BSA motorcycles have been a staple of the British biking industry for many years, with their classic designs still being popular among enthusiasts today. However, for those who own a 1965 BSA motorcycle, understanding the wiring diagram for the 6-volt positive ground system can be challenging. This journal article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to this wiring diagram, along with frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you troubleshoot any issues.
Overview of the 1965 BSA 6 Volt Positive Ground System
The 1965 BSA motorcycle uses a 6-volt positive ground electrical system, which means that the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the frame of the motorcycle. This system was commonly used in older motorcycles, but it is not commonly found in modern ones. This wiring system is designed to allow the battery to be charged by the generator while running, and the lights, horn, and other electrical components to be powered when the engine is switched off.
The wiring diagram for the 1965 BSA 6-volt positive ground system is divided into three main parts: the charging system, the ignition system, and the lighting system. Each of these parts has its own set of wires and components that must be connected correctly to ensure proper functioning of the motorcycle.
Charging System
The charging system of the 1965 BSA 6-volt positive ground system consists of the generator, rectifier, battery, and associated wires. The generator is designed to produce electrical energy when the engine is running, and this energy is converted into direct current (DC) by the rectifier. The DC is then used to charge the battery, which stores the energy for later use.
The wiring diagram for the charging system is shown in Table 1. The generator is connected to the rectifier using a green wire, and the rectifier is connected to the battery using a red wire. The black wire connects the generator to the frame of the motorcycle, which acts as the positive terminal of the system.
| Wire Color | Component | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Generator | Rectifier |
| Red | Rectifier | Battery |
| Black | Generator | Frame |
Ignition System
The ignition system of the 1965 BSA 6-volt positive ground system consists of the contact breaker, capacitor, coil, and associated wires. The contact breaker is designed to break and make contact with the capacitor, which charges and discharges the coil, producing the spark required to ignite the fuel in the engine.
The wiring diagram for the ignition system is shown in Table 2. The contact breaker is connected to the capacitor using a white wire, and the capacitor is connected to the coil using a green wire. The orange wire connects the coil to the ignition switch, and the black wire connects the ignition switch to the frame of the motorcycle.
| Wire Color | Component | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| White | Contact Breaker | Capacitor |
| Green | Capacitor | Coil |
| Orange | Coil | Ignition Switch |
| Black | Ignition Switch | Frame |
Lighting System
The lighting system of the 1965 BSA 6-volt positive ground system consists of the headlight, tail light, horn, and associated wires. The headlight and tail light are powered by the battery when the engine is switched off, and the horn is powered by the battery when the ignition switch is turned on.
The wiring diagram for the lighting system is shown in Table 3. The white wire connects the headlight to the battery, the brown wire connects the tail light to the battery, and the yellow wire connects the horn to the battery. The blue wire connects the headlight to the ignition switch, and the green wire connects the tail light to the frame of the motorcycle.
| Wire Color | Component | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| White | Headlight | Battery |
| Brown | Tail Light | Battery |
| Yellow | Horn | Battery |
| Blue | Headlight | Ignition Switch |
| Green | Tail Light | Frame |
FAQs
Q: Why is the positive terminal of the battery connected to the frame of the motorcycle?
A: The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the frame of the motorcycle to create a ground circuit. This allows the electricity to flow through the entire system, powering the various components of the motorcycle.
Q: What should I do if my motorcycle is not charging the battery properly?
A: If your motorcycle is not charging the battery properly, you should first check the wiring connections to ensure that they are correct and secure. If the wiring is correct, then you may need to replace the generator or rectifier to fix the issue.
Q: How do I know if my capacitor is faulty?
A: If your capacitor is faulty, you may notice that your motorcycle is not producing sparks or is producing weak sparks. You can test your capacitor using a multimeter, which will measure the capacitance of the component. If the capacitance is not within the specified range, then you will need to replace the capacitor.
Q: What should I do if my lights are not working?
A: If your lights are not working, you should first check the wiring connections to ensure that they are correct and secure. If the wiring is correct, then you may need to replace the bulbs or check the battery to ensure that it is charged.
Q: How do I replace the bulbs on my motorcycle?
A: To replace the bulbs on your motorcycle, you should first remove the lens cover for the light. Then, carefully remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. Be sure to check the wattage of the bulb and ensure that it is appropriate for your motorcycle.
Q: What should I do if my horn is not working?
A: If your horn is not working, you should first check the wiring connections to ensure that they are correct and secure. If the wiring is correct, then you may need to replace the horn to fix the issue.
Understanding the wiring diagram for the 1965 BSA 6-volt positive ground system is crucial for any owner of this classic motorcycle. By following this guide and using the accompanying FAQs, you can troubleshoot any issues and keep your BSA running smoothly for years to come.
