82 GS1100GK ~ Battery connection question

[stanzukowski]

Newbie question.

I took out a dead battery that was probably 20 years old. I have a new battery ready, but I'm unsure where the three cables attach, because my short-term memory is shot.

See photo...

Am I correct that the black cable (#1) goes to the negative terminal, and BOTH red cables (#2 & #3) go on the positive terminal?

Also, what is the "extra" red cable for?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Where is the other end of #2?

You are correct in that the big black cable (#1) goes to the negative terminal and connects to the engine case. The big red cable (#3) goes to the positive terminal and probably connects to the solenoid. But where is the other end of #2?

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[hampshirehog]

#2 looks like an earth fitted with a red connector insulator as the wire is black. Like Cliff says, check where the other end goes.

[Steve]

That smaller black wire might be the one that feeds the fuse panel.
Like the others have asked, what's at the other end of it?

If it is the one that feeds the fuse panel, I would suggest moving it to the battery terminal of the starter solenoid.
I like to keep as few wires as possible at the battery terminals.

.

[stanzukowski]

Well, I remember that the black wire did come off the negative terminal. And I remember that ONE of the red ones went to the positive terminal. I just can't remember where the OTHER red one goes.

I'll check to see where they're attached. I probably won't be able to tell you what they're attached to is actually called, but I'll take pictures :^)

[tom203]

That smaller black wire could also be an attempt to ground R/R to battery negative to ensure charging.