Electrical cuts out after pressing the starter

[gzrider411]

My 2002 has been mostly sitting for a couple years, but I did ride a bit last year. I bought a new battery last year as well, and put it on trickle charger before trying to ride this year. I got an orange light on the charger and no electrical when turning the key, so I replaced the fuse at which point the electrical came back to life. Then, after getting a fully-charged battery, I tried to start the bike and it immediately went dead, no clicks, no sounds, just :skull: I visually inspected the wiring and don't see cable issues.

I don't have access to a trailer to take it into a shop...any help would be great!

[alantf]

Two questions......... (1)Which fuse blew? (2)Did you test the fuse again, when it wouldn't start with a full battery?

[gzrider411]

The main fuse blew (in the compartment next to the battery). I didn't get more fuses to test with yet...

[alantf]

I didn't get more fuses to test with yet...

Again.....2 points....(1)Get a cheapo meter. That's the ONLY way to test. Just replacing fuses "to try again" is no way to go about it. (2)If you don't know if the fuse has blown again, or not, how can we possibly help you?

If the fuse has blown again, then you're looking to find out why. If the fuse hasn't blown again, then you're looking for a completely different fault. We'll help you all we can, but the crystal ball isn't working, so you'll have to give us ALL the details. :2tup:

[gzrider411]

I'm admittedly ignorant when it comes to electrical work in any form... I will pickup a meter any test as you suggest. Stay tuned, not sure I'll get to it until the weekend. Appreciate your help (and patience)!

[5th_bike]

When I got mine, it blew light fuses, and it turned out that underneath the tank, a wire touched the top of the cylinder and the plastic wire insulation was melted through.

You have a short somewhere. It could be anywhere else though.

[mrlmd1]

You have a major short somewhere. Look in the headlight bucket, look where the wires enter the bucket, remove the seat and start tracing wires along the frame.
Aside from wear and kinking somewhere, don't be surprised if you find a rat or squirrel ate some of your wires if the bike has been sitting for a prolonged period of time. Given a close inspection you should find it without too much difficulty and be able to repair it without a trip to the shop.