Name that part! (1980 KZ1000 LTD)

Little black doodad, looks to be dipped in tar. 3 wires. Bonus points if you can tell me what the red wire w/ 2 female connectors is for.

1980 KZ1000 LTD

retterath wrote: Little black doodad, looks to be dipped in tar. 3 wires.

My first guess would be the detector for the brake light filament that flashes the instrument panel light if the brake light fails. Might also be the hazard flasher if your bike has that feature.

retterath wrote: Bonus points if you can tell me what the red wire w/ 2 female connectors is for.

Need more info

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationEDIT Black Yellow Green/White that is the brake bulb failure sensor. Near the regulator on the wiring diagram.

diagrams.kz650.info/wiring/images/KZ650-B1.jpg

The red wire looks like something added for an accessory, is it + live when ignition is on?

Those non standard blue crimp terminals could be improved a lot, I use these:

Little black doodad, looks to be dipped in tar. 3 wires

From the diagrams at Partzilla ---- SWITCH,OUTAGE,INDICTR 28019-001 . The thing flashes a warning light at the meters to let you know that the brake light bulb is burned out --- which is kinda handy to know.

Cool. Thanks. There are definitely some wiring issues. Wire is not live when ignition is on. *shrug*

Yea mine kept putting the light on even with working bulbs. Its unplugged now haha

I'd like to know why nearly every other one I've seen on a vintage Kaw bike, looks like it has been overheated by blow torch!??

OK, here's the latest. Once I stopped overthinking and just followed the wiring diagram I have, I have spark! My mystery wire is switched power to the coils and igniter. :blush:

So for shits and giggles I spritzed a little ether into the carbs. It's alive! For the first time in 20 years.
Time to go back and properly connect wires. . .

Nice, glad you are getting somewhere now

While you are there make a point of tidying the dodgy connectors up, electrics is the one thing most likely to leave you in darkness on the side of the road. ..or even worse in a hedge when the motor cuts on a tight bend. Another benefit of going through all the wiring is bright lights everywhere and on the button starting.

Here"s a short little video. Thanks for the help and moral support.