Should I attempt to tidy up the wiring loom ?

[rickm]

1981 USA import Z1000J
The rear light on my J is permanently on with the ignition turned on i.e. it’s on a switched live circuit. Presume this is a US “safety” feature. This annoys me (First-World problem I know!).
I started by wanting to simply connect the rear light into the headlight circuit as per normal proper bikes, but now I’m tempted to simplify things further and just rip out all of the redundant wiring and additional terminals in the loom (just hanging in mid-air and taking up space).
Would this be wise or just unnecessary opening of a can of worms? (or bowl of spaghetti if you prefer)
Has anyone else attempted this and retained the good original wiring and can give any advice?
Failing that, do you know of a competent electrician who could do a good simplified re-wire job for a reasonable price? (North Birmingham area)
Thanks

[Al]

This came up recently when one members US import fizzed its ignition switch. Looking in the manual for the difference between the UK /Euro and US switches, they have a different number of internal contacts and are in a different position. It would be impossible to re-wire the switch and UK switches are not available anywhere. I am sure it can be done but would require a talented individual to work it out. It may require a dedicated external switch.

AL

[rickm]

Thanks Al.
I've already got the headlight wired into a redundant switch on the left handlebar (can't recall what that switch was for originally) so the headlight's only on when I want it on and not draining the battery when trying to start the motor.
My plan was to wire in the tail light too, but tracking down the correct wire is not so easy. The wires in the harness at the switch end are different colours to the wire going to the rear light. I found continuity between 2 wires at the switch end and the taillight, but don't have the confidence (electrical nouse) to know which one to rewire.
This was when I started to think that it might be easier to just undo the loom, start taking out all of the extraneous stuff and then I'd have a better idea of what went where.

[bulldogbobby]

I'd probably leave the loom as it is in case you take out something that you shouldn't! You could always tidy it up by wrapping any loose/unused cables in self-amalgamating tape or insulation tape.
If you're struggling to trace the cable in the harness, it might be easier to run a single cable from the headlight or switch direct to the tail light if you've got the headlight working as you want it?