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Hey all,
Im helping a friend put back together his bike after his dad passed away, The bike ran great couple of years ago when i rode with him, however the wiring is a nightmare and before his dad passed away, removed almost all the wiring, no breakers, flashers, etc. I found a wiring harness from Dennis Kirk but its for 85 and later($200). The dash, looks the same, the ingnition switch looks the same. But you know how it goes, you buy electrical, you cannot return it. I have a manual, but would really like a factory harness with colored wirers. I have attached pics of my dash and the pic from Dennis kirk wiring harness. while i know not all the wires would be used, but saves a lot of time. The old points were upgraded to dual fire module years ago. ANy advice would be great.
Well for the first thing, that is an FLH or FXWG dash and wiring harness. You can make it work but don't think a 1977 FXE wiring diagram is going to match. A lot of stuff is the same but it is not all the same.
You state it is an FXE model but the dash assembly in your pic could be either a 73^ FLH instrument panel base or a 86^ Softail model instrument panel base. It is a 5-light dash panel.
The pic you posted from Dennis Kirk looks like a 3-light dash panel that was used on older models. And take a look at the position of the idiot lights on each. They are not in the same location.
On Softail and FLH models (pre-EVO) the idiot lights are for right and left turn signals, oil lamp, neutral lamp and high beam lamp. The 3-dash light consisted of neutral, generator and oil lamp indicator.
Your best bet is to make your own wiring loom. No 77 FXE model used the FLH style dash.
Something along the lines of this...
If you're going to use the 3-light dash you will also nee a 3-light style dash panel cover. And if you use it you have one light for neutral, one light for oil, and one light for your high beam.
Last thing, you want circuit breakers! They are necessary. It will ensure your bike doesn't fry and catch on fire if you have an electrical short.
Last edited by panz4ever; Mar 8, 2022 at 12:05 PM.
You state it is an FXE model but the dash assembly in your pic could be either a 73^ FLH instrument panel base or a 86^ Softail model instrument panel base. It is a 5-light dash panel.
The pic you posted from Dennis Kirk looks like a 3-light dash panel that was used on older models. And take a look at the position of the idiot lights on each. They are not in the same location.
On Softail and FLH models (pre-EVO) the idiot lights are for right and left turn signals, oil lamp, neutral lamp and high beam lamp. The 3-dash light consisted of neutral, generator and oil lamp indicator.
Your best bet is to make your own wiring loom. No 77 FXE model used the FLH style dash.
Something along the lines of this...
If you're going to use the 3-light dash you will also nee a 3-light style dash panel cover. And if you use it you have one light for neutral, one light for oil, and one light for your high beam.
Last thing, you want circuit breakers! They are necessary. It will ensure your bike doesn't fry and catch on fire if you have an electrical short.
I used a similar wiring diagram to wire that same style dash to my 77fxe , when I installed dual tanks.[I had eliminated the electric start though, because it was always trouble] It was a simple job, just take your time and follow the diagram one wire at a time...
When I did my FXE, I bought a wiring harness from J&P. I made a few modifications here and there, but it worked fine. That was in 2005 and she is going strong today. I would put my money on her starting over my new one. OH, the colors were good.
I used a similar wiring diagram to wire that same style dash to my 77fxe , when I installed dual tanks.[I had eliminated the electric start though, because it was always trouble] It was a simple job, just take your time and follow the diagram one wire at a time...
Im also rewiring a 77 FXE. Is it possible to use 82 and up handle bar switches ? Does anyone have experience doing this ? Bought a 71-81 RH handlebar wiring and switch set and its a real pain.
Im also rewiring a 77 FXE. Is it possible to use 82 and up handle bar switches ? Does anyone have experience doing this ? Bought a 71-81 RH handlebar wiring and switch set and its a real pain.
If you want even easier..1996 and Newer (I believe).. yer gonna need the Master Cylinder anyway..
I do All of my Wiring from scratch... using Only the Factory Color code.. but. Been at it for a Very Long Time. As an aside...I find the FL style Dash the very easiest to Wire..everything can Hide between the Tanks... or if a True FL...certainly a good Hiding place inside the Nachelle....
If you want even easier..1996 and Newer (I believe).. yer gonna need the Master Cylinder anyway..
I do All of my Wiring from scratch... using Only the Factory Color code.. but. Been at it for a Very Long Time. As an aside...I find the FL style Dash the very easiest to Wire..everything can Hide between the Tanks... or if a True FL...certainly a good Hiding place inside the Nachelle....
I might try that. This 72-81 wiring at the handlebar switches is very flimsy and cheap. Thanks for your response.
I might try that. This 72-81 wiring at the handlebar switches is very flimsy and cheap. Thanks for your response.
If ya bought it New...it was probably imported, and Yes...Cheezy! There is a Reason I do my Own.. Those early switches are getting Impossible to Find...and the Imported ones???? No Thanks
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1977 FXE wiring Harness
