Just Went Dead...

[Keoke]

Another one for the brains trust...

I left home this fine morning on my 1980 XS1100 Standard, got about 1km down the road and everything died on me . I lost all the dash lights and engine all in one go. Nothing would turn back on upon turning the ignition key. My first thought was either a fuse on the main terminal line or a loose wire off the ignition?? As I had to push it home then drive a car (pffft) to work I didn't have a chance to pursue either of those possibilities.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I'll check the above on returning home from work and let ya'll know the results...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated... as this weekend is forecast for sunny and warm!!!!!

[jwhughes3]

Check main fuse (30 amps) on left side of bike away from fuse box. Follow the big red wire.


John

[TopCatGr58]

As stated, the main fuse is the usual suspect...but if it's intact and you have power to both sides of the fuse, then you'l want to check out the main ignition switch....wires can come unsoldered from the contact switch plate.

T.C.

[DiverRay]

Also, If you are still using the old fuse block, REPLACE IT!! The contacts are no longer good, as most of the bikes have failed by now. Replace it with a fuse block like TC sells, or find one locally at a boat supply and replace the old one.

[Keoke]

So starting from the start, I tested the battery voltage (12.6V), next checked the fuse box, 4 good fuses. Next i checked the continuity through the Ignition switch, good continuity on the meter. Then i checked back here and you legendary gents had some possibilities (greatly appreciated Jwhughes3, T.C, and DiverRay!!!) I started tracking the positive feed from the battery, the first stop after the battery terminal is what i think is the starter solenoid?? I started moving the solenoid around tracing the cabling and my dash lights light up. I couldnt see any loose connections but i might have to get right in there and check all of the individual cable connections. I'm hoping it's not the solenoid itself?? The first owner did mention something about the solenoid and have me a spare one with the bike, so maybe replace it just in case? Is it just a plug and play item?
As you've mentioned I will need to replace the old fuse block at some point too.

Keoke

[Keoke]

[DiverRay]

The smaller red wire you have circled IS the power for the bike! How tight is that 10mm nut? Is the lock washer still behind it? Is the crimp/wire still solid?
Yes, you DO NEED a new fuse block!
To try the solenoid, remove the negative cable from the battery. Remove the two cables from the solenoid, top to positive battery, bottom to starter. Then unplug the wire connector to the solenoid. It is now loose, and so squirt some dish soap around the rubber holder, and slowly work it out by twisting and pulling out.
Install of the replacement is the reverse.
Good luck, and welcome!