Electrical short? 1981 GS450

[Matchless]

Well, according to the wiring diagram in the Haynes manual, it should go to the ignition switch, via the fuse and then to the ICU.

Could there be one wire missing from the red into the battery box via the hole below the R/R?
The pic shows the left side of the bike.

JF

The bottom of the last picture shows the starter solenoid. It will have two heavy wires on it one goes to the battery postive and the other will go to the starter motor.

[jfsebastian]

Bingo

Thanks Matchless

I am missing that cable all together.
Will make one tomorrow.
Problem solved.
Quite tricky when I?ve never seen the bike with the battery mounted.
Fingers crossed that this was the only electrical problem( yeah right).

Thanks everyone that helped out.

JF

[doctorgonzo]

The bottom of the last picture shows the starter solenoid. It will have two heavy wires on it one goes to the battery postive and the other will go to the starter motor.

And I think a third smaller one goes into the wiring harness.

[jfsebastian]

Thanks doctorgonzo
That seems to be right. The small one goes to the fuse and into the harness.
Will buy a foot long 12 gauge tomorrow.

JF

[SPARKSS]

Thanks Matchless

I am missing that cable all together.
Will make one tomorrow.
Problem solved.
Quite tricky when I?ve never seen the bike with the battery mounted.
Fingers crossed that this was the only electrical problem( yeah right).

Thanks everyone that helped out.

JF

If I was resurrecting that bike I'd be cleaning up a bunch of connections. Just the ones shown in your fine pics are in grim shape (grounds for example....and, if that flying-bolted connection in the white wires is positive (especially) then you'll want to insulate it or if it's a ground side junction at least grease it after ensuring it's clean and well connected. Based also on the general rust and corrosion shown, you could very well have other issues so just take it slowly........clean and repair anything obvious (don't be afraid to enlist some knowledgeable help in your area).......and don't give up and you'll have a good bike.

Gord

[Guest]

Both those wires go to earth. This might explain the getting hot thing. Find the starter solenoid and the positive wire should go directly to the + battery.

[jfsebastian]

New cable - all works.
NOT.
Well all was as you said, 2 to ground and the new to + on the solenoid made the bike light up like a x-mas tree.

The problem now is that there is no spark whatsoever, not even a grunt or a moan. The lights all works fine, indicators too. But no life from starter.
How do I measure with my multimeter in order to isolate the new problem?
I?ll search the forum and see if I?ll get any wiser.
Feel free to answer in the mean time.
JF

[Guest]

Put a screwdriver over the two solenoid connections to jump the starter and see if it turns.

[duaneage]

I had two black wires on my Yamaha. I replaced the + lead with a 8 gauge red wire so there could never be a mistake made as to which was the hot lead.

[jfsebastian]

Well friends,
The bike all of a sudden turned over, and have I had the tank mounted, it might even have started.
So, while I paint the tank, rear rim (front painted already), make a new seat and polish the engine sides to a shinier than new look, the engine will reast.

Thanks all who have contributed to this thread and have helped me out.

JF