electrical problem - no power when I turn the key

[Guest]

I have a 1983 GS 550. I have a new battery this season and I had replaced the rectifier earlier this year as well as it was not working properly. I had ridden it earlier today. But when I went to start it after lunch, it turned over briefly but then everything went dark. Usally the head light and the indicator lights turn on when you turn the key but I can't get any of that to come on. I am guessing some type of a loose wire. Any ideas of where to start?

[JEEPRUSTY]

THere are tests you will need to do that involve a volt meter.
I assume your battery is dead due to a failed charging system.

Not nice news.... can you check the stator output and the charging system's?

[Steve]

Grab your voltmeter or test light (the test light will be quicker), follow the current path.

- Verify that the battery is still good.
- Verify the MAIN fuse is good.
- Verify power coming back from ignition switch to the other three fuses.
- Verify the three other fuses are good.

.

[CartoonLifeStyle]

You say that it turned over a bit and then died, that Sounds like a flat battery, I'd put that on a charger, but 1st make sure the electrolyte levels are above the lower level and top up with distilled water as necessary. Batteries don't last forever no matter how well you treat them.

If the bike starts after you put the recharged battery in then your next task is to find out why it isn't charging, this is probably a lose wire, a broken regulator/rectifire or a blown alternator.

and if you don't have a volt meter then you should buy one, they are useful for many tasks not just for motorcycles.

[Jburr]

thanks for you help. Before I even got the fuse panel off, the power had returned and I was able to start it right up. So I must have a lose connection somewhere. But I will keep the checklist so I can troubleshoot if the problem resurfaces.