How to Wire a Trailer to a 1800 Goldwing

Installing a trailer harness on your Goldwing will provide power for trailer lights.

Your Honda Gold Wing is a touring motorcycle designed for long road trips. For multiple day rides, you need to carry a signification amount of cargo. A small trailer can move that weight behind your motorcycle, making it easier to handle. This trailer will require brake, signal and marker lights for operation on public roads. These are powered through a 4-way connector on your Gold Wing. Wiring this harness is a simple procedure that involves a little trial and error.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver set
• 12-volt test light
• 4-pole wiring harness
• Scotch lock connectors
• Electric tape
• Cable ties

Instructions

1. Remove the rear taillights on the motorcycle by removing the fastening screws with a screwdriver. Pull the lights from their sockets and detach the wiring harness.

2. Place the Gold Wing's ignition to the "power on" position, without starting the engine. Turn on the left turn signal using the driver's controls.

3. Fasten the 12-volt test light's alligator clip to a section of bare metal at the rear of the motorcycle. A bolt head generally makes a good grounding point. Probe the left turn signal's harness's bare connections with the test light's probe. When the test light flashes, you have found the power wire for the signal. Repeat this process to find the correct wires for the right turn signal and marker lights.

4. Connect the 4-way harness yellow wire to the left turn signal's power wire with a scotch lock connector. The connection works by inserting one wire into each groove and closing the gate. Connect the green wire to the right turn signal, the brown wire to the mark light's power and the white wire to any black (ground) wire.

5. Wrap the connections in electrical tape for additional protection and secure the loose wires with cable ties.

6. Reassemble the rear taillights to the Gold Wing.

Tips & Warnings

• Testing the trailer's lights before every road trip will avoid a possible ticket.

References

• eTrailer: Trailer Wiring Diagrams