Author Topic: Wiring diagram for '59 Chief  (Read 7395 times)

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bullethead63

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on: January 16, 2012, 05:19:33 pm
I have a wiring diagram for a '58-'60 Constellation...will that work for my '59 Indian Chief? I have to completely rewire this beast... :'(
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


rotorwrench

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Reply #1 on: January 17, 2012, 07:22:35 pm
The Connie has a similar electrical system except it has a magneto ignition where the Indian Chief had the battery/distributor ignition. All of the diagrams were made by Lucas so look for a Lucas diagram for the vintage and type of equipment you have. The battery/distribuitor set up used the big key switch and the magneto didn't need a key switch otherwise they are very similar. The big twins pretty much all used the RM15 alternator from 1959 on up into the mid 60s somewhere. The Super Meteor in 59 & 60 used the battery/distributor ignition set up like the Chief had.


bullethead63

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Reply #2 on: January 18, 2012, 12:08:09 am
OK...I have the C.A.E.Booker Royal Enfield book,from 1960...it has wiring diagrams for the 58-60 Constellation,with magneto,as well as the 59-60 Super Meteor,with coil and distributor...both diagrams have a 6-volt battery,with positive ground...my Chief has a LUCAS magneto,so the Constellation diagram,right? The diagrams are nearly Identical...the biggest difference is the keyed ignition switch,on the Super Meteor...it's going to be a complete re-wire,so which diagram would you people use?Should I switch to a negative ground,12-volt system,like a modern Bullet,and use a coil? I'm not going for a full on,museum quality,concourse restoration,I'm just going for nice,retro,and RELIABLE...I want to ride this bike on a regular basis,not trailer it around from event to event... ;)
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


ERC

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Reply #3 on: January 18, 2012, 01:59:44 am
The easiest way to wire it is order a # 1646 wire harness from Hitchcocks for about 50 bucks I used one on my chief and worked fine. The price of wire is not cheap plus connectors etc. You'll spend more time and money trying to do it from scratch.  ERC
2-57 Apaches, 2-57 Trailblazers, 60 Chief, 65 Interceptor, 2004 Bullet, 612 Bullet chopped.


ERC

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Reply #4 on: January 18, 2012, 02:52:17 am
Forget to add if it has a magneto which is not "original" then you want harness # 1214.  ERC
2-57 Apaches, 2-57 Trailblazers, 60 Chief, 65 Interceptor, 2004 Bullet, 612 Bullet chopped.


bullethead63

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Reply #5 on: January 18, 2012, 02:53:51 am
Brilliant... ;D...thanks,Roger!
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


Arizoni

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Reply #6 on: January 18, 2012, 11:49:12 pm
bullethead 63 said

"I'm just going for nice,retro,and RELIABLE."
-----------------

Isn't the idea of using a Lucas wiring diagram and that quote somehow in conflict?  ??? :D
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


bullethead63

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Reply #7 on: January 19, 2012, 02:29:07 am
Modern manufacturing methods,better materials,and closer tolerances,have made LUCAS electrical systems MUCH more reliable than the "Prince Of Darkness" systems that we all grew up with on Triumph,Norton and BSA motorcycles in the '60's and '70's,not to mention the electrical systems on Austin-Healy,Sunbeam,and MG sports cars...shudder... ;)...but yes,it does seem to be a contradiction in terms... :P
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


rotorwrench

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Reply #8 on: January 19, 2012, 07:30:00 pm
Modern capacitors make the old Lucas mags & distributors work pretty well as long as you get decent quality part. Nearly all the old points/condenser ignitions have trouble with the condensers made in third world. They don't care if they work or not. That's no fault of Joe Lucas though.

The alternator wattage output on the old Lucas systems was fine for a bike that just had a headlamp and a tail lamp. When you started adding other things, not so good.


bullethead63

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Reply #9 on: February 09, 2012, 01:38:31 am
What about adding a second,6 volt,sealed battery,in parallel with the first? It would give me the same voltage,but more current,for the running lights,turn signals,horn,etc...anyone ever tried this?
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


ERC

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Reply #10 on: February 09, 2012, 01:53:03 am
If the system is working properly one battery will work just fine. If you have two batteries wired that way you'll end up with two dead batteries if the system isn't up to snuff. The only way around this is to have a battery switch to charge one at a time when using the bike.If you want more balls go to 12v.  ERC
2-57 Apaches, 2-57 Trailblazers, 60 Chief, 65 Interceptor, 2004 Bullet, 612 Bullet chopped.


bullethead63

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Reply #11 on: February 09, 2012, 02:18:30 am
Thanks,Roger...I was considering doing just that... ;D
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~


SRL790

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Reply #12 on: February 13, 2012, 01:07:23 am
Bullethead,

I run a 54 bullet with a standard mag and 6V generator.  Had to have the mag/dynamo rebuilt 3 times before it worked right.  Finally had it rebuilt by these guys http://www.srmclassicbikes.com/ and it has worked fine ever since.  They also have options for electronic, 12V conversions, etc.  Freight to UK is not cheap though.

Andy
Andy Wiltshire
54 350 Bullet, 62 Jaguar MK II, 68 BSA Spitfire, 69 BSA Starfire
70 Bonneville, 71 Bonneville, 71 BSA B25T, 74 Jensen Healey
74 Honda XR75, 81 Yamaha MX80, 82 Suzuki GS1100G


Tom 60 Chief

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Reply #13 on: February 15, 2012, 04:02:06 am
I have a wiring diagram for a 1960 Chief that I copied from a diagram loaned from an RE Club member about thirty years ago.  If you want a copy I'm sure we can figure a way to send it.  I bought my Chief as a total basket in 1978 or 79 and brought it back to stock at that time and have ridden it over most of the western USA.  The six volt system has been without significant problems and has never left me stranded.  There has always been a way to bodge my way through till a proper repair could be made.  The original battery box was designed for a Lucas# GUZ11E battery which has been long discontinued by every manufacturer.  I use two modern # B49-6 batteries in parallel, not for the extra capacity but for the more mundane reason that they fit the battery box well.  My machine has the original Lucas 18D2 distributor that has given flawless service.  Nothing wrong with 6 volt, I say.  Regards Tom


bullethead63

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Reply #14 on: February 17, 2012, 03:00:06 am
Thanks,Tom...I sent you a PM,hope to hear from you soon!
1959 Royal Enfield/Indian Chief 700~(RED)~1999 Bullet Deluxe 500 KS~(BLUE)~2000  Bullet Classic 500 KS~(WHITE)~2002 Bullet Classic 500 ES~(GREEN)~1973 Triumph Tiger 750~(BLUE & WHITE)~Ride-Wrench-Repeat~your results may vary~void where prohibited by law~batteries not included~some assembly required~