Motorcycle Repair: 86 Honda Shadow VT700- Headlight/starter issue, fuse block, fuse holders

Question
Hello- I have been riding my shadow for over a year now and it never gave me much hassle. Recently, I had bad battery issues and couldn't get the bike to turn over. I replaced the battery and she ran beautifully. A week after replacing the battery, I went to start her up and the head light won't turn on as well as the starter not responding at all. She ran fine just the day before. I tried another charged battery, same response from the bike. I checked all the fuses- all good. I checked the head light- no damage. The only thing I could find wrong in the wiring was a partial plastic burn on the wire cover that connects to the main 30a fuse. I don't know much about wiring or motorcycle repair, could this be my issue, or is there another answer? Thanks for the help!!

Answer
Sorry Frank but I think you found part of the problem. That burned wire indicates something has gotten pretty hot.  It's hard to tell what it might be. It could be a wire melted the insulation and it's now grounding out onside the harness or it could just be right there at the fuse block.  You'll need to take a volt ohm meter and start checking to see where the circuit is open so you can narrow your search.  I've seen where the the fuse holders got hot and won't put any pressure on the fuses to maintain the circuit.  Try putting side pressure on the fuse and force contact to the fuse holder and see if that doesn't give you a clue.

Regards
Rich