Grounding

Tyhudg · Derestricted Danger Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

Hi All!

you guys might think this is a pretty silly question and i apologize. I don't know a ton about wiring on motorcycles, but i need to clarify something. The bike i am working on is a 84' TT 600L, and it does not have a battery.

On the wiring diagram it shows the grounds from all the electrical components(headlight, tail light, CDI box, Kill switch and ignition coil) tying in together and then shows the three horizontal lines in the shape of an upside down triangle that signify "ground" coming off the ignition coil in two places, one is the spark plug, and the other im guessing needs to be grounded to the frame.

My questions are, am i correct to ground it to the frame here, and if so are there any suggestions on the best place to ground it to here?

Blue_SV650S · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Nov 2008 Karma :

Tyhudg · Derestricted Danger Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

Blue_SV650S · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Nov 2008 Karma :

To be honest, that circle by the coil looks like the main earthing/grounding point for the whole -ve side of the circuitry!! You need to make sure this is good. It doesn't have to be right beside the coil, I'd use one of the engine mounting bolts and a nice phat ring terminal like this:-

https://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/battconns/photo/ctt25.jpg

Then run the black coil output to it too, job done! Thumbs Up

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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Yes, the coil is earthed to the frame via the mounting bolts. That symbol with two concentric circles represents one of the bolts holding the coil on. The thinner line means that connection is an integral part of the coil.

Your diagram shows the black wire from the headlight being attached to a ring terminal trapped under that self-same bolt with all the other blacks somehow connected to it.

The other way of doing this would be to make sure all the black wires are in some way connected to the frame or engine, which allows them to earth back to the alternator housing. Usually by using a ring terminal trapped under a bolt.

Avoid doing frame earths to rubber mounted componants or anything forward of the headstock (so the electricity doesn't have to find its way through bearing grease).

There should be clean, bare metal on bare metal contact between any frame earths and their ring terminal. Covering them with some vaseline or copper grease after connecting helps stop them corroding.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Tyhudg · Derestricted Danger Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

Excellent!! Im going to go out to the shop right now and give er a whirl. Once complete i will be back to update my situation. Once again thanks alot guys, i really appreciate your help!

Tyhudg · Derestricted Danger Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

Ok... I have encountered a new problem. I was told the ignition coil i salvaged(off an XT 550) would work for my bike. After doing some reaserch i have come to find that the ignition coils built specifically for my bike only have one wire coming off of them where as mine has two. I have to assume the coil i am trying to use is designed for a 12 volt system, but the bike i salvaged it off of was modified to work without a battery. . Am i wasting my time trying to use this Ignition coil? Any advice would be appreciated.