Earth Wire

[koko64]

When replacing a starter on a hi comp M944 I thought the case bolt that runs through to the starter body would make a good "killing two birds with one stone", earth wire point. I'm sure its been done a hundred times before (derby). I have read threads where an earth wire was either run to the starter body or an extra one to the engine case from the negative terminal but dont recall this option.

If you have done this, how did it go?

I like how this 2 in 1 earth wire allows an earth to the case and to the starter motor in one go. The thru bolt enters the body of the starter getting past the gasket and/or sealant.  (The other two bolts holding the starter are internal). Saves using another wire to one of the starter case bolts on the other side. On my own bike I ran a wire to the case on the alternator side but overlooked this option. The other end of the wire meets the frame to negative battery terminal wire and loom earth wire on the battery bracket. The M944 in question has 205 psi cranking comp which is significantly more than my bike with stock bore hi comp and it now starts much easier. Since there is a newer (used) starter involved on the 944, I will test this on my own bike for a more accurate comparison.
I will do this asap and report back.
Cheers.

[Howie]

As long as this is an extra ground, good idea.  I know of a few faired bikes running high compression with that set up.  To make it worthwhile, a heavier starter cable would be a good idea.

[koko64]

Yep its an extra ground. I already have one to the case, so I'll run it down further to that bolt.
My Monster is a Japanese import, so the cables were upgraded when I got it. Im guessing they were changed pretty early in the bikes life.

[koko64]

Tested this morning. All other things being equal there was an improvement in starter cranking speed. . A nice cold morning to test it too.   
I used a black coated cable and routed it behind the black frame so it was less conspicuous.
Cheers.

[greenmonster]

 

[koko64]

Gday Gert

Do have similar wiring on your bike?

[greenmonster]

Nope, just appreciate your improvements

Heavy soldering +terminal at battery made significant
difference on mine

Btw you talk about the bolt behind alt cover?

[koko64]

The one that goes from outside through the case to the starter.
Yeah I soldered and crimped the battery wire too.

[He Man]

did you run an aftermarket wire? if so what type and size?

[koko64]

I had a spare long oem earth cable off an S2R1000. The other wires are 7 to 8.8 mm cables (plus insulation cover) from an upgrade. Its just an extra earth direct to the starter and case. I used a 5mm longer bolt with washers and covered them with dielectric grease. Otherwise  you are trying to earth through the starter gasket and sealant. This gives two extra earth points. My Shorai sits at 0.4 V higher now (14.6 from 14.2). The wire meets the wire that runs to the neg battery terminal where they bolt under the battery bracket.

[oldndumb]

did you run an aftermarket wire? if so what type and size?

Those silly electrons don't know aftermarket from stock.   

[Nibor]

Those silly electrons don't know aftermarket from stock.   

if i drank coffee, you would owe me a keyboard!