GT750 Battery Ground Wire Location?

[Madbuffalo]

In the process of putting my '75 GT750 back together and am wondering where the battery ground wire SHOULD be connected and what it SHOULD look like. Mine was connected as shown in the picture and is made of 2 copper wires attached to a yellow connector that was painted black by the PO. Any information / pictures would be very helpfull.

SDC11686.JPG

[jabcb]

Wiring diagram shows everything grounding trough the frame:
http://smokeriders.com/diagrams/Suzuki/ ... /GT750.gif

Ian Sandy's GT750 Field Guide has info on wiring & tie town locations:
http://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/fieldgu ... cover.html

My GT750 has a short heavy-guage wire connecting to the frame via a bolt adjacent to the battery:

GT750_battery_2011-03-26a.jpg

[oldjapanesebikes]

jabcb's photo covers the battery ground - there is also an engine ground strap from the engine case to the frame. Usually off of the rear underside case bolt back of the kick start, or from the case top bolt by the number plate. I suspect the first one is more correct for your model, but have been wrong before

[Madbuffalo]

Thanks guys, I think that answers my question. I had suspected my battery ground was not original. Being where it's at makes it really hard to get the air box out without snagging the wire. I've pulled it from the connector a couple times. Here's a picture of the engine ground. The bike was restored at some point in the '90's and I'm finding all sorts of minor things that are not as they should be.

SDC11688.JPG

[oldjapanesebikes]

Not sure if this is what you were referring to, but I wouldn't change the engine ground location - my 'A' is that way and your bike is a very late M based on the engine serial number in the photo. The battery ground you showed though in the first photo is possibly even dangerous if the wire is even slightly undersized, so I'd definitely change that.

[Madbuffalo]

I just showed the engine ground picture because you mentioned it and that location is where the PO had it. Would you recommend moving that ground to the underside of the engine near the kick starter? Also, if '75 model engines went from 57533 to 67557 would that make my 60639 a somewhat early '75 as opposed to a very late one? Will definately fix the battery ground right away. Thanks again Ian.

[oldjapanesebikes]

Would you recommend moving that ground to the underside of the engine near the kick starter?

On the numbers - correct. I was looking at frame numbers .

About the ground strap, I think it is neater on the other side of the case on the underside bolt as it is sort of out of the way. But if you are talking about 'correct' then I think it is probably as you have it now. Late model ones like my A and a B I looked at are as your is, as is my J. My K on the other hand was on the underside bolt, and I've seen others like it also, but I know that engine had been out before I got it so possibly the location was changed. The Haynes manual on page 69 shows it as top side like yours, as does the Suzuki Service Manual on page 88 - so I suppose that is where they were originally. I'd leave it be.

[Madbuffalo]

That's why I ask you guys when I have a question. You're the experts, I'm just stumbling around in the dark hoping that one day I might find the light switch.

My K on the other hand was on the underside bolt, and I've seen others like it also, but I know that engine had been out before I got it so possibly the location was changed.

My 'M' is sort of the same scenario. I know it was restored at some point before so I have to be careful about assuming the way things are now are the way they were from the factory. After I posted yesterday I started comparing all the bits and pieces to your field guide and found a few more things that were... off. Luckily I bought a parts bike a few years back and have been able to replace most of what's incorrect but I'm sure it will be a never ending process .

[Madbuffalo]

Just thought I'd throw up a picture of what I ended up with. I used a heavy 10 gauge wire with connectors from the local hardware store. I wish I knew where to find original looking connectors though.

SDC11702.JPG

[oldjapanesebikes]

I recall someone on this board was thinking of making copies of the original mesh ground straps, but I forget whom - Coyote or Jughead possibly ?

[Madbuffalo]

I would be very interested in that. I used the heaviest ground wire I could find but am sure a mesh would still do a better job. Being right under my bum it kind of worries me.

[jabcb]

Battery ground wire for GT750 is part # 36862-31000. Its still available from Suzuki for about $5.
Current part is insulated as shown in the eBay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0435743718
My GT750 has the original mesh strap, so I can't say anything about the wire gauge for the current part.

Engine ground is no longer available. But you can get a 4-gauge ground cable in lengths from 7 to 13 inches for about $9 to $18.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... toComplete

Heavy gauge ground wire is only needed for the starter. So if you are going with a heavier guage battery ground, you should do the same for the engine ground.

[Madbuffalo]

Thanks jabcb for the great info! It's a shame after all my trouble locating the pieces for the ground and making it I spent about $5 and I should have just gone to the dealer in the first place! Oh well. I'll go to the dealer and order the ground for $5. I also noticed the one on Ebay is listed for about $20, just not right. My engine ground is original and works well as-is so I don't plan to replace it.

P.S. Where did you find that nice yellow grip lock tool carrier? I want one!

[jabcb]

Does your dealer have an online parts ordering system? I've found that local dealers charge less if you order online for pickup at the store than if you order the part at the parts counter.

Seems pretty common that NOS parts listed on eBay are still available and that some of those parts are a good bit more expensive than Suzuki's price.

The Grip-Lock isn't a tool; its a security lock.

Grip-Lock review:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcyc ... grip-lock/
Company info:
http://www.grip-lock.com/Grip-Locks/
Its available via eBay & Amazon.

The Grip-Lock isn't perfect. Its easy to use and there is no chance that you might try to ride the bike without removing the lock.

[H2RICK]

If you're mad to make up a woven style strap of whatever length, gauge or ends, some electronics and electrical wholesalers have all the bits and pieces. Most of the strap material is the flat style but you can occasionally find the round style if you search long enough. Strangely enough, woven grounding straps (both tinned and straight copper) are still used widely in both electrical and electronic applications.....but, sadly, not in motorcycle applications for many moons. I guess the stylists have deemed them too "old school".