Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Total Electrical Replacement

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Total Electrical Replacement

    My 81 GS1000GL is slowly coming back from the dead. She's currently a basket case as I get the frame cleaned up and various components rebuilt. The end result will hopefulyl resemble some sort of cafe build.

    While I'm miles away from starting the electrical work, I am trying to plan ahead and figure out what the setup should look like. The preexisting system is headed wholesale into the trash bin. The wiring harness was spaghetti (PO soldered in 5 foot lengths of wire to multiple circuits with no discernable purpose and slashed off every connector), and the bulk of the system is unusable due to either decay or physical damage. Kind of a pain, but also an excuse to do it up right.

    The question I have for the group is, given that I already have to replace the CDI, R/R, coils, starter relay, battery, wiring, etc., what, if any, components are worth upgrading when I go to redo the electrical system? I'd like to simplify/hide the electrical in a tray under the seat and likely tuck the battery up under the tail cowl.

    Both of my past builds have been Hondas, and I'm still learning the unique quirks of the GS. Any input would be greatly appreciated. And apologies if this has been answered previously. I tried my search skills, but they may not be up to the task.
    1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

    #2
    Top of my head you have an opportunity to
    Fit a series R/R , SH775 ( genuine) is the herd pick
    A modern blade type fusebox
    Relay(s) for the headlight and horn
    Solid state two pin turn signal flasher
    LED tail and idiot lights
    97 R1100R
    Previous
    80 GS850G, 79 Z400B, 85 R100RT, 80 Z650D, 76 CB200

    Comment


      #3
      Fit a Dyna DS3. It doesn't have a separate box so it'll save you some room when you tuck it all away. The Moto gadget stuff is meant to be good (but $$$).

      I would upgrade to a PC-8 or something similar if I was starting from scratch... https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/W...PC-8/pc-8.html
      1980 GS1000G - Sold
      1978 GS1000E - Finished!
      1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
      1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
      2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
      1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
      2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar.....

      www.parasiticsanalytics.com

      TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Brendan W View Post
        Top of my head you have an opportunity to
        Fit a series R/R , SH775 ( genuine) is the herd pick
        A modern blade type fusebox
        Relay(s) for the headlight and horn
        Solid state two pin turn signal flasher
        LED tail and idiot lights
        Awesome, thanks for the input!
        1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by salty_monk View Post
          Fit a Dyna DS3. It doesn't have a separate box so it'll save you some room when you tuck it all away. The Moto gadget stuff is meant to be good (but $$$).

          I would upgrade to a PC-8 or something similar if I was starting from scratch... https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/W...PC-8/pc-8.html
          If I'm understanding you right, the Dyna DS3 would do away with the CDI?

          ANd that PC-8 looks pretty slick. I've looked at the Moto gadget stuff, but you're right, good but definitely not cheap!
          1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

          Comment


            #6
            Yep exactly The CDI's have been known to go bad and the Dyna's are pretty damn reliable. You may find a "concourse" buyer for your existing one on Ebay / Facebook...
            1980 GS1000G - Sold
            1978 GS1000E - Finished!
            1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
            1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
            2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
            1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
            2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar.....

            www.parasiticsanalytics.com

            TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by salty_monk View Post
              Yep exactly The CDI's have been known to go bad and the Dyna's are pretty damn reliable. You may find a "concourse" buyer for your existing one on Ebay / Facebook...
              I like it. Thanks for the info! Though you should be aware that when my wife asks why I've spent a couple hundred more on parts for a side project that was supposed to be cheap, I'm absolutely going to blame you. Thanks for taking the fall for me.
              1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by DevilsAdvoduck View Post
                Thanks for taking the fall for me.
                That salty_monk guy gets the blame for lots of things...

                It's cheaper than a tow home

                Oh and if you're looking to save space... the Anti gravity batteries are very well thought of (not necessarily here but in other circles). No affiliation. I think there is a Winter discount code, you'll probably find it on ADVrider forum.
                Last edited by salty_monk; 12-16-2020, 07:08 PM.
                1980 GS1000G - Sold
                1978 GS1000E - Finished!
                1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
                1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
                2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
                1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
                2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar.....

                www.parasiticsanalytics.com

                TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

                Comment


                  #9
                  May I strongly suggest:

                  1. That you make a wiring diagram? https://draw.io or visio
                  2. Label the wires per said diagram: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Wi...-102/100118882
                  3. For any connections which you don't anticipate disconnecting for service reasons, I suggest using harbor fright's "marine butt connectors" (lol), they are traditional crimps, but lined with hot glue so that they not only stress relieve the crimp within, but also prevent any water/fluid reaching the crimp.
                  4. Use waterproof (e.g. weatherpak or their Asian knockoff) connectors. Kit'll run you $13
                  5. Use a dab of silicone/dielectric grease on any terminals or spade connectors which cannot be adequately shielded (e.g. the starter solenoid spade terminals, etc) to prevent oxidation


                  I'm sure you know at least a few, if not all of these. Perhaps it's helpful though. You'll be quite a bit happier down the line if/when you need to change or fix something.
                  1982 GS 450L aka Lil' Red
                  1980 GS 1000G aka Big Red (Resto-mod WIP)

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by free99 View Post
                    May I strongly suggest:

                    1. That you make a wiring diagram? https://draw.io or visio
                    2. Label the wires per said diagram: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Wi...-102/100118882
                    3. For any connections which you don't anticipate disconnecting for service reasons, I suggest using harbor fright's "marine butt connectors" (lol), they are traditional crimps, but lined with hot glue so that they not only stress relieve the crimp within, but also prevent any water/fluid reaching the crimp.
                    4. Use waterproof (e.g. weatherpak or their Asian knockoff) connectors. Kit'll run you $13
                    5. Use a dab of silicone/dielectric grease on any terminals or spade connectors which cannot be adequately shielded (e.g. the starter solenoid spade terminals, etc) to prevent oxidation


                    I'm sure you know at least a few, if not all of these. Perhaps it's helpful though. You'll be quite a bit happier down the line if/when you need to change or fix something.

                    appreciate all the tips! Hadn’t considered looking for wire labels and I’ll definitely look into the marine butt connectors. Thanks!
                    1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I converted a 1000L harness to work in a 1000S, which is totally different. It wasn't difficult once you get over your fear. Remove the harness wrap (which, BTW, is NOT electrical tape) and then start tracing each signal path. It helps if you have a large table to stretch out the harness on. Reason for mentioning this is to encourage you to take on the harness rebuild. It's not difficult as long as you are willing to use a wiring diagram and take an ohm meter and trace circuits.
                      Ed

                      To measure is to know.

                      Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                      Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                      Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                      KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                      Comment


                        #12
                        How about splicing in a tight space,under ground vault,a couple of thousand pair cables, that's 2000 26ga wires and you're working two pair from the interagency 911 system.Don't slip with that knife.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by red1100 View Post
                          How about splicing in a tight space,under ground vault,a couple of thousand pair cables, that's 2000 26ga wires and you're working two pair from the interagency 911 system.Don't slip with that knife.
                          I’m afraid my skills are better compared to Karl slicing though conduit with a chainsaw at Nakatomi Plaza.
                          1980 GS1000GL, or will be again once it’s done.

                          Comment

                          Working...
                          X