xs wont start

[bill13]

So I go to start my xs yesterday and it turned over once and then the whole bike shut down electrically. Battery and fuses are fine but got no power whatsoever. Where do I start? Any help us greatly appreciated!

[oldyam80sg]

Did you check the main fuse?It is located if you are sitting on the bike on the left side under the side cover.It has a rubber top to it.Unlatch that and look.Mine blew once and everything went dead.I replaced it and bingo- problem solved.Also how old is the battery? Do you have gas in the tank?What happens when you hit the start button?

[DiverRay]

Bill13, WHAT bike are you working on??? We need the year and model to know how to help!
SOME of the later models have the main fuse, the EARLY models DO NOT. We also need to know if the factory fuse block is still being used, or has it been replaced?

[oldyam80sg]

i looked at his profile said 1980 XS1100 Special.I hope that was correct.

[The Lorax]

There is a connector behind the headlight bucket that if corroded, may take power away. I had an issue on mine some time back where I would be riding down the street, and all of a sudden, everything dies. no lights, no engine, no starter...nothing. got to the point before I replaced the connector that when it occurred, I would reach up past the handlebars, grab and shake the wires and she'd come back to life. I believe there are only 3 wires on the connector. if that isn't making good contact, that will kill everything. worth checking, have a nice day and ride safe

[GNEPIG]

If no one elses suggestions work for you, then you might try to see if the battery cables are tight to the battery. Or the battery cable to ground is tight to the frame. Or the battery cable to the starter solenoid is tight. Or that niether of these cables are broken.