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Internal Handlebar Wiring

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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 05:51 PM
  #1  
Benway's Avatar
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Default Internal Handlebar Wiring

So, those of you that have ran your wires inside your handlebars, any tips or things I should look out for when I install my Wild 1s?

I know the connectors are under the tank and I've also read where some have cut the wires staggered and resoldered them back with shrink-tubing.

Not sure how I'm going to approach it, but I'd like to hear what you all have run up against. I'd like to avoid draining the tank and taking it loose, but will if I need to...

Thanks!
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 06:58 PM
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Electrician's Lube and a good Fish Tape.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 07:21 PM
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Just finished another bike. It gets easier each time.

Take photos of wire harness routing
Have a service manual
Have tiny screwdrivers (eyeglass type) for toggling locks in the connectors.
Take close up photos of each pin connector so you can tell where each wire goes.
Label each wire with cheap wire labels from the hardware store
Be aware some lube will take the ink off the labels! (Windex did!)
Take your time removing and install the pins in the connectors. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't.
I double shrink wrap the cables where they exit the bars. Just good insurance.
Take your time and think each step through.

Otherwise pretty easy.

Good luck!
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 07:34 PM
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I bought a tool to remove the connector pins and I used string to pull the wires thru. I used dishwashing soap to lube the wires and draw a picture of both connectors so you know where the wires go. As for the tank you can just take the bolts out and slide it back far enough to get access to the plugs. The first time I did it it was a bitch but I have done 3 sets so far and it does get easier. just dont rush it and you will get it..
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 07:43 PM
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I used the butt splice connectors for doing my 12" apes, but removed the plastic coating of the connector and went with shrink wrap to protect the connections. As you said, stagger the splices. But look around, you can get wire cheap. It doesn't even have to be corresponding colors to factory as long as you can keep track of what wire goes where in the plugs. Having fat bars and just basic controls, I had no problem fishing my wires through with no lube, no strings. But depending on the bends of your bars, or if you have wiring with a lot of options, you'll have to go with some method to pull through. I internally wired the z bars for my sporty this fall... Never again lol
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 08:54 PM
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this guy has like 15 great how to videos

 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 09:08 PM
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That chain trick's pretty sweet!
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 09:12 PM
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Stager and splice, use rubber shrink wrap. Also run your wires and cable, adjust your bars to where you want them then cut access off. You doing Exile internal throttle? If so I would buy his throttle cable too. You going hydraulic clutch? I assume yes because running a clutch "cable" through your bars won't work. If it will it will be tough and also if the cable breaks you have to pull everything back out in order to replace it with a new one. This will be well worth it, it really cleans the front end up nicely.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2014 | 06:57 AM
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If you move or remove the tank, MAKE SURE YOU DISCONNECT THE FUEL LINE FIRST!!!!
Moving the tank more than an inch or two can be one of the most exasperating and expensive mistakes you can make.
The silly thing is made of hard plastic, is easily broken, and now costs upwards of $70 or $80 bucks in some dealers, if they have one in stock.

PS some string and a vacuum is the easiest way I found for pulling wires through a set of bars.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2014 | 10:22 AM
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Good stuff guys, thanks!
 
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