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Question:

How can I Unwire a wiring harness, or alternatively make my own?

I have a motorcycle with a full factory fairing, and it is all wired through a 20 pin connector.I want to eliminate the fairing and go to a classic cruiser front end. Will need to wire headlights, speedo, tach, fuel gauge, clock (?), and maybe some other stuff that's buried in there like an ICM to Tach connection and dimmer switch.Is this feasible? Can I just pull the wires out of the harness and hook them to individual components? Can I find a blank male 20 pin connector and wire all my new stuff into it.Will the LCD displays like fuel, clock, and odometers use the same voltages as analog displays if I go with those?Also might just go with an all in one speedo with tach, idiot lights, clock, fuel gauge, etc. Can I expect to be able to wire it up?Finally, there will be stuff that will be left unused, like stereo speakers and CB radio connections. Can I just leave that stuff unconnected and tied off with no impact on the overall system?

Answer:

Try once more with a tester (voltmeter or scan mild) On the older Japanese vehicles flip the parking lighting fixtures on whilst checking out. They do a little bizarre oddball factor whilst the lighting fixtures are on. I've been wherein your at decades in the past.
I've re-wired a couple of bikes and cars, nasty business. First you need to start with the factory wiring diagram to understand the current path for each circuit. If you don't know what a current path is, stop here and consider having someone to do this project for you. Next you need spools of wire that is the correct gage for the circuit, 16 works most places. Then you need the appropriate tools like a soldering gun, strippers and crimpers. While you're at the electronics store be sure to get some heat shrink, spaghetti (don't ask), cable ties and tape too. As you dismantle the stock parts make drawings and notes about every connection, wire color, current path, etc to use as a reference for reassembly. You need preserve as much of the original wiring as possible. That includes both sides of the 20 pin connector. If you decide to go LCD you will need to create new wiring diagrams to make these work even if the bike had electronic instruments to begin with. You may need to install resistors, capacitors or diodes to make some of these items work. Things like stereo speakers and CB connections can be taped off and hidden as long as they don't provide a current path for some other device. As you go along you will need a VOM to test each circuit for voltage and/or current to make sure the project doesn't fail because of some oversight. Most electronics fabricators have intermediate tests to check their work as they go. This could be a fabulous learning experience or a horrible nightmare but either way, it won't be easy. So if you have never done anything like this before, be prepared for the worst. I'm not saying don't do it, just don't be surprised.
It can be done and for someone who is familiar with electricity, motorcycle systems and electrical test equipment a nice little project. I'm getting the impression that you would be in over your head based on your questions. see if you can enlist the time of someone who has experience with such things. everything you listed is possible and available It's not hard if you know what you are doing. For the inexperienced tho it can be a steep and expensive learning curve!

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