Loom protection question - 1973 Z1

[jpward58]

Hello again people,

Does anyone know if it is possible to replace / or properly repair the sheathing on the wiring loom where it travels past the headstock area?

Mine is cracked in several places. it's been taped up here and there but I'm really not happy with that kind of bodge to be honest. The wiring is fine (and still original) so I dont want to fully replace it if I can somehow re-protect it.

Any ideas / past experience and know how would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

John

[Philippe]

Hi John

you are not alone !!! It's normal that the old plastic sleeve deteriorates and that cracks appear.
It's possible to replace the old plastic sleeve with a new one but it takes a lot of fiddling.
You have to remove the multi connectors (don't forget to make notes where which wire goes !!!!), guide the electrical wires through the new plastic sleeve and install them back in the connectors.
You can remove the wires from the connectors by inserting a very small flat screwdriver in the connector and bend the little copper lid that retains each wire. It takes patience, a lot of patience to do that. Once the wires are out of the multi connector you have to bend the little copper lid again before you place it back in the connector so that the wire will stay at its place.
Perhaps other people have better ideas but that's how I replace the plastic sleeve.
Good luck!
GrtZ
Philippe

[MrDavo]

I've never tried it (always either replaced the loom or used insulation tape to tidy up), but are there heat shrink sleeves big enough to get the end of loom connectors through, but able to shrink tight enough to do the job?

[kev edwards]

On my last XS650 i removed all the connectors naturally making diagrams of where every wire went in the blocks, and used appropriately sized bicycle inner tube instead of PVC sleeving, OK not genuine but a lot more flexible and it works well.

[jpward58]

Thanks Gentlemen,

I'm glad I joined this club. Only a few weeks in and the help has been worth every penny.

Re your answers, thanks again for the positive input.

As the bike is really original in most aspects I would prefer to go down the route of replacing like for like even if it is a pain to do it. They are after all a labour of love!
So it's Phileppe's option that I'd need to follow. This of course brings up more questions is it available? And if so where can I get hold of the sleeving?

Best regards

John

[z2.john]

I used to get mine from here
http://vintageconnections.com/Products/ ... g-and-Wrap

There might be UK stockists by now. Be interested to know as shipping and customs is now a right pain from USA

[needaz1100r]

I used to get mine from here
http://vintageconnections.com/Products/ ... g-and-Wrap

There might be UK stockists by now. Be interested to know as shipping and customs is now a right pain from USA

Vehicle wiring products and, I think 12volt planet do it in the UK.

[jpward58]

Thanks gents

Much appreciated as always

John

[DogsbolloxofZ1B]

Done this a few times exactly as described. Make sure you get the hi-gloss version of the sleeving.

[jpward58]

Thanks dogsbollocks will do