Motorcycle Repair: 1989 kawasaki ninja zx750 headlight, kawasaki ninja, electrical diagnosis

Question
i have a 1989 ninja ZX750R the model with the single headlight. i got into a mild crash a few months ago it destroyed the plastics and headlight and turn signals. i am putting it together now and i can not get the new headlight to work. i have verified it is the correct part and the bulb is brand new. when it is hooked up and i turn on the bike nothing happens. i have not started the bike cause the gas tank is in the shop but i have never needed to start the bike before in order for the lights to come on all i had to do was turn the key to the on position.  i have even turned on the high beams and not even the high beam indicator light on the gauges lights up. i have replaced the only fuse that i know of which is right next to the battery and still nothing. what else might be wrong and how would i test it?

Answer
Hi Jesse,

There's no quick answer, sorry. Unless the problem was obvious, I would have to perform several checks to accurately diagnose the problem(s).

You'll have to check related circuits for defects, etc... Check the conductors, connectors, and components in those circuits.

It is very difficult to explain how to perform electrical diagnosis. There's too many parts to list and testing procedures vary.

I recommend obtaining a copy of the service manual and perform the troubleshooting procedures. Check the local library for manuals.

Check out "www.dansmc.com" This is a free on-line MC repair course.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively