Wiring Mess

[mdlawdawg229]

Hello, new to the forum and Goldwings. I'm restoring a 1980 GL1100 and the wiring birds nest that was in the headlight bucket is insane. The PO did a real hack job on it. I've been looking at all the wiring diagrams(Clymer and forums) for some reason my wiring colors don't match up exactly. Did Honda have multiple wiring set ups for the 1980? Does anyone have a pic of the wires for the hand controls, headlight labeled by any chance? or at least a chart of what colors are what? Thanks

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the wings
There was just 1 harness for 1980 gl1100. The color codes are done well to plug in where they go according to the matching color. Your bird's nest hopefully is the way most honda headlight buckets look to a 1st time looker. Post a picture of yours. Did you take a picture of it?

[terryb]

Conversely, you can start from the outside in. For example, if the PO added driving lights you can follow the wires back to they connect to the bikes electrical system. If you are planning on stripping off extraneous stuff it's not a bad way to start.

The previous poster did ask you to post a photo, that will let the experienced guys point out some stuff that does not belong there.

If someone with an unmolested bike from the same year (or of the same series) posts a picture you will see just how much Honda stuffs in there.

[mdlawdawg229]

I appreciate the feedback. Work has been crazy so I haven’t had a chance to take a picture but as soon as I do I will post it. I printed out the color coded wire list and plan on using that as a guide as well. Thanks again.

[mdlawdawg229]

Got a second to snap some pics. As you can see some wires are just cut and hangin out lol.

[terryb]

that looks like the "dogs breakfast" my father used to refer to.
Someone will join in soon with what it should look like.

[terryb]

found a reference for you, search Wiring Chart.csv. It may provide some guidance for you

[gsp4711]

It looks like a mess, but when you start to play around it is actually cleverly done - even though untidy.
The various connectors are all colour coded and mostly non-interchangeable.
The smaller connectors using bullet-type connections are for the indicators - on mine at least (83 Interstate) and the colours all work together eg. four orange for indicators on left side. (one from the switch, one to the front, one rear and one to the warning on the centrte console)
I never noticed any loose wires hanging out of your photos, but I will have a better look shortly. The only wires on my bike that didn't have anywhere to connect were insulated at the ends and were for items that could be fitted as options.
The white connector in the last picture is for the headlamp.
Beware of the wiring diagram on the site here - there is at least a couple of errors which I discovered when changing my Wing's broken left-hand bar switch for one from a Pan.

After having another look at the photos, the only odd wires that stand out are the red and black from the square multi-way connector in photo number 1. That square connector looks like the one that connects the main system to the fairing on bikes so equipped. I would concentrate on those two obvious strangers first. Track them and see where they go and decide if you need them.