Motorcycle Repair: 2004 Honda Shadow Aero, honda shadow aero, fuel pump relay

Question
Bike has been running good. Just had 20,000 mile tuneup. Preparing for trip. Went to check the oil. Per started the bike to run for a couple of minutes before checking the oil level.  The dip stick was left off the opening and forgot to turn on the fuel switch. It ran until no gas available.  Cleaned up oil mess. Oil level good. Now bike won't turn over.  Seems like not getting any fuel. Any suggestions.

Answer
Lori, my experience is on older pre-82 Hondas but it sounds to me that you just ran the carburetors out of fuel.  Now when that happens on my 85 Sabre, I have to jump across the fuel pump relay and refill the carbs.   I don't know enough about that model year to tell you how to go about doing that.  Normally, when you turn the key on, the fuel pump pumps for 2-3 seconds.  If you turn the key on and off several times, it may pump enough fuel in to get the bike started.  Just remember not to crank the engine over too long at a time or you can over heat your starter and damage it. Crank for 10-15 seconds and wait for a couple of minutes.  You can crank again but  you will have to wait longer between attempt because you will build up heat in the starter motor.   

Good luck
Rich