Motorcycle Repair: 1986 yamaha virago 700, starter solenoid, bench test

Question
Falcon,  I'm baffled by this. Occationally bike would run on one cylinder (back), then run fine.Started it this spring,it only ran on back cyl, replaced plug, ran good for a few minutes started to pop on front cyl and then starter kicked in. I can push in selenoid arm ,it makes less noise but starter is still engaged. When I shut it off with kill switch and then put it back to run position the low fuel light comes on and the oil light gradually gets brighter and then the starter kicks in all by itself. This starts the bike with the starter staying engaged. If I let it cool down it starts and runs on one clyinder till it warms up a bit and then the starter kicks in again. I have checked and cleaned/sprayed all the connectors,ignition, handlebar switches. Is this a bad seleniod, starter,coil short,wiring short?  

Answer
Hi Irv.

This sounds like a short.  A bad one; possibly multiple shorts.

You will need to check all of the affected circuits as well as the wiring at the instruments and starter solenoid and ignition coils.

Also check each of the affected components as per the bench test proceedures in the repair manual.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON