Vintage Motorcycle Wiring Course
Online 300 h course in vintage motorcycle wiring. 6 modules covering ISO 6722-1 (low-voltage cables for vehicles), SAE J1128 (low-voltage primary cables) and KiCad. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Vintage Motorcycle Wiring Course — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,280 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Interpret wiring diagrams of classic motorcycles.
Diagnose electrical faults methodically and with appropriate instrumentation.
Inspect dynamos, magnetos, alternators and regulators.
Make a wiring harness with appropriate cross-sections, colours and connectors.
Restore ignition, lighting and accessory circuits.
Improve reliability without compromising the authenticity of the whole.
Document the electrical installation in a final project.
Who it's for
- Classic motorcycle electrician wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Vintage motorcycle restorer wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Wiring harness manufacturer wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Electrical diagnostics technician wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Motorcycle workshop manager wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Motorcycle authenticity adviser wishing to specialise in Vintage Motorcycle Wiring.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter classic motorcycle restoration.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6722-1 (low-voltage cables for vehicles)
- SAE J1128 (low-voltage primary cables)
- ISO 8820 (fuses for vehicles)
- ISO 8092 (wiring harness connections)
- UNECE Regulation No. 53 (lighting installation on motorcycles)
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (approval of L-category vehicles)
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Architecture: magneto, dynamo and alternator1.26- and 12-volt systems1.3Positive and negative earth1.4Frame as the return conductor1.5Installation components1.6Reading period wiring diagrams1.7Colour coding by manufacturer1.8Tools and measuring equipment1.9Workshop safety1.10Workshop: tracing the wiring diagram of a motorcycle
2.1Earth and supply checks2.2Voltage drop as a method2.3Continuity and resistance2.4Measuring the charging circuit2.5Standing loads and leakage2.6Vibration and intermittent faults2.7Connector corrosion2.8Switches and handlebar controls2.9Recording measurements2.10Practical: diagnosing three faults
3.1Magneto and its maintenance3.2Dynamo and regulator3.3Alternator and rectifier3.4Current electronic regulators3.5Suitable battery and its maintenance3.6Conversion from 6 to 12 volts3.7Consumption and electrical balance3.8Insufficient charging and its symptoms3.9Fuse protection3.10Practical: diagnosing the charging circuit
4.1Choice of cable and cross-section4.2Cotton and plastic insulation4.3Terminals and crimping4.4Sleeving, braiding and presentation4.5Template from the original harness4.6Routing and securing4.7Frame passages and protection4.8Identification and labelling4.9Checks before fitting4.10Practical: making a complete harness
5.1Coil, points and condenser5.2High-tension leads and spark plugs5.3Electronic ignition and its installation5.4Headlamp, tail lamp and their circuit5.5Indicators and horn5.6Ignition switch and key5.7Instruments and dial illumination5.8Brake and neutral switches5.9Added accessories and their consumption5.10Practical: fitting and testing the lighting
6.1Protection against moisture and vibration6.2Hidden improvements and their criteria6.3Preserving the original appearance6.4Documenting the final wiring diagram6.5Preventive maintenance6.6Fire risk and its prevention6.7Spare parts and reproductions6.8Common workshop errors6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: rebuilt and documented electrical installation
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is KiCad, QElectroTech, advanced Excel, Harness Builder (harness design), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real wiring harness manufacturing procedures, diagnosis with multimeter and oscilloscope, and load testing of the charging system. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Interpret wiring diagrams of classic motorcycles.
Diagnose electrical faults methodically and with appropriate instrumentation.
Inspect dynamos, magnetos, alternators and regulators.
Make a wiring harness with appropriate cross-sections, colours and connectors.
Restore ignition, lighting and accessory circuits.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses KiCad, QElectroTech, advanced Excel and Harness Builder (harness design). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
An institutional diploma from SEIUM Institute on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed on a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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