Motorcycle Repair: 2008 Honda shadow 750 starting issue, honda shadow 750, power fades

Question
Took a 5 mile ride to the mall. Went in to eat and when i go to crank motorcycle it wont turn over.  Battery has been charging by motorcycle charger. It crank up like a charm before I left home and idled for about 5 minutes.  This has happened before.  Ive checked the battery with a meter and it checks out ok.  What can i check if its not the battery.  I also flipped key in ignition several times and the oil light was on and faded.  Please help. Thanks

Answer
Hi Teresa,

I would probably start by having the battery
load tested to see if it has lost it's
stamina. Most auto or cycle shops have
a load tester. If it passes the load test
then I would make sure both ends of the battery
cables are clean and tight.

Put a volt meter on the battery and make sure
it can hold about 14 dc volts at a fast idle.

If it passes all the above it might be a bad
clutch lever switch, side stand switch or a faulty
starter relay near the battery area.

If the bike will start in neutral but not in gear then the
clutch switch may be the issue.

If the bike will not start in neutral or in gear
with the clutch pulled in then you might have
either a faulty ignition switch or starter relay.

All these things depend on a strong battery
and solid connections to work.

If you go to start you should be able to hear
the starter relay near the battery click.
If it doesn't click then the starter cannot work.

It may not be getting power or it may be faulty.
It's wires are usually green/red  and yellow/red.

There should be power to the yellow/red when you push your
start button in neutral, key on. It should click if the bike is in neutral
and the starter should turn.

If it does not click with power applied then it may
be faulty. The other wire green/red is the wire
that grounds through your clutch and side stand or
the neutral switch.

The way you say the power fades makes me think of
a loose connection on the battery cables
or a battery loosing it's cranking stamina
so I would confirm that first and the charging
voltage too. Then move on to the switches and relay.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
----------------------------