Motorcycle Repair: Starter trouble, chrome switch housings, starter wire

Question
I have a 1983 xlx. I push the starter button and the breaker pops. Do I need a new starter?

Answer
Not necessarily.  More likely you have a chafed hot wire that is touching a metal ground when you hit the button.  Most common is in the handlebar at the switch housing.  Split the housing and hit the button with it hanging off the bars.  Did you just install chrome switch housings?  What was the last thing you took apart on the bike, if anything?  I would take a quick look at your wiring around the starter, relay, handlebars and at the front of  the gas tank where the harness goes under the tank and look for frayed areas.  Also at the left rear of the gas tank where the harness comes across the frame.  Then you should disconnect the starter wire and push the button, working your way back to the button disconnecting the hot wire until the breaker no longer pops when you hit the button.