[chessrider]

Hi guys, long time reader and first time poster. I'd like to add a disclaimer that I am generally not very handy and have never done electrical work. Normally, I take to a shop but they want to charge me a ton to tow.

I'm riding a 05 Honda VTX 1300R.

Had it knocked down in a parking lot a couple years ago. Insurance paid for most of the repairs, but have slowly had electrical issues over time. I had battery connector melt from a loose connection, replaced the battery, and then started randomly losing throttle. Eventually, the bike stopped running. I took it apart and was able to get it to start. Moved the ECM back into place, and the bike stopped running. After reading around on the forums, it seems like the green and black wires often break. Based on what I've described here, does that sound like is likely the case? Anything else that is probable?

If so, reading on the forums here, seems like the steps to fix are

• Remove pin from ECM using jeweler's screwdriver
• Splice a bit of new wire to create a less tight wire connection
  • Do you recommend soldering or crimping? I've never done any electrical so I'm a bit unsure about pros/cons, but willing to watch some youtube videos to learn
  • What gauge wire should I use? I've seen in a couple places that 14/16 gauge should work, but don't want to use something too small
• Secure afterwards with stretch electrical tape (3M teflex)

Is there anything else that I'm missing? Any "gotchas" I should be aware of? I've done some basic maintenance and mechanical work on the bike, but have some trepidation moving into electrical. Thanks for your help!

Here are the links that I read through:

Help! Electrical problem

Hey guys...I appear to have an electrical short in my 2008 VTX1300c. The only clue I have is that the ignition key gets very hot while I am riding. I'm thinking this is indicative of the problem...if I only knew what. If the fault can be found without taking the whole bike apart it would be...

www.vtxcafe.com

Brooken ecm wire

Hey guys ,bike would not start.checked a few things and found ecm wire broke off at the base of the unit.Any ideas how to fix it. Thanks

www.vtxcafe.com

Ignition Control Module

I have a 2003 vtx1300 bought this year from my son. He bought it used. Had problems with backfire and engine suddenly cutting out at speed, in gear, scary until you find the clutch. Couldn't find a problem then found here about wiring harness problems and ordered a new harness. Fixing to change...

www.vtxcafe.com

Loaded question - what are the general wire gauges

Loaded question - what are the general wire gauges for Turn signals, Lights and most harness wires on a VTX 1300. Doing some modifications and want to use the right wire gauge. Adding lights and horn etc.

www.vtxoa.com

 

[SPARKY5151]

# 18 awg wire should be fine and probably over kill for this application. Make sure that you purchase wire from an auto parts store and that it is listed as automotive wire, since regular wire has less strands and thicker strands it does not hold up well in a vibration environment and trust me, a motorcycle IS a high vibration environment!

 

[arebee]

Something I read somewhere that might help, I velcro'ed mine to the top of the battery cover. Hasn't moved in 13 years.

 

[IndyX]

On top the battery cover it's still needing to move out of way to replace battery. This is when the wires get broken inside insulation from repeated bending. Makes me think Honda used poor quality low strand wiring.