Motorcycle Repair: Solenoid or Rectifier/Regulator, starter solenoid, honda shadow

Question
I went to start my 86 honda shadow vt700c, lights came on like normal but when I pushed the start button the whole bike went dead.
I pulled the battery (it was good) checked the Fuses (all good).
Main fuse housing at starter solenoid was partially melted on Red/red white wires that go to the Rectifier/Regulator. With this information can you tell me if which part is broken?
Thank you,
Mark

Answer
First check that all your battery and wiring connections are tight and clean. If so it sounds like the starter solenoid is shorted or stuck. You will have to have the rectifier checked by a shop to verify that it was not harmed. If the solenoid freezes, as this sounds like it did, it will kill everything. It over draws the system and drains all the power. Let me know what you come up with.