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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
I was looking to rebuild the wiring harness in my 1988 Harley Davison Sportster XLH 883 because it’s old and worn so it needs changing because I’m having electrical issues all through the bike and I was wondering because Drag Specialties puts out 16 gauge primary wire in a 35 foot roll in all the colors my stock harness has, could I use 16 gauge primary wire for the main wiring harness for my bike?
Know there is at least one red wire that is larger then the rest, what size are the majority of wires? Sure would not go smaller but going too big although electrical would be fine but it would make it difficult to work with.
I see factory finished available for $150. Have no idea of quality but the one by Lindsay sure looks good. No way would I be able to come up with all those crimped connectors.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 10, 2023 at 03:20 AM.
probably cheaper to buy a harness. hd does use 16ga wire but make sure you use the right type as the insulation is the determining factor for the environment. however, not a hard job, made one for my 1974ch many moons ago.
looks can be deceiving. copper changes over time and the insulation gets brittle but the salvation is hd does not stress to the limits. all of my exposed wiring def had issues but the wiring inside the frame rail looked brand new.
it was a bird in the hand type of thing since the frame was going through restoration and modification and engine out, that too got a boost in power.
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