Motorcycle Repair: Honda Rebel electrical problems, chassis grounds, battery cables

Question
I have a '96 Honda CMX 250 Rebel that is driven infrequently.  It is also exposed to the elements during the riding season.  I now have an electrical problem that I want to pinpoint.  Bike will not crank on start, makes a clicking sound and the lights start to go dim if at all.  I got a brand new battery and it started right up the first and only time and then the same problem.  The only way to get it started now is if I charge the battery and with the charger still connected, push the ignition switch (takes a few attempts).  I notice that once the bike gets going, there is a lag between the time I push the horn and when it actually sounds and the lights seem to dim intermittently.  I was going to perform some voltage tests but I'm not too sure what I would be looking for.  Thank you for any help you can give me.  

Answer
Hi Antonia, I suspect your problem is a failing starter relay, or corroded connections at the relay. Inspect and clean the connections at the relay and inspect and clean the main ground terminal on the engine block and all chassis grounds. If you are familiar with voltag drops, you can also perform some voltage drop tests on the battery cables. Specificaly the power lead from the battery to the starter relay. I suspect wih some cleaning and carfull inspection you will find/correct you problem in short order.
 thank you for asking

  randy