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I would first start by removing the seat and checking the connector ( unplug and check the pins as well ) , the seat could have pressed down on some wiring and pinched it . The connector will be just behind the battery with the wiring going through a grommet into the rear fender . If there is no damage there then I would first lift the bike up off the ground so that the rear tire hangs down as far as it will go , then shine a light up there and look . If it looks like there is damage , you may have to remove the tire to get at it , the wiring should be covered by a plastic sleeve all the way to the rear tail light .
Well you were right. I’d say we bottomed out good. Is this something I can repair/replace myself? I’m pretty handy, but all I have is a small manual lift. I only usually use it when changing fluids...
There's a good chance you may not have to remove the tire . That sleeve that holds the wiring should / might have a fold that runs along the entire length , so you can pull the wiring out of it and replace / solder a portion of the damaged peaces . I would cut out the damaged section and replace it , solder each end and shrink tube it . If you jack up the bike as high as you can , it will drop the rear tire low enough to get your hands in there to retrieve the wire , hopefully .
If the wiring sleeve is a solid peace , then there will be small metal tabs on the fender you can bend back to drop the wiring .
Well I was able to get the damaged wire identified. It’s the gray one in that harness. I got lucky finding it and getting my hands on it. I soldered in a new section and buttoned it back up. Test ride was a success.
I consider this temporary only and ordered a new replacement harness HD part number 68772-99. But, it actually was a pretty solid repair.
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