Power not working

[Huscarl]

Hey all, i have been roding and working on bikes for well over a decade. Primarily CBs, GS, Bonnevilles, CX, and Harleys. I recently acquired an 85 1200, super excited as i have always wanted one. When i turn the key i dont hear the fuel pump but there are clicks, none of the lights come on and i cant any power to the starter. I have checked the ecu, bypassed the ignition switch, checked the dogbone fuse on the starter solenoid (which has way to much extra stuff on it in my opinion), and even tried bypassing it. Im at a loss at this point, any help would be appreciated before i just strip it all down and do a bare bones rewiring

[Rednaxs60]

Bit more info needed, do you have an FI model or carb? Makes a difference.

The carb model has a fuel pump to compensate for the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Full tank does not require a fuel pump, lots of head pressure. Once you get to say 1/2 tank need fuel pump - pump pressure is 3 to 6 PSI only. Make sure you turn the fuel shut off petcock to the OFF/Closed position when not using the bike, can flood the carbs.

The FI model is significantly different. The fuel pump does cycle for 2-4 seconds to prime the fuel system. No need to shut off the fuel shut off valve unless working on the fuel system.

A picture or two would be helpful.

Hope this helps.

[Huscarl]

It has a carb and a pump in the tank as well as one inline, ill get some pics shortlt

[Huscarl]

Additionally, it has beem converted to single carb by a prior owner

[Rednaxs60]

SCC is past my pay grade. Lots of owners here that have this experience.

[Huscarl]

I appreciate it, the fuel system doesnt concern me, ive done numerous carb conversions. Its this complicated electrical system thats troubling me lol

[Rednaxs60]

I appreciate it, the fuel system doesnt concern me, ive done numerous carb conversions. Its this complicated electrical system thats troubling me lol

Don't mind the mechanical as long as it is something I have done or familiar with. The electrical is not that difficult. You need the Electrical Troubleshooting Manual to troubleshoot the electrical system. It will provide answers for a lot of your questions. The electrical system on the '85/'86 FI models takes the electrical to another level - a few more wires and smaller components in place of carburetors.

I would start at the battery and work my way forward. First item I would replace is the starter solenoid and install one with a 30 amp blade fuse. With the shelter off, I'd check the red and red/white wire at the regulator/rectifier for battery power. These two wires are live all the time. If this is good, check the red wire at the ignition switch. The ignition switch connector should be on the right side under the rubber flap.

If this is good, I'd open the wiring harness on the right side of the handle bars and check for power to the engine stop switch. This is a black/light green striped wire. The power from the engine stop switch is a black/white striped wire.

With the key on check the power to the starter. It will be the yellow/red wire at the start solenoid. Check for battery voltage at this connection.
Check for battery voltage at the green/red wire. This wire goes to the clutch diode to start allowing the starter to turn over the engine. If there is power to through the starter solenoid on the yellow/red and green red wires, and the starter will not turn the engine, it's possible the diode on this circuit is faulty. Pull in the clutch to determine if the engine will turn over, this bypasses the starter solenoid diode.

Here's a schematic of the wiring for the 1200. It's for the '85 FI model that I have, but it should get you going in the right direction:

[julimike54]

Start with 'load testing' the battery...