Not sure what this wire should go to.... '82 GS650G

[TheYukbob]

I took off the carbs from a project bike I just bought and I happened to notice this wire that looks like its connector broke off. Where does it go? It looks like a grounding wire for something.
IMG_20161004_225053.jpg
In this picture you can see it is grounded to the engine casting right behind the starter. The end that I'm holding with my hand is just a little metal nub, no connecting piece. Not sure if this is important but when I let the wire go, it tends to orient itself towards the rectifier, but I couldn't find any place it could've broken off from. Unless I'm just not looking hard enough...

[Nessism]

Engine ground cable. Typically attached to the starter solonoid. Look in your factory Suzuki service manual. If you don't have one get one from this webside...

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[TheYukbob]

I have a Clymer manual, I had no idea where to start looking. Thank you for the tip!

[Sandy]

The parts diagrams are a good way to locate wayward parts. To to 1982, select your model and click on battery. Probably goes to the negative battery terminal and the loop connector rotted off.

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[TheYukbob]

The parts diagrams are a good way to locate wayward parts. To to 1982, select your model and click on battery. Probably goes to the negative battery terminal and the loop connector rotted off.

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

That is an awesome resource. I think its #14 in this drawing? The negative on my battery is grounded to the frame. Should it also be grounded to the engine?
I think its 14....jpg

[Nessism]

I have a Clymer manual, I had no idea where to start looking. Thank you for the tip!

Clymer manuals are weak, the factory manual is much better. Start looking in section 9. There are some diagrams that should help you.

[Gorminrider]

Engine ground cable. Typically attached to the starter solonoid

No. The thick "heavy" engine ground cable goes to the Battery negative pole ...on 650s anyways.
yukbob, you are looking at the wrong diagram...that is the rectifier/regulator
Look at "battery". You should see the heavy cable there.The end in your hand should have a large lug attached to fit battery post screw.

[Brendan W]

That is an awesome resource. I think its #14 in this drawing? The negative on my battery is grounded to the frame. Should it also be grounded to the engine?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]47725[/ATTACH]

That cable is sized to take the return current from the starter. Somehow it has to end up at the battery negative because when the bike is not running this is the low point of the system.
The motor is bolted to the frame and if the frame is wired to the battery negative this will give an acceptable path for the return current provided all the connections are good. Going direct from the crankcase to the battery eliminates the bolted connections between the motor and the frame and probably saves some voltage drop. In the real world you probably won't notice any difference.
Most bikes and cars use the frame/chassis as the ground for most things. These bikes charging systems are a bit picky and it's worth reading up on ideas like single point grounding, SPG, and returning the running currents more directly to the r/r negative, rather than the battery, as the r/r is the system low point once the bike is running. It also gives the r/r a clearer view of what exactly is happening at the battery and hopefully do a better job charging it.

[Gorminrider]

Most bikes and cars use the frame/chassis as the ground for most things.

including this one.



groundcable.jpg