Motorcycle Repair: 1996 Shadow Headlight Issue, honda shadow ace, bill silver

Question
I have a 1996 Honda Shadow Ace 1100. I disassembled the headlight to replace the burned out bulb (high beam only worked – low beam filament broken), but now there is no power getting to the bulb connector at all.  The tail light, turn signals, horn and instrument lights ALL appear to be working properly, and the bike starts fine. The wiring harnesses appear to be in good condition.  Additionally, I did wash the bike with HondaBrite a few hours prior to disassembly; could something inadvertently gotten wet?  Where would be a good place to begin?

Thanks,
Russ


Answer
Russ, these aren't my main bikes of interest, but the later bikes have starter switches that double as headlight switches. Push in and headlight goes out and starter engages. Let the button out and the starter disengages and the headlight is activated. If you washed the bike and got the handlebar switches wet, I would go there first. Also, in some cases, the headlight rim needs to be grounded to the shell in order to complete the circuit. Do check any wires and connectors in and around the headlight shell for being accidently pulled loose.

Hopefully your new bulb is actually a good one. Check for power with a 12v test light or volt meter to test circuits for power.

Bill Silver