Swapping Tail Light Assy from 78 to 79 GL1000

[William Ennis]

I'm new to the forum. Just bought a 1979 GL1000. Previous Owner made a few changes and I am trying to bring the bike back to stock. The PO cut off the rear turn signal extensions and moved them forward to just under the passenger seat . I found a complete 1978 tail light assy (with turn signals) and want to install it. There are five wire connections in the 1979 tail light (Bulbs appear to have Grn / Yellow Stripe + Brown and a Green wire which I think is Ground) . Only two wires in the 1978 (Grn / Yellow Stripe) + (Brown). I have a CD with a 1978 / 79 GW Manual on it, but the details of the wiring diagram are not legible. What is the "easy" way for me to make the proper connections without blowing a fuse? Regards,
Bill

[portugeezer]

The green wire is ground. There should be a tab terminal on the light itself. If you have green on your bike that wire is run directly to the tab on the light. I will try to post a pic for you.

[Fred Camper]

The earlier turn signals that attached to the grab bar used the frame ground and were just one wire. The Grn/Yellow Strip is the brake bulb, and the Brown is the running (tail) light. Green is ground.

[portugeezer]

This shows the tab the green wire should go on.

[William Ennis]

The green wire is ground. There should be a tab terminal on the light itself. If you have green on your bike that wire is run directly to the tab on the light. I will try to post a pic for you.

Thank you for the quick response. I was pondering this color scheme and studying the 1979 tail light and "the light went on in my brain." I appreciate your confirmation.

[William Ennis]

The earlier turn signals that attached to the grab bar used the frame ground and were just one wire. The Grn/Yellow Strip is the brake bulb, and the Brown is the running (tail) light. Green is ground.

197879gl1000colourschem.jpg

Also, thanks. I hooked up the wiring and got it working. However, I've discovered that the 1978 bracket which bolts to the rear fender does not have the same bolt pattern. Looks like I'll have to drill 4 new bolt holes in the fender to mount this. If there is one thing I've found the Japanese cannot tolerate it is "continuity" from one year to the next. I think their design engineers get bonuses for making changes.

[portugeezer]

I agree with that but motorcycles are more the same than the Japanese cars. When I worked in auto salvage we had to look up a lot of parts by manufacture date rather than year. They make constant changes!