AAAAHHHH...HELP!!!! What did I pull of my bike?!?

Sooooooo I was pushing my 550 Maxim into the shop and thought "No, those wires hanging down will be fine." and ended up getting one caught under the rear tire which quickly tore it off.

Yes, I know it was stupid, and yes I know it's my own damn fault, but I'm hoping someone can identify this for me and tell me where I'm supposed to reattach it.

Thanks in advance.

 

I suspect it might be one of the leads off the sidestand switch. If it is, and it tore off at the switch, you won't be doing any reattaching.

 

The leads on the side-stand switch were intact. Maybe I'll take another pic of the side of my bike.

Seriously one of the stupider things I've done with this bike (besides buying it in the first place).

 

REally difficult for a sidestand switch to be hanging down like that.....it's usually tucked in pretty tight to the frame, along with some ties and anchors.

Is there just one wire in there, or two? Looks like only one.

Dave F

 

I should clarify that I'm in the process of putting the whole thing back together. I had all the electrical components mounted, but not the wiring harness (which is why the wire was hanging down in the first place).

Just one white wire in there.

 

i think it could be the oil level switch wire.
the bullet end plugs into the harness near the underneath of the front of the seat, you've pulled the wire off the switch , its underneath the bike in the middle of the sump,
stu

 

Crap, I think you're right. I'll double-check tonight, but that's the only place I haven't looked.

...anyone have one they can sell me?

 

I went out and looked at all the bottom of a 550 that I have been working on for someone.........The only white, single, wire is indeed the one that goes to the oil level switch.

For those who wanted a close-up of the bulge-y thing on the end of the wire............all that is, is the bullet connector for the switch to the harness. The end of the wire that looks like it was clipped off is the end that should be going into the switch.

Frogg.........don't worry, it ain't the end of the world. Another switch, some more oil, and you'll be back up and running.

BTW, your signature quote is hysterical.

dave f

 

I agree that's a good sig line. My Dad used to say the answer to everything is '10'. When I pressed him after a long time he finally told me that it means 'it is' or 'it isn't' and that 'computers were going to take over everything.' I was only 8 then and I thought he was crazy, sure computers were cool but they weren't everywhere then...

You didn't make a mistake buying that 550. They are great bikes and what your learning along the way is even more valuable in the long run. If you get frustrated or stuck just seek out some help here or elsewhere. That's what we are all here doing, and you will get there eventually.

You might be able to re-wire that back into the sending unit. If not and you need a new set up here is one (be sure and ask the seller questions to determine functionality, he claims no way to test it but that's not true-you just test continuity from the harness connector to the bottom of the switch and then invert it to see if it changes to no continuity):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XJ550-XJ ... bb&vxp=mtr

 

Thanks for the support everyone, it was indeed the oil level sensor and it pulled it straight out so no chance of reattaching it. I already picked one up from eBay for $6 so not really the end of the world.

I only say that the 550 was a stupid purchase because I did it while my wife was out of town on a business trip. It's given me countless hours of zenlike shop time, so I'm calling it a wash.

The bobber is at about 90% so I'll post some pics soon.

 

That's not a stupid purchase............you picked up an xj to bring back to life, and then enjoy riding it. That's a SMART purchase. Once your riding it, you see what we mean..

The fact that you bought it when your wife was away, shows how smart you already are, too.! In fact, I get MOST of mine when SWMBO is not around. It makes it much easier to think clearly..........you know, think about how quickly you can get it home, hide it, come up with legitimate reasons for the purchase if she stumbles on to it, come up with a bit more cash to distract her by taking her out for dinner, etc.................you know what I mean. Eventually..........and by that I mean, that after,oh--18 or so bikes, she'll lose track of how many you have and then you can pick up as many as you wish since they all will just become a sort of "blur". Mine has even been heard several times to say, "I don't know when he get's them--they just sort of appear and disappear."

See? You'll be able to do that soon, too! Start riding it, and be watching for your next SMART purchase!

Dave F