Motorcycle Repair: Electrical, power electricity, neddle

Question
Mark,

I just got my first bike, a 1984 Interceptor 500.  I was going to ride last night but had some trouble.  I had the ignition on, fuel valve open, kill switch set to run.  I was simultaneously straightening the handle bars and shifting to nuetral before starting the engine.  As I did this all the power (electricity) went dead.  No lights, turn signals, horn, starter or anything else.  The power loss was sudden; it didn't fade out.  Also, the Tach neddle is sitting at 1K rpms, but obviously the engine isn't running.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Eric

Answer
Hi Eric,

I suspect an electrical connector may have disconnected when the bars were moved, or a direct short caused a fuse to blow.

Check around the steering stem (gooseneck) and in the headlight housing for looses or disconnected electrical connectors. Also check for bare wiring, etc.. possible sources of shorting.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively