The Mean Wing

[Chuck & Susan]

Looking at that pic it I suddenly remembered being told that 2 owners prior to me had a trike kit on it. That might explain why there was no center kick stand.

[Fencejumper09]

Hmm that would also explain some of the extra wiring and splices under the seat! I think a replacement flasher relay was added at some point as it was just zip tied to the cross member under the seat.

[Fencejumper09]

So I have slowly been making progress on the wiring and I feel like I have taken out a couple of rat's nests!

I started wrapping everything back up and man, I think it looks like I haven't done a thing! I know that I removed a good bit of wiring and several relays but not sure the effort was worth it. The end product is much simpler but when it came time to cut the wire to the creature comforts, I just couldn't go all the way!

Here are a couple lists for your enjoyment and my memory!

Things remaining:
- Headlight
- Turn Signals
- Speedometer and light
- Tail Light
- Brake Light
- License Plate Light
- Horn
- Neutral Indicator
- Turn Signal Indicators
- Oil Pressure Indicator
- High Beam Indicator
- Stock Ignition Circuit
- Stock Fuse Box
- Stock Regulator Rectifier
- Replaced Stock Pin Connectors with new smaller waterproof versions
- Changed Splices from crimped to soldered w/ waterproof heat shrink
- Changed stock electrical tape harness wrap to adhesive free vinyl tape. (That stick harness was so nasty and sticky!)


Things that were removed:
- Extra circuits for radio
- Position lights
- Hazard lights and relays
- Fuel Gauge
- Temperature Gauge
- Tachometer
- Tail Light Out Indicator
- Large 24 and 12 pin connectors


Still to do:
- Tail Light and rear flashers
- Splice alternator wires (known failure issue)
- Relocate regulator rectifier
- Relocate Fuse Box

If nothing else, I have a much better understanding of the wiring and it's layout on the bike! That should make troubleshooting a little easier in the future!

Need to figure out the mounting of the front and rear lights and the dash, then she may be able to pass the roadworthiness test of Jefferson County!!




Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Chuck & Susan]

Thanks for the update. you know I have a vested interest in this cool project. Sounds like you are having fun.

FYI - The photos in your very first post of this thread have stopped showing. All the others still work.

[Fencejumper09]

Thank you! I will update those! I just left Photobucket for Smugmug!

[Fencejumper09]

Just a word update, the Mean Wing still runs!

[renchinrider]

I'm really enjoying your Mean Wing documentary, Fencejumper.  I've had my Shovelhead 9 years now, and in that time I've had one mechanical failure and about one million electrical failures. :'(  I've been considering pulling the entire OEM wiring harness out and replacing most of it with the Moto Gadget "M Unit."  I've watched several of Revival Cycles' youtube discussions on the M Unit, and a Vintage MC Club buddy used one in the construction of his '76 CB750 cafe racer.  All that I've seen tells me that implementing one of them on my Shovel (at a cost of $310+ :o) could eliminate virtually every previous source of failure in my electrical system, and would enable me to get rid of a bunch of junctions and relays...

I appreciate your methodical approach to your wiring mods, and look forward to learning more as you progress through your project!

[Fencejumper09]

Hopefully soon i will have time to get back into this! Probably have to clean the carbs again at this point!

[hawkvtx]

great thread. thanks for sharing.

[Fencejumper09]

The Mean Wing has been neglected for a while now but I did manage to get some work done on the new dash!



So many projects so little time! She is covered in a healthy coating of preservative saw dust for the time being but I am still thinking of her!

[Chuck & Susan]

Nice handy work on the wood dash.