Motorcycle Repair: starting a 1999 honda shadow vlx, honda shadow vlx 600, blown fuses

Question
Hey Chris, I have just taken my 1999 honda shadow vlx 600 out of storage and have spent all day trying to start it. I figured the old battery was dead so I bought a new battery and followed the instructions on how to fill it, the initial charge, etc... I try to get her to turn over, but she just won't go. Is there anything I am doing wrong or should be doing to get my bike running again?

Answer
Hi Cory.
 If the bike will not turn over at all, then you need to check the connections to the starter solenoid and starter motor.  Make sure that you are getting power to that system.

Also check all of your fuses and fuse connections.  If you have a blown fuse or corroded connection somewhere, then it will cause problems.

Now if the bike is turning over, but not firing, then you need to check to see if you are getting fuel to the system and if you are getting spark as well.  The way to find this out is simple;

get some automotive starter fluid and spray it into the intake.  If the bike fires up then dies, then the problem is fuel.  If it doesn't fire, then the problem is ignition.

If the problem is fuel, then pull and properly clean the carbs and check the fuel system for water and blockages.

If the problem is ignition, then check the ignition system for blown fuses, bad/corroded connections and shorts.  Use a multimeter for all of that.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON