Hello,
I have just recently bought a 1988 HD Sportster 883 and I was wondering if it was normal that the ground for all the wiring was in the rear fender? Is there anyway I can redirect that elsewhere? This is my first bike and I'm really not extremely knowledgeable on the whole thing as of now but I'm learning.

 

 

Welcome to the "New Members" forums from Ontario, Canada You may want to post that in one of the Mech/Tech areas for your bike.

 

 

 

 

For the 1988 models yes, they are normally located there. You can splice the wires in and relocate the ground to just behind the fuel tank if you wish or somewhere else that is more convienient, just make sure that you splice cleanly (I prefer solder splicing with weather proof heat shirnk). On the newer models I want to say from about 1994 on up the grounds are located just behind the fuel tank, just ensure that you separate your grounds out as the ECU and sensors should have a "Clean" ground whereas your lights and any high powered systems shoud be on a separate "Dirty" ground.

 

that sure wasn't factory. having a common ground really is not a bad thing, less maintenance for sure. if it is working and not unsightly, probably leave as is but i would ground to the fastener that attaches engine to frame. if it is factory, there will be multiple grounds ref to the frame and jumper grounds on the front end. there was a ground point in the back on a brake line clamp fastener if that is what you are referring to, in later years, it went to the one i mentioned.

 

Ground is ground the world around...

This comment about clean and dirty grounds is not electronically sound. A good electrical ground is a "clean ground". A loose or corroded or a gang common ground on a removable panel like a fender, is a dirty ground and should always be avoided. The only time to be concerned about common grounds is when you are dealing with radio frequencies and audio circuits, and low voltage shielded wires.

 

The difference between clean and dirty grounds is the amount of power going through the circuit, low power circuits should all be grounded together away from high power circuits. This is definately done on later models with fuel injection but is good practice. This helps to reduce stray high currents on low current systems. As you have mentioned Ground is Ground but not all grounds are equal. Remember the property of equal potential? If you have a higher current going through the ground that a lower current circuit is on you could have a reverse polarity situation on your hands.