Can't figure out the OEM rats nest wiring! '78

Hey guys, I made the mistake of not labeling my wires before jumping into it. -sigh-

Unfortunately, I'm unable to figure out what wires go where in the headlight bucket. Would anyone happen to have a diagram for this? Or maybe even pictures?

And actually, what ARE all the wires in the bucket?

Would be nice to get my headlight and turn signals back up and working so I can ride at night again!

And once I figure this all out, I should be able to figure out a way to minimalize the wiring so I can fit the wires in a different headlight bucket..hah

But yeah, I would definitely appreciate any help I can get!
Thanks!

(And this is for a '78 Special)

From what I've found there are no two connection blocks the same so they should all go back together easily enough. Next up will be the turns colored brown and green and associated grounds....you'll now if you have the turns in the proper places by seeing them work on the correct side or not. Headlight is yellow, green and black. Check out the electrical section for wiring diagrams.....should be one in there for your year.

Check this out....
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61

I had no problems with the main connectors, but the turns are the ones that I'm having a hard time with. There were also some blue wires in there, too..Not sure where those go. hah

But, those diagrams...I don't quite understand them, but I'll keep studying them. Thanks!

The blues are essential for light function.....should be some simple male-female connections in the bucket to tie them together. Hopefully nothing has been cut, kinda helps if they're still stock to be able to sort it out.

No, nothing's been cut. All the female-male connectors are still there..so it's just a matter of trying every possible connection. Haha
Didn't know that about the blue wires, though. Thanks!

Would you happen to know if both of the blue male wires go to the same connector?

Purple Turtle....You've really got to work from a good Wiring Diagram of which there are abundant in the tech section of this site including an excellent colored copy by Jayel for the 78 E & SE. Then discover that the blue wires are coded as (L) and that indeed two males do go into a single with double receiver. Have good light and note also that what looks at first glance to be two black wires from a turn signal is actually a very dark chocolate brown and that the other side are dark green (Dg) and black (B) to ground
designated (Ch) & a black (B) ground. So it goes one system at a time. But please do find that correct OEM wiring diagram so that you and the ones trying to help you are both working off the same page. We've all had to pay our learning the Wiring Diagram blues dues and so will you. C'mon you can do it! Just like eating a Camel. Moreover, until you do what people will be trying to help with with by giving instructions, won't make any sense. Best, Blue

HiPurpleTurtle said:

No, nothing's been cut. All the female-male connectors are still there..so it's just a matter of trying every possible connection. Haha
Didn't know that about the blue wires, though. Thanks!

Would you happen to know if both of the blue male wires go to the same connector?

Click to expand...

Good post bluebikerblan......and yes, Turtle, there are two blues that tie into one. Should/could have a double input female connecter there.....

78XS650SE diagram. From the right handle-bar switch the wires have a coupling and some loose wires, Dg, Ch, Y, G, and B male connections. Ch and Dg connect into double female connectors from the main loom. The Ch and Dg from the front indicators also connect into the double female connectors from the main loom. Also the loose G to the female from the headlight and Y should go into a double female connector coming from the headlight and black to any double black connector in the bucket. L as blue stated above