Over the last few weeks, I’ve acquired a few boxes worth of parts. I have all the cables I need, a new headlamp bucket and lens, headlamp fixtures, indicators, rear brake rod, handlebars mounts, and all sorts of random little pieces. I’ve painted my air filter covers, which should be ready to install tomorrow, and I’m on to installing my wiring harness. I’m closer every day, but everyday realize more and more how much work I really do still have ahead of me.

I think I stared at the harness for at least a couple hours today, trying to figure out how my headlamp lights, etc, are supposed to attach. Out of frustration, I decided to tackle it from the opposite end, and start plugging my wiring in from the battery and coils, and work my way up to the headlamp.

First, I started labeling the wiring harness with tape and a sharpy to denote what attaches to what, so I don’t have to go back to the diagram every two seconds. Most of it was easy to work out, and now by process of elimination, I can start connecting wire to wire, piece to piece.

I first attached the wiring to the coils and capacitors, as well as down to the rectifier and zener diode. Once you attach one thing, based on the way the harness is arranged, it’s not too difficult to start seeing where other wires naturally want to go. Checking the diagram bit by bit, you can start to eliminate connections and have a clearer idea of where the rest will be connecting.

Today, I stopped before I got too exhausted and will start up again in the morning. Everything’s always easier with fresh eyes. I take the same approach to writing the never ending onslaught of press releases that haunt me in my day job. Stop – and go back later. The next step is always much more clear after a break.

Wiring can be one of the most frustrating, confusing parts of building a bike. But just like truing wheels, you need to zone out, focus, and don’t over complicate things. And take plenty of breaks.

I realized today I’m short an alternator. Once I have that, a new headlamp bulb (I broke mine carelessly today – oops) and a battery, I’ll be close to lighting this thing up.

I’m also anxious to get my handlebars done, including switches, brake, clutch and air lever installed. Since I haven’t decided on bars yet – and I won’t need to feed any wiring through the handlebars themselves – I plan to mock everything up on a temporary set for now, less grips. It would be nice to have front brakes at this point, at least. Still need parts, though…

I added the front reflectors to the frame, as well. It’s totally silly, and took 5 minutes, but small victories and emptying the parts box even a little bit gives me just enough feeling of accomplishment to keep going. It’s all about the little victories sometimes.