OOPS! boost with wrong polarity

[reineron]

My '82 GS1100GL has been sitting covered for the winter and we tried to start it this evening. I expected the battery to be dead and know I will need a new one but thought I would try starting with a car battery attached (car not running of course). I had a helper and before I noticed they had hooked the jumper cables up with the wrong polarity - pos to neg etc. Now there is no sign of power anywhere on the bike with the key on. No indicator lights - nothing.
Have not had a chance to check fuses or any circuits yet. The old battery shows less than 3 volts and the car battery is fully charged. There never were any lights on and power was dead from the get-go. Engine has not turned over since last fall. Any suggestions as to what might have blown? What should I check for first? Bike was working when covered up last fall.
Thanks all. Any help is appreciated.

RR

[chef1366]

Change the fuses and clean the connections.

[purplemotoman]

I don't know if your bike has it or not but my 79 GS850 had a main fuse in it behind the clutch side side panel. It was one of those thin wafer type fuse. When I opened the cover it was burned in half.

[Skyboy8950]

Hey, man, I did the same thing. Don't feel bad. Yes, the main fuse fixed it for me. Someone was smart for inventing the fuse

[reineron]

Thanks for the quick responses. A new fuse and a new battery and all is well. Just needed some fresh gas and spring cleaning and we're ready to put on some miles.

Thanks again and what a great site this is!