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Postgraduate DiplomaRestoration & Classics Applications open

Diploma in Electrical Harness and Classic Ignition in PTW

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in electrical harnesses and classic ignition for powered two-wheelers (PTW). 8 modules covering applied electricity, harness design and manufacture, dynamos and alternators, magneto and coil ignition, reversible upgrades and electrical diagnosis, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Interpret original wiring diagrams of classic motorcycles.

02

Design and manufacture harnesses faithful to the original, applying safety criteria.

03

Diagnose and restore dynamo- or alternator-based charging systems.

04

Overhaul, rebuild and adjust period magnetos.

05

Set up points-and-coil ignition systems.

06

Apply reversible electrical upgrades compatible with historic vehicle classification.

07

Document electrical work in a technical dossier.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Classic motorcycle electrical technicians.
  • Restorers of historic motorcycles.
  • Magneto ignition specialists.
  • Makers of bespoke wiring harnesses.
  • Technicians in vintage motorcycle workshops.
  • Technical inspectors of historic vehicles.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to move into classic motorcycle restoration.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (approval of two- and three-wheel vehicles)
  • Royal Decree 892/2013 (Spanish Historic Vehicles Regulation) (registration of historic vehicles)
  • FIVA Technical Code (historic vehicle authenticity criteria)
  • ISO 6722-1 (road vehicle cables)
  • SAE J1128 (low-voltage primary cable)
  • ISO 8820-1 (road vehicle fuse-links)
  • UN/ECE Regulation No. 10 (electromagnetic compatibility)
  • Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic roadworthiness tests)
  • KiCad
  • QElectroTech
  • AutoCAD Electrical
  • PicoScope 7
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Ohm's law and voltage drops in circuits
  2. 1.2Direct and alternating current in the vehicle
  3. 1.3Positive-earth polarity on British motorcycles
  4. 1.46- and 12-volt lead-acid batteries
  5. 1.5Reading period wiring diagrams
  6. 1.6Lucas, Bosch and Marelli colour codes
  7. 1.7Multimeter, clamp meter and test lamp
  8. 1.8Electrical safety in the workshop
  9. 1.9Standardised component symbols
  10. 1.10Practical: measuring voltage drops in a harness
  1. 2.1Selecting wire cross-section according to load
  2. 2.2Stranded copper wire and insulation
  3. 2.3Cotton braiding and period coverings
  4. 2.4Lucar, bullet and spade terminals
  5. 2.5Crimping versus soldering
  6. 2.6Routing the harness along the frame and forks
  7. 2.7Protection against vibration and abrasion
  8. 2.8Fuse holders and circuit protection
  9. 2.9Labelling and documenting the harness
  10. 2.10Workshop: manufacturing a replica harness
  1. 3.1Lucas E3 dynamos and MCR2 regulators
  2. 3.2Magdynamos and how they work
  3. 3.3Permanent-magnet alternators
  4. 3.4Selenium rectifiers and their replacement
  5. 3.5Zener diodes and voltage regulation
  6. 3.6Electronic replacement regulators
  7. 3.7Circuit charge balance
  8. 3.8Converting from 6 to 12 volts
  9. 3.9Diagnosing charging faults
  10. 3.10Lab: checking the stator and rectifier
  1. 4.1Principle of the rotating-armature magneto
  2. 4.2Lucas K2F and Bosch magnetos
  3. 4.3Remagnetising magnets
  4. 4.4Points, condenser and windings
  5. 4.5Manual and automatic advance
  6. 4.6Rewinding armatures
  7. 4.7Spark distribution on twin-cylinder engines
  8. 4.8Timing with a dial gauge and lamp
  9. 4.9Diagnosing a weak spark
  10. 4.10Practical: full overhaul of a magneto
  1. 5.1Coils and turns ratio
  2. 5.2Points and contact-breaker cam
  3. 5.3Dwell angle and coil saturation
  4. 5.4Centrifugal advance and advance curves
  5. 5.5Flywheel magnetos on mopeds
  6. 5.6First-generation CDI ignition
  7. 5.7Spark plugs: heat range and reading
  8. 5.8HT leads and suppressors
  9. 5.9Strobe light and dynamic timing
  10. 5.10Workshop: timing a points ignition system
  1. 6.1Concealed electronic ignitions such as Boyer and Pazon
  2. 6.2Hall-effect and optical sensors
  3. 6.3Programmable advance curves
  4. 6.4FIVA reversibility criteria
  5. 6.5Integration into original housings
  6. 6.6LED lighting and reduced consumption
  7. 6.7MOSFET regulator-rectifiers
  8. 6.8Compatibility with historic vehicle classification
  9. 6.9Documenting modifications
  10. 6.10Case study: electronic conversion on a British twin
  1. 7.1Systematic fault-finding method
  2. 7.2Faulty earths and oxidised contacts
  3. 7.3Insulation tests
  4. 7.4Primary and secondary oscilloscope traces
  5. 7.5Handlebar switches and ignition switches
  6. 7.6Period lights, horn and indicators
  7. 7.7Preventive maintenance of the system
  8. 7.8Reliability on tours and rallies
  9. 7.9Recording interventions
  10. 7.10Practical: diagnosing an intermittent fault
  1. 8.1Choosing the motorcycle and its initial condition
  2. 8.2Inventory of electrical components
  3. 8.3Electrical restoration plan
  4. 8.4Manufacturing the new harness
  5. 8.5Restoring the ignition system
  6. 8.6Assembly and functional tests
  7. 8.7Checking charging and consumption
  8. 8.8Technical and photographic dossier
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with your tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is KiCad, QElectroTech, AutoCAD Electrical and PicoScope 7, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: measuring voltage drops across a complete harness, stroboscopic ignition timing and checking magnetos on a spark test bench. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 168/2013, Royal Decree 892/2013 (Spanish Historic Vehicles Regulation), FIVA Technical Code, ISO 6722-1, SAE J1128, ISO 8820-1, UN/ECE Regulation No. 10, Directive 2014/45/EU.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulation (EU) 168/2013, Royal Decree 892/2013 and the FIVA Technical Code applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:KiCad, QElectroTech, AutoCAD Electrical and PicoScope 7, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete electrical restoration of a classic motorcycle, from the harness to the ignition and a technical dossier, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Voltage drop survey
Measure and document voltage drops across a complete motorcycle harness.
Replica harness
Manufacture a replica harness faithful to the original wiring diagram.
Magneto overhaul
Carry out a full overhaul and timing of a period magneto.
Reversible ignition upgrade
Plan a concealed electronic ignition conversion that meets FIVA reversibility criteria.
Final project
Complete the electrical restoration of a classic motorcycle with its technical dossier, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Classic motorcycle electrical technicianHistoric motorcycle restorerMagneto ignition specialistBespoke harness makerVintage motorcycle workshop technicianHistoric vehicle technical inspector
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with KiCad, QElectroTech, AutoCAD Electrical and PicoScope 7, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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