No Start without charger

[jpiombo67]

Rode the bike yesterday. Parked it.
Today when I went to start it, turned the key, hit the start button, bike turned over a few and then all power was lost.
No displays in the cockpit at all.
Checked the battery and was showing 13v
Put bike on a charger, displays came on, but as soon as I hit the starter button it went dead again.
I placed it on the chart again, this time instead of electronic start I kick started it and it started.
Ran for a about 30 sec and then turned off.
Checked fuses on Right side of the bike and all appears good.
Any ideas on where to start the troubleshooting?
Thank you all in advance
‘79 standard

[bikerphil]

I would check the ignition switch connector in the headlight bucket for corrosion/melting. It will have 3 wires (78-79) red, brown and blue.

If you have the old type glass fuses still, they can make poor contact, the clips get weak.

[Radioguylogs]

If you don't find the problem easily, I would load test the battery or substitute another battery.

You could also attach jumper cables to a car or truck.

I have had batteries fail with similar symptoms.

[jetmechmarty]

As Mike said, this bike won’t run or start with a weak battery. Do what he said first. Load test the battery. If that passes then start by checking battery current to the alternator.

[thumperjsa]

Did you verify the battery connections are tight? A little loose and this will happen. Also when it won't start, check the voltages on the fuses, including the main, and make sure you have the same as battery voltage. If the resistor is still on the bike, when you turn on the key and the run switch is on, if I recall correctly, you should also have battery voltage at the resistor.

[oldyam80sg]

If it does not crank at all but the lights on the gauges work, check the connection under the tank that goes to the starter. Mine worked loose and it worked one day but not the next.

[oldyam80sg]

Also check grounds as you will be surprised how much corrosion can get in there.