Motorcycle Repair: Electrical- 86 Honda Shadow VT1100, carbon powder, shadow vt1100

Question
A couple of days ago, I go to hop on the bike. I turn the key, pull in the clutch and press the start button.  All I got was a "Click" and the all the lights shutoff.  I immediately check all the fuse and none of them are blown.  I pull off the battery cover and check the 30W fuse (Upper left hand side to the battery) and that's ok too, but piece of electrical equipment that the fuse is attached to (I think) has a short in it because I wiggly it, and all the lights come back on.  I push the start and everything shuts off again.  What could be the problem?

Answer
Hi Trev,

You've described a direct short, and I think you've found it. Otherwise, check starter button contacts for corrosion and clean if necessary. Check starter motor for build up of carbon powder from brushes. Check for damaged wiring...mice, bees, and other insects love to nest in our MC's.

Use dielectric grease on all electrical connections you can acces. This helps prevent water shorting from washing and rain. You may discover a loose connection, too.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively