harness woes

[phatts27]

Hi all. I'm relatively new here. I picked up my 81 xs1100 about a month ago. Anywho, the P.O. annihilated the stock harness and it is beyond repair.

I managed to pick up a harness off flea-bay for cheap, and wouldn't you know it, its the wrong one. From what I can gather its off of a 78 or '9.

Now, my question is will I be able to re-pin the tci connector or would I be better off getting yet another harness.

If I can re-pin it, what other problems will I run into? I'm thinking I could also pull a 360 and replace the tci with an earlier unit. Would that work?

Thanks
ed

[DGXSER]

To start with, is your model a Standard or a Special model?

As to the making the older harness work on the newer bike, the above issue will need to be resolved. Also, there are several other parts of the bike that differ, such as handlebar controls, key switch (3 wire on the older models, four wire on the 81). Probably some others I am not thinking of.

As to swapping the TCI, for the 81 model you have a yellow labeled 4RO TCI. This one has the mechanical timing advance built into its programming. Which means you do not have a mechanical advance unit under the timing cover. To swap to the 2H7 TCI your aquired harness was designed for, you would also need to get the timing assembly for the 2H7 system.

I have a wiring harness from an SH (81 Special model). It works well, has not been butchered. However, the wires are not in great shape, meaning corrosion on the wires from sitting outside alot. Like I said, it ran my bike for a year or so until I swapped it out for another I had in better condition. If you have a Special model and are interested, let me know. I am sure we can work something out.

[crazy steve]

The TCI isn't the mis-match; you'll find that the headlight wiring, ignition switch, ignition wiring to the coils, hand controls, etc are different. Some are actual differences in how the bike is wired, some are just plugs that don't match. It can be done, but it will help immensely if you have all the early harness (relays, switches, etc) to avoid having to rework so much.

[phatts27]

I'm not sure if its a special or not, the bike has been modified some. I can tell you that its a 4R0 (according to the title).

The p.o. removed most of the stock electronics. I'm left with only a head light, break light and a speedometer.

Both left and right controls are gone and it has an aftermarket automotive ignition switch installed on the fairing. I'm going to have to do some rewiring any way you look at it.

DGSXER, I am interested in the harness. Can you tell me how to tell which model I have?

I think its clear that I should get the correct harness for this bike. If it is a special, than I do want the harness.

Finally, I know I'm getting a bit off track here but I have an 81 xs650 parts bike. Would you guys know if the turn signals are interchangeable?

You guys are awesome
thanks,
Ed

[Yard Dogg]

Turn signals are turn signals. The only difference that might be noticed, is that on some bikes the front turn signals are also running lights (3 wires). I'm not sure if it's the law to have them or not.

[DGXSER]

4RO is the Special model. I'll give you a PM on the harness.

As to the signals, I believe they are interchangable, but not certain. As to running lights, only the Standard models with the square turn signals have running lights, none of the Special models got them.

Honestly, if your bike has been modded out that much it is hard to say how much the stock harness will even be plug and play.