leestevens4536]

Very good content and advise. One thing that I would suggest, contact cleaner spray and a non-conductive long bristle brush. Clean the connections.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great tip!

[@cozytube5748]

Thank you

[@kdsowen2882]

Great-advice , thanks Dave nz

[@davidschoenoff4262]

thank you

[@joemilich]

I broke your 500 likes. I'm 501. I love every video you make. Very easy to follow. Great editing. Audio is great too. Keep it up my friend.

[@williammeyer3376]

Hi Cody, is that a Honda 305 dream behind you in your last video, wow they were something back in the day.

[@romulusboicu660]

I have a 660 Tenere and I'm at my 4th regulator in two years and my second in two weeks. Two times I hade it changed in Paris, one time in Morocco and the last time in Spain. It was awful, I went from Paris to Morocco and remained stranded 3 time because of this... Every mechanic didn't want to listen to me and the fact that it's defintly a problem that causes all these electrical problems... My thought was that it's the plug, but every one said it was ok... The first problem started after a ride in the rain and water got in and burned the regulator. I got am original one and put silycone in the top of the plug to prevent water from getting in, but it failed on the higway, 200km from home... New regulator, but the problems persisted... Now I'm going to order a new plug and have it changed and will se what happens!

[@Raised_by_God]

Cody your the best

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

You are dude!

[@dapperbrapper]

excellent

[@evhvariac2]

Excellent helpful video! Subscribed Lots of “that’s what she said” as well but I won’t go there

[@epoxy1710]

Owned my DT50MX for 23 years, 70% of my wires are solderen or changed to Abiko insulated terminals, I even solder the wires after crimped insulated terminals. Never seen a wire problem the last 15 years.

[@keegan4039]

Good stuff

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks Keegan!

[@user-bl4xv4dx2t]

Smart guy, dirty nails, great channel!

[@mikemarthaller8789]

OK I signed up for course HOW do I accessing it ? BTW, good info and presentations

[@powerofone1645]

I zip tie my connections if they feel a bit loose. My fuel pump for instance only worked intermittenly so I zip tied the connector firm. and hey presto it is now fine.

[@user-yf7rt2pz2u]

Thank for the tips this goes a long way for us diyers and and new biker rides and beyond !

[@GuaranteedEtern]

This happened to me - the connector from the ignition switch was burnt/melted probably because of this exact reason. The connector was melted inside, and the wires sleeve had burnt so it was well beyond this fix - so I basically soldered the wires together and all good. The other alternative is a whole new wiring harness, which is way more cost/work.

[@anthonylevan7508]

Thank you so much. You have single handedly saved me time, money and from going mad. Had a starting issue on my daughter’s KLX140. No spark. I was convinced it was a dodgy coil and was about to buy a new coil after days of testing coil, relays & solenoid. Watched your video and systematically went through all the plugs. Bingo! A couple of pins on my CDI were looser than a hookers money maker. I pulled the connectors out squeezed them up and reconnected. The bike is running like new. Im now subscribed and booked in with your training 👍 Thanks again.

[@jarrodcraft219]

good vid do you know anything about 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 please let me know thanks

[@daveco1270]

Great video, Cody. Hows that Honda CL350 tracker build coming along? I feel like we haven't seen that bike in a while.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

You and me both Dave! It’s around. I have a customer build KZ I’m working through now. He’s been way more patient then the 350 lol

[@JinBoid-zw8dy]

Thank you for the tip I am just fixing to go through every connection on my vl 1500 but let me ask a serious question can the bike run without half the sensors I haven't messed with it in a while but it seems to be missing the tip over one of the fresh air so if it's anything like they did my mower it's never going to run and I am wasting my time

[@alkaivrial3039]

Hey bro, just asking if you got any tips regarding my current issue. So, my bike has power but neither push starting nor kick starting had any response like, totally dead, nothing. I tried jump starting it through the starter relay and it started but it need constant apply to the throttle to keep it going. The moment you let go of the throttle, the engine dies. I also heard something like an eletrical clicking under my gas tank. Any idea if this is just wiring problem or some components needs replacement? Thank you!

[@andrewsamson384]

Great video, I ended up replacing my coil because two cylinder wouldn’t fire and not a second did I think it may have been the cdi, once I changed my coils the bike started and fired all four cylinder but then suddenly stopped and I’m getting no pulse, I can hear the fuel pump click but nothing with the current, can you help me understand if this could be the cdi ? Previously my bike wouldn’t rev past 10rpm and would choke really badly

[@JosePablo2008]

I don't hate the electrical part of a motorcycle. Well, I'm very biased. I'm an electronic engineer. I do understand what happens with the electric parts and how to fix it or replace it if that's really the case.

[@user-dj8qq8yu6s]

Hi am from Mauritius am in the retail store of motorcycle spare parts and also do repairs

[@steveclark..]

All vehicles have been loaded with sensitive electronics yet vibration, heat, and rain will destroy. Crazy hey?.... one reason why I love my 40 year old ride, it's very basic when it comes to the electrical system.

[@cliff1551]

Hey man maybe you could help me with an answer please ,my husqvarna 701 has a sticking on rear brake light ,would it be good just to change the hydraulic switch on the abs unit ,please reply

[@KennyG233]

I feel like your earlobe after watching this

[@jamesoden4482]

I got a 07 triumph Daytona 675R that when I turn the key on the opposition continues its cranks over would you have any insight on that?

[@emanmoral]

Hi, I need to ask if you can give some idea how to make my 2013 VT750 start. I checked there's a spark. I checked the fuel pump has good strong flow. I don't know how to check the Fuel injection system works. Please help. Thank you. From Sydney, Australia.

[@user-ft3nw7ir1z]

Great

[@davidgreen7870]

Four minutes of waffle before any info .

[@Richard-lionhearted]

There is a liquid called Noalok it’s a fluid when applied to connections, rids the connections of the oxidation film disallowing a proper electrical bond ! ( there is one chemical made for aluminum and another for copper ) use of this can eliminate electrical issues on a motorcycle wiring !

[@crpth1]

Vinegar does exactly the same... ;-)

[@josephmichelgagnon4694]

my 17 year old honda shadow thanks you

[@kembooslash5140]

I got some yzf-R125 2011.mod snd it's not working it was last weed but now it just revs like it what to start if u can help I will be fo happy????😢

[@brucenichols9153]

I have a strange problem with my Royal Enfield Himalayan, battery warning light came on so checked the RR and generator all fine. I removed the headlight fuse to conserve battery and warning light went off all working fine, put it back and not charging.. Head scratching time!

[@user-pp9wc6yu3q]

My 1993 CBR 1000F just died on me on the road. i replaced the voltage regulator. The bike is charging. The fuse box is getting 11.9 -12.2 from the ignition switch but the battery reads 13.9 at 5000 rpm. I know the ignition switch will get either dirty or worn and not send the correct voltage to the regulator and it sends too much voltage to the battery and can do damage. How do i clean the ignition switch or do i replace? same problem with my 1982 Gl500 silverwing.

[@raptorgamer8878]

I'm working on kawasaki right now, but I do have a v65 1100 saber. starts right up

[@luisserrano3058]

Hi!!! I've a nighthawk 750 and doesn't want to pass more than 5,000rpm in any gear, already replaced IcM, spark plugs and nothing has change. Last thing I'm gonna try is testing the coils. I need help cause I love the bike but is driving me nuts!!!

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

I have a 1980 Yamaha 3 cylinder, 850cc. I replaced the main control box 2 times. The cycle will start sometimes. Sometimes it will start if you pull the clutch lever in. How many safety switches is in the wire harness. It has always been stored in a heated garage. Please help…. Thanks very much.

[@claudiumoldovan1871]

I’m actually struggling with some electrical problem my radiator fan is not working properly! Sometimes spins sometimes no….I did check/clean the connection but still work just randomly….I change the fuse nothing change then i bought a new fan nothing changed…I bought a new thermostat nothing changed…then i was checking the ECU because actually the fan getting signal from there, was everything nice clean an tight…I have no any other idea what to do…I also was in 2 different service and they can’t see what is the problem the only thing they can do to install a side button for me to turn on/off the fan by myself what I don’t really want 🤦🏻‍♂️ btw it’s a gsxr 750 2008

[@blipco5]

ALWAYS use a quality corrosion inhibitor on your connectors when taking them apart regardless of how old or new your bike. Be careful to not make a mess but always.

[@billbecher311]

Do you have any recommendations for a quality corrosion inhibitor?

[@blipco5]

@@billbecher311 Yes, DeoxIT D5 which is available at electronics stores or online. It’s a spray. Or easier to find and probably longer lasting on the connections.. Ideal Nolox which you can get in the electrical isle at a Home Depot. It is a gray pasty liquid and comes in a small squeeze bottle. I’ve used it for years on my bikes with good results. I use a toothpick to apply it on the terminals. A few ounces lasts forever.

[@blipco5]

The DeoxIT is mainly used for electronics such as scratchy volume controls on old radios.

[@crpth1]

@@billbecher311- You probably already have a readily available home solution for that. Vaseline. A thin amount, just a film, is more than enough to keep it all impeccable. From battery terminals to... had your choice. A tiny pack will last ages. ;-)

[@slewfoot6608]

Thanks Cody! You da Man!

[@muhammadmuaazkhan3752]

Can u plz help with a little issue that I'm having with my headlights

[@notjoelibre]

I NEED HELP my bike keeps dying on the road after about an hour of riding... I replaced stator and harness-side female connector since they appeared to have sparked and burnt inside the connection. battery is good, within a year old, and have done the troubleshooting to make sure it holds charge before applying load. some things that happen as the bike starts to die: -pushing past half throttle, the bike acts like i havent given throttle at all -dials go to zero and my small lcd screen numbers disappear, all thats left is the backlight -headlights swell bright to dim in a loop -eventually stalls and wont start back up. leaving me stranded... (K1 Z750 Kawasaki) i also have an error code for Atmospheric (15) and STP (32) sensors any tips?

[@johnsteele6379]

I got a Kawasaki GPZ 500 1998 model, my problem is when it rains I lose power and it stops after a short period of time it then fires back up again then I can continue, have you any ideas what is the problem please?

[@gregorbabic7664]

I just solder more often than not if I am doing any electrical additions or changes.

[@lariconicholson6973]

I have a wire that is touching metal or something is touching something in the frontend by the radio. Every time I move the frontend fairing the lights and radio turns of then I remove the fairing off the handlebars everything stay on. What is going on here? How can I find this wire

[@jr3628]

something i was told a long time ago, "if it comes apart it can corrode" a tiny bit of antiseize for bolt and di-electric grease on connectors goes a long way to help. any ideas cody, good idea/bad idea?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Honestly I cam a big fan of silicon spray. It is a "dry lube" that sprays wet. Makes everything from rubber to plastic slide easy into position then drys. Di-electric grease is great but so many people use it the wrong way. It is inteaded to seal the connectors on the outer sides, not packed into the terminal ends and shoved together. Even though you can use it like that, less is more!

[@billbecher311]

What products and process do you recommend using and doing if the connectors already show signs of corrosion? How and what do you do and use to clean them

[@crpth1]

@@billbecher311 - I just wrote this on another comment. Deep them in vinegar. Possible uses, put vinegar on a small bowl deep the terminals/connectors. If the accessibility don't allow the usage of a bowl. Simple plastic bag held close with a rubber band, can sometimes suffice! ;-) If the position is not practical do deep/soak the part(s). You can use mustard!! Yes the thicker mustard can be applied in a slanted or vertical position and stay there for awhile. Just enough time to make it bright & shiny! ;-)

[@madeinjapan3485]

I have a no crank situation am trying to diagnose on my motorcycle, I've changed the battery, starter relay, I have a good engine ground the starter motor spins when benched testing it yet when I push the starter switch nothing happens the starter relay just clicks. All components in the starter circuit check out ok but the bike won't crank. I think I've figured it out to an earth fault because when I press the starter switch with a multimeter across the battery terminals am getting a very large voltage drop from the battery sitting at 12.26 volts to pressing the switch it drops to around 6.30 volts. Definitely an earth fault but all wires are ok in the circuit as well😔

[@tammymorrow6301]

Barrel key broke off in 2006 Street glide ignition any ideas

[@davidmutchock9261]

14 minutes and four commercials later…………………….check connections, your welcome 🙏

[@sivasatchidananda3989]

I bought a 93 Goldwing, rode it 60 miles back home, park, then it won't start at all. It turns on the motorcycle, crank but won't start. I bought a new solenoid, but it's doing the same thing, sounds the same. It won't turn over and start. Is this a starter issue or a low battery or something else? Please help.

[@Skrollex74]

It happens to me that I only have spark in cylinder 2 and 3, cylinder 1 and 4 does not work and if the coil gets positive on an xj6 I don't know how to solve it and I'm going for 1 year

[@charlierocer8016]

03 ultra classic wire gets hot going to breaker keeps blowing

[@Postalguy1]

I’m new to bikes . I have a 125cc moped and it feels 50% power. So I changed the air box thinking it had an air leak… then had to up jet. And still 50% power… ive gone around the bike and it seems that my CDI unit is gone: going .. after research I’ve understood that CDI can make this happen ( mis fireinf & power problems ) Now .. I hope it’s this 🤣 as there not cheap

[@Apolloneek]

Any advice on a ecu fuse blowing everytime the key is turned on ? I've got electrical testers and have a wiring diagram but am lost because I've traced the wires going into the ecu and ran a ground test on the frame and bolts.

[@twozup1098]

Have you resolved this problem?