Motorcycle Electrical: Test Lights, Turn Signals and Electrical Issues

[@trainmaster0217]

I'd like to nominate Cody for "Teacher Of The Year"! Excellent video. A new subscriber here.

[@NotMeUC]

The paper clip lesson forever made me a fan. Then if I may... use a wire of heavier guage. Bam

[@glockstitch]

Having zero motorcycle experience I’m very grateful you do these videos.. my bike is 35 years old and I’m trying to learn how to fix her up when needed. It’s an ‘85 zn700 kawi. Just noticed my headlight went out again. Payed a mechanic 180$ bucks to fix it last time and here we are again. Wish me luck!

[@tobeychow5032]

I love you. I have no power in my nighthawk cb750 after installing aftermarket turn signals and now I feel confident in testing it

[@Nancelot13]

I love being able to refresh my mind after almost 10 years and getting back to it. Thanks for all the info man. Awesome job

[@michaelciocci8929]

I am having a wiring issue on my Harley. Your video was my first stop. It just so happens I am having a passing light power issue. I like the way you explained and broke it down. I learned a lot. Electrical is not my thing. Thanks to you I’m going to dive into this project. Tks for sharing

[@willthethrill521]

This is just what I needed!!! Thank you thank you thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to make it. I'm doing the electrical on a project bike and got completely unmotivated, but now I'm getting myself a test light and back in the garage!

[@jeremiahcashmore75]

Thank you for this. I just got an old '81 xl 250. The front light and blinkers weren't working. I took it apart having no idea what I was doing. Ii now feel confident I can get this back up and running. Best video ever

[@craigwhite7428]

Cody you are a genius. Thank God for you. I got a Honda project scooter that needed everything. One of the last things that I tackled was my non operational headlight. I checked the bulb by running 12 directly to it, bulb ok I checked the power to the bulb, nada. I cleaned the high low beam switch, still nothing. Then I found your video. I wiggled the starter switch and the headlight came on. The starter switch is not returning to original position causing power to be interrupted to the headlight during engine startup. Thank you once again.

[@Skylar.J.Martin]

Thank you brother! My bike (1990 Vulcan 88) has this same exact problem and I have been trying to figure it out. Could never find anything until now! Super helpful!

[@drjohnworldpeace625]

Working on a 86 Honda Shadow VT 700 problems with replacing front blinkers. You covered some marginal things that allowed me to fix the problem. I had the new blinkers connected wrong. After everything looked right it would not start. Walked away from it. Came back and just pushed on all the circuits to make sure they were seated. They weren't. Now I am back on the road again. Thanks.

[@anthonysharpe1884]

I know this video is 2 years old but the trouble shooting techniques you are teaching seriously have helped with way more than just my headlight issue. Probably missed it already but if u do a live classroom I would be all over it. I subscribed to your channel so I’ll be on the lookout. Thanks for all the help!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Glad to see it still helping 2 years in. 💪🏻💪🏻🤘🏻

[@henryp9600]

@@TheMotorcycleMD 2021 Checking IN, You are great! I enjoy your teaching style. This is better than any school ever. You should def start a school if you have not yet!

[@toddcott9510]

Ok it's got to be the paper clip ! Wiring is an important part of automotive work and probably the most unpopular job. Thank for tackling the subject. Best from Scotland.

[@Ride.on.709]

I'm going with that too lol

[@barcusful]

Brilliant, crystal clear teaching. Thanks

[@Nceb]

Thanks for this video. I have no electrical experience and electrical wiring have always seemed daunting to me. After watching this, I was able to follow everything the diagram and your explanation.

[@rmack3481]

Cody I have a question?? I'm building a customized e bike. I'm buying motorcycle lights head,tail and turn signals. L.e.d. flasher, the switches that goes on the left side the handlebar. My question is what else do I need??? I can probably wire it up with the help of this video. Then all I will need is a Grin Technology V3 Cycle Analysis dashboard. A second battery a front electric motor. Can you help me with the question. When I make the video I will give you credit for the lighting system. Thank you in advance. R Mack

[@norcal8718]

Dude I can honestly say that you are the best teacher I've ever seen teach something 🤓 You explain things so they are extremely understandable and presented so we get it. Although I already know all this shit because I am a mechanic 🔧 but still you make it make sense 👍🏻 Thank you for your time it is much appreciated. I'm going to subscribe and thumbs up and all that shit for ya 🤘🏻😎🤟🏻

[@TherealBigJohnSt33l]

Facts, just saw the connector vid. Man I couldn’t figure out how or, where to start. His tricks for helping has been outstanding

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

3+years old but 💯 relevant. The 12v tester lamp is worth every penny. Great job Cody. 👏👏👏. Cheers 🍻, G.

[@beaudex7989]

This is a very welldone video! exteremely informative and well edited. My compliments - as a video guy myself I can see the effort you put into to adding the info you missed. THANK YOU

[@grahampotter5095]

So grateful you are doing this work on a nighthawk. I have a 2000 nighthawk that im doing a cafe fighter build on, and wiring the lights was my one problem. You rock dude, keep the videos coming!

[@swabby2862]

Great Job, I had an old test light in my tool box , no idea where I got it and never used it. Thanks I'm gonna watch one more time and tackle my latest problem. The "BOOM" thing was fricking Hilarious (Scared the crap out of me). I've Just Subscribed and I can't wait to check out some of your other videos. Keep up the good work.

[@brianmerriman8252]

Thank you for this video - I’m a wiring newb and this vid helped me sort through some taillight issues on my Bonnie. I feel like I have a much better understanding of my bike now.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

That is super encouraging to hear Brian!

[@robertshawn8270]

@@TheMotorcycleMD show me were to run ground in tail light hows it hook up

[@billbraxton7192]

Thanks for this man! I'm having issues with my Headlight / gauges on my Yamaha. Gonna try out some of this knowledge.

[@vernboulet1015]

Good job - explained in laymans terms. Building a (vintage VW powered) trike with a Honda front end and want to keep handle bar controls - this was a big help.

[@jtdundee]

Watching intently, nose about 14 inches from the screen...at 24:36.... BAM! I had to stagger over to my welder outlet, lick my finger and stick it in to stop my heart from beating at 6500BPM. Good video!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+John Theis Hahahaha😂😂😂

[@riskunlimited]

Fantastic video! Thanks Cody have the same problem now...and now at least I know what to do!

[@Bassmunchkin1]

Not boring at all, this was absolutely fascinating, thanks millions for your time, really appreciated

[@viffer1509]

Great video thank you - makes things seem do-able for us when so well explained

[@timleblanc3102]

Dude you rock! Wish I could find a mechanic like you for my sportster

[@autoaustin3213]

Hey, Its Austin, Dave's grandson. I just so happen to find this video because my turn signals and horn aren't working lol. Just subscribed though. Great video!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

What up man!! Small world!

[@Dirtdart458]

First video I have watched of yours and gotta say brilliant content will definitely be watching more and subscribing 👍

[@CLStegall]

I'm late to the game, here, with your vids... But, I have to agree with NorCal below. You explain (and demonstrate!) things very well. Great job dude! New subscriber here, for sure. Thanks for these great instructional and informative videos!

[@adersontorres4351]

Awesome video, I got a lot of information from it. I am putting aftermarket LED and I could not find the power source wire, but with the tips, you gave it should be a breeze now, I hope. Keep up the good work, and the GG was great, that I know I will not forget. Wheels on the road brother. Ride safe.

[@stephenx2857]

this video was excellent. only sad thing, is the obvious, that the color coding info is specific to honda, but was a great... primer for chasing wires, and power/ground ...the BAM towards the end... def was a nice wake up

[@ronxxx-gs7on]

not only do u know alot about motorcycles, your explanation in very good too {our level } and ontop of tha you got humor . good video. thanks

[@pr0ximus]

Great video! I just bought used honda xr650l which doesnt have any turn signals. I don't have any experience with bike electricity, but now I'm confident I can install them myself. Lets see how that goes :)

[@bevennmac2195]

Informative and somehow humorous I like it! Keep it up guru!!

[@rushtk2112]

I am trying to put turn signals on a 84 wing aspencade that has been stripped down. Need the signals to get inspected, and horn. Thanks for this!

[@leoshow-2-diy.442]

Thank you exactly what I was looking for. Great help. Very good instructions.

[@stormtrooperon2wheelz622]

Great job! Really interesting. It gave me a piece of mind.

[@SMASHERJP]

Great video. I'm having the same issue with the front running lights and blinkers. My question is, I tested the 3 wires and ALL come up green (ground).

[@kevinhinse]

Man I just solved my problem and learned a few things along the way!!

[@Benji_4]

experience with wiring and knowing how electricity really helps with this. I own a 97 magna and rewired the whole thing with next to know knowledge and took me a week or 2 to work out all of the kinks(turn signals are green and orange but i deleted them) . I just bought an 82 cb that is in pieces and figured the harness in 5 mins.

[@HogriderX100]

Total respect Sinsei ... What a cracking video Thanks bro

[@jamiestanley8774]

this is exactly what im dealing with atm . got everything going except main beam . its 2.20am in Newzealand. brain wont turn off . was the item the hairclip ,? cheers.

[@nuclearwinter21]

This video saved me PhP 700 (+/- US$ 14). No need to go to the mechanic. Thanks! 👋🏼

[@paulos.araujo3873]

Hi there I have trouble to reconnect turn signals in a vz 800 marauder 1998 ..all parts are out including head light just wires on sight..and my problem is once I turn right or left buttons always pick signal flash in 2 wires ..so I cannot find a way to split left or right side to finish and connect the turn signals.......

[@WILLY52368]

I own a 2014 XR650L , would like to rewire my blinkers front and rear. At the moment I have LED's on the front but those 3-wire type better, in the rear I have brake/blinker/license all-in-one light and its LED too. But my wiring needs to be redone, its been splice so many times I need to isolate those wire and route them correctly with the right connecters or solder. I looked at the wiring diagram but the more I try to understand it the more confused I get. Why haven't I heard of those 3-wire blinkers and do they come in LED?

[@deryckhartjr4088]

Fantastic video. Greatly appreciated. I will be sure to follow.

[@madeinjapan3485]

I've bought motorcycle indicators off ebay and they only have one wire. Yet my loom has 2 the one wire i presume is a power wire the other being a ground, I was told the bulb is grounded through the body of the indicator so the earth on the loom is not required. Is this correct? Do I simply wire up the power to the loom while leaving the earth disconnected or do I still have to connect this someway to complete the circuit?

[@perryhouston3896]

thank you for your videos. if you can give me some information i have a 1986 honda magna 700 front turn signals blink and stay lite back turn signals blink but dont stay light they are stock turn signals could a relay cause this? when i put the replacement turn signals on the back i wired them back the way i found them . wire system is a 2 wire setup If you could give me some pointers on what to do i would appreciate it thx

[@kristianwestfall4726]

Great video! Q: the turn lights on my kawasaki z650 (1978) statet blinking all at once, and I cant figure out the error. Do you have an answer?? Best, Kristian

[@jacovorster8193]

Great explaining video, thank you. I have power to the indicators, and brake light, but the tail light and head light does not work, will these lights work with the scooter (Zongshen) is not started? because the indicators and brake light work with ignition just switched on, I do not get any power on any of the wires for the lights, head light or tail light.

[@IIghostu]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom brother.

[@raymondwoodring7977]

Hello just wanted to say great video easy to under stand I have to say the mystery things is the white round container on the red cabinet and thanks again for the great video and sharing your time

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+raymond woodring Winner will be announced Monday night 8:30est!

[@vro99k42]

Hey man I change the turning light on the from of my heritage the light blinks but doesn’t stay on can you help me out

[@jarrodcraft219]

do you know anything about Kawasaki Vulcan 750. Ive been looking on KZbin about CCT replacement and trying to figure out why rear blinker not working. but all videos ive searched not explaining **** please help

[@johncarlson8029]

Can you please do a video on hyper or too fast flashing or bulb out indicator flashing for led integrated tail light and front led signals please

[@steviepii]

I've got that currently, it's either: Bad power. Bad ground. Bad bulb. It's a fail indication built into the blinker relay. That relay on my bike is $86 and it's made in a way so I can't rip out the circuitboard and see if the internals are broken. So I'm looking at everything I possibly can before that. Could be an open circuit, a corroded contact(which adds resistance) or a bad bulb, which would be easiest to check.

[@garryermoloff1890]

Thanks again, yes that tool is very nice but a little pricey but I can see that will save a lot of time and the video was very helpful. Thanks very much and yeh a class would be cool on electrical! Cheers and Happy Holidays Cody to you and your family!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Yea it is pricey, I put some cheaper options in the description as well! Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@GaryVaLeu]

I have a Suzuki 1500 intruder the blinkers are confused when I push for right or left they operate in hazard, I replaced the blinker switch and they worked a Lillie but reverted back to the hazard mode the blinker switch does work it cancels and the direction I turn on seems brighter

[@donjardon2103]

Thank you, no headlight on 81 Honda 400 CM. It was in the start button area and I sprayed it with contact cleaner and headlight came on and I now have high beam indicator. Blam scared the hell out of me. :)

[@Weber1987]

Hey I got a weird question I bought a 98 xv 1100 and bought a led kit for it the led kit has a feature where you can hook up wires to each turn signal and the break and when you hit the turn signal it'll go from what ever color it was on to flashing yellow in that whole side of the bike per which side turn signal you hit same with the break the whole bike lights up red well I can't figure out if I can just tap into the wire harness for each separate turn signal and break wire (which I don't know where that is) or If I have to do it a diffrent way do you have any help you could recommend please and I know ya said you don't know about other bikes but I'm assuming it's a general thing with bikes

[@jklcksmth1991bo]

How do I find which wire is my parking brake light? And how do I find the wire to my hand brake? My foot brake works just fine. I've already changed signal relay, replace bulb and my fuses are fine

[@gtavtheavengergunnerlegend3340]

200 videos later finally a good explanation...

[@official2mt37]

Hiya mate ive just got my first bike its an old cbr125r 2007 had it for around a week of fun but now im off the road because all my indicators and the light that shows theyre on has stopped working, do you think that would be a fuse problem or maybe a wire somewhere?

[@Eagle-pe9pg]

That is excellent and so informative, thank you!

[@guitarpikchik2710]

I just put a new headlight bucket on my 76 CB 360T and now it's blowing a fuse. I also took off the tail light cover to wash it. Should I tape up all the wires? It was running fine until I did this yesterday.

[@lucifermorningstar8541]

Hi great video , I want to ask you , when I turn on my key on my 73 honda cb450 I got nothing no lights and no horn no nothing . can you tell me what it could be? thanks

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I wish I was that good... testing is required my friend. I would start at the fuses then the ignition switch itself

[@maxsleight]

Most likely fuses

[@tek5358]

Check the parts of the wiring harness that touch the frame, sometimes with a vehicle that old the wiring can rub through, or crack and short or corrode, look for exposed wire, or crud from corrosion, if you don't see any of that, try checking continuity on the key switch, hope that helps to give you a place to start looking

[@Thisfutureman]

@@TheMotorcycleMD hello cody , i just bought a husqvarna 701 sm and after 110km it shutted down 3 times in the last 10 kilometers while just cruisin , now i sended back to the shop and they said after hooking the bike up for electrical issues that they didnt see anything wrong with it ,so what could be wrong than ?

[@bunkey3972]

Cody, nothing on my bike turns me on any more. I've tested. Suggestions?

[@matthewnorton4529]

So if your headlight and turn signals stop working the switch could just be bad is there possibly just cleaning contact point

[@jamiestanley8774]

Ps was the item that white (I thort coil of rope) behind you.

[@TaqiuddinQureshi]

We did not see wear did u connect the elegoter cable and than test ! Thanks for theory

[@billycunningham7891]

Hi there codie Billy hear from🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland just to say I really enjoyed watching U'r video on indacators, U did state on the wiering for a Honda. Q what about the wiering on a Renegade commando? As I would be very grateful if you could please help me with some information on this subject?

[@jimmibak9616]

Any idea on whats going on when the headlight and rearlight doesnt work when the bike is running but it works when the bike is set to parking mode? Its a suzuki intruder vs1400 from 91.

[@chrisbarna2661]

24:39 fuck mate, I jumped. This channel is golden!

[@robmoyer1977]

I'm having the problem of my indicator light for my turn signals not working has new bulb and turn signals are working just not the indicator and cant find anything that goes into that part of signal trouble shooting

[@erichendrickson4527]

Can you do a video on the oil pressure sensor and it’s wiring? I can’t seem to find the wiring anywhere just the bolt. Also have no idea how to wire that through the crank cover?

[@tedrubinstein1213]

I have to say of all the videos on KZbin you are the more helpful. I have a 2006 Honda Shadow VT1100 and I have problems locating some things on the bike. I have the repair manual but it doesn't have my bike. I am tring to find where the turn signal relay is and also the coil. I would love to have the owner manual for just my bike. Where can I get it. Thank you for your help.

[@aligreen4441]

I have 2007 honda shadow VT1100 sebre..tried putting after market signal lights and blew something..no horn no signal no brake lights no blown fuse.??? Need help.

[@mgtowlevel5293]

Could have blown the engine kill switch.

[@normenfritzsche5241]

Iam først time on you channel, thanks it was a lot of input (in a good way), and since i have 3 honda shadow vt 1100 from 1986, i Will stay close to youre channel 💪 So thanks for youre video 👌 Greatings Normen from Danmark

[@sunilthomas8320]

I have a 2000 r1, my wire from sonoloid to starter is getting super hot, feel like starter is not getting enough power. Can you please give me some of your thoughts??? Thanks bro.

[@chestypuller4591]

Hello everyone, I have a recently acquired an 84 Honda Interceptor VF700F. Runs beautifully and in awesome shape. Had the 84 VF750F Interceptor back in the day when I was in the corps. Redoing turn signals from prior installed after market 2 wire signals to 3 wire after market signals. White running light and yellow blinker. Problem: Left side factory wiring has the correct 3 wire colors, green, orange/white and orange. Right side does not have original 3 color wiring as someone else has been in this system before me. Right side has red, black/white stripe and solid black. I was able to find the blinker circuit and the ground to get the signals in white or yellow to blink on both sides. The third wire on each side seems to have no constant power at all. Meaning the running light portion of the signal will not stay on. I can only get them to blink. Not sure where to trouble shoot from here and it's getting frustrating. Next is to remove the fairing and get into it. Way more than expected for what should be an easy wire up job. Help...anybody! Thanks.

[@gladiatorinclawncare]

I have a 1992 honda nighthawk cb750. Is there a way to make a 2 wire led turn signal work on the 3 wire system. The back turn signals plug right in.

[@kirkbobo1363]

Cody I have a 75 cb400f and the headlight h/l beam , high beam light and front running lights stopped working while starting it. All other electrical working including starter similar to your video. Head bulb is good h/l beams. I've looked over everything fuses , no burnt wires, all connections oem , headlight h/l beam switch is good clean. The ground to headlight good, high beam blue wire 12 volts while white wire low beam nothing. Running light bulbs good plus the two Pos wires running to each front turn signals. Turn signals function as expected. Is my starter button bad even though it starts the starter? Only has two wires ground and r/y which are correct Switch (key) connections do not have Voltage for the running lights on wire harness side red hot and solid brown. Key Switch is ok Need ideas on where to look. The book I have schematic cb400f does not show the running lights wire to front turn signals Help

[@KtheHo]

Hmm so it seems like if your blinkers aren’t working and not showing on your gauge cluster maybe the relay is the issue? What do you think is the issue for that ? I have power to everything else but my signals and hazards , horn and lights work

[@KtheHo]

Also dude, same here. Reason I need to check is because of a fucking huge sand patch and rock on a 15mph blind corner :(. Now I get to learn my electrical issues and buy a leather cover for my petrol tank

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

when you have your snap on guy drive by again get a set of back probes. Saves the worry of your paper clip hitting ground. It also saves your connectors from being cracked (especially on older bikes with brittle connectors) by back probing with your thick test light probe

[@druwilliams6570]

Hey I have a old 73 Suzuki it only has 2 wires for the front (I think a left and a right) and 2 wires for the back(left,right), but I'm having trouble getting aftermarket blinkers that have 2 wires each blinker to even light up. This video helped a lot. Just curious if I'm overstepping something easy

[@mmm6014]

On the three wire turn signals I have a 1983 XJ750 what would I do for the wiring I bought it without them on and am kinda lost on it all. Also when buying a new flasher relay the light don’t come on at all but with the old junk one the do but don’t flash

[@mmm6014]

The stock harness only has two wires also

[@jklcksmth1991bo]

Can my relay be bad and cause only one light not to blink? I've swapped out bulbs and I still can't get my right rear turn signal to come on at all. Help plz

[@Ketzukin]

So did you end up replacing the starter switch or did you repair it?

[@dythkid6857]

Man I can't thank you enough for your videos like this one, I have managed to sort out my headlights problem and got it diagnosed to a bad headlight relay. Now I can't find (if you already made a video of it) how do I diagnosed a problem where my brand new headlight relay that just got fried again after 24hrs.

[@janwoodworth5072]

hi dude i have a problem with my indicators got non. or neutral light and bike will not start at all. had starter motor off to clean it. put it back on still nothing. starter relay clicks i have headlight and high bean. but no neutral light or indicators at all can you help bro cheers mike..........

[@maxv77]

My rear light won't work with the front brake lever? I can hear the relay clicking but no light. Any ideas?

[@Basement31]

Hi, my 07 shadow spirit 750 dual carb bogs down/sputters on high speed. Dual carburetors are clean, air filter is clean, new spark plugs, fresh gas, battery is strong( I have battery meter installed.) Is it possible that cause of it is electrical? Note: I change the wiring on my turn signals but when I hit the brakes everything lights up. The turn signals will flash fine on left or right direction but when I hit the brakes all 4 turn signals will light up steady like a brake light. Will that affect the motorcycle bogging on high speeds??

[@ColinFlowers]

Genuine useful content. Helped me out a lot. Thanks for making this video.

[@johnmiddleton726]

Thanks Cody. Gave me incentive!

[@swancss3097]

Hey MD. After Modifing my turn Signals Now my drive lights are working but my front turn signals dont blink But Back signal light are correct . Could this be a Bad Relay??????

[@tomvband]

So when its all hooked up,.....flip the right or left signal switch and they all blink sorta,.......and the headlight turns on all the blinks although they don't blink.,,,,,,,,,,,

[@raulbyrd873]

You are a life saver. Very informative.

[@ericcortes3773]

i have a 2006 honda shadow 750 aero i cant find an after market front blinkers

[@robertmunro4846]

Great video Cody learned a lot am not great with electrics but i enjoyed watching this. Am going to buy a tester cheers mate RAB FROM SCOTLAND 😁😁😁

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Robert Munro Glad you enjoyed the content man! 🤙🤙

[@bradcunningham9611]

You are the man Cody. Thanks for the great content. 83 cb650sc front signals.....orange and green into orange and green?...light blue and green into light blue and green? (no running lights for now dont worry about that) and the dark blue into dark blue? I think its the relay but want to make sure ive got them wired correctly.