I have a 82 Honda CM450A. After hauling it home the lights/guages don't work.?

Question

I checked and sprayed the wiring harnesses thinking I may have knocked something loose, but all looks good. Now what do I need to do? How hard is a motorcycle to rewire if need be? HELP!!!

I've checked the fuses under the cover they appear to be good...I can kick-start it and drive it, just no lights (head, tail, turn, or gauges....I'm so frustrated...

While checking the harnesses, I got it to light up for a second where I could use the electric start...then it went dead again....

Answer 1

The "hauling" it home may have jared loose the main fuse, or broke it.
The fuse box is behind the left side cover. Pull the bottom of the fuse box cover (it just pops off).
Make sure the battery terminals are tight. The battery is behind the right side cover.

You checked the fuses and they "appear" to be good. Are they getting battery voltage? Check with a test light or volt meter.
If you're not getting power to the fuses, check for power at the fuse box connector.
Then check for power at the ignition switch connector.
Finally, the ignition switch could be bad. Common problem.
With a test light -
--Should have power at the ignition switch connector RED wire.
--Turn on the key - should have power at the ignition switch connector BLACK wire.
--With the key on - should have power at the fuse box connector BLACK wire.

Since all the lights are out, it's a problem with that power circuit. The tests I just gave you are all you'll need.

Answer 2

Yep - check the fuses first! Also, some bikes have fuses in odd locations, so check the owners manual to see if there are any in-line fuses.

Answer 3

CHECK ALL COLOR CODED WIRES AND MAKE SURE THEY MATCH THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE HEAD LIGHT SHELL.ONCE YOU HAVE CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS ,WITH THE KEY ON AND LIGHTS ON WIGGLE THE HARNESS TO DETECT A BROKEN WIRE.