Motorcycle Repair: electrical, suzuki volusia 800, 2001 suzuki volusia

Question
Good Morning Mark,
I have a 2001 suzuki volusia 800. When I tried to start it, the bike sounded like the battery was dead. Upon cranking it over, I noticed a lot of smoke coming from underneath. I have stripped the bike and found that the ground wire running from the kick stand kill switch to the engine and then to a harness that runs to the rest of the bike, has melted. I tried jumping the wire in different ways and ended up with the same result. THis only happens when I am trying to start it. sitting there with the key on it does not melt the wire. I have checked the ground wire to the battery and the starter and they do not have any damamge.
there has been no other repairs on this bike.
thanks for your time.  

Answer
Hi Eddie,

I suspect a direct short within that circuit. I would have to perform a few quick checks to accurately diagnose the problem.

If you're not experienced with elctrical fundamentals, I  recommend having a local tech inspect the problem and give you an estimate. It may cost you an hour or two of the shop's flat-rate hourly fee.

Once you know what the source of the problem is, consider making the repair(s) yourself.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively