Got around to putting new oil & oil filter in. Figured that the starting issue was another bad starter solenoid so I switched it out with a new one. This didn't solve the issue though. It still doesn't start, but turns over fine when I jump the starter solenoid (at least I know the motor isnt seized on this one either
![Shit eating grin :ShitGrin:](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
When I picked up the bike I found the connector between the main harness and the key switch was melted. Makes me think I have a possible short or bad connection somewhere else in the harness?
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/7jfN0hF/20230225-173313.jpg)
The bike didn't come with keys anyway so I picked up a new key switch and hard wired it into the bike. When I turn the key switch on the blinkers and everything else works.
https://youtube.com/shorts/MHcBiCUpnN8?feature=share
Checked all the fuses in the fuse box, all of them were good. The starting motor is responding when I hit the starter switch, but it acts like it's not getting enough power(?) similarly to when I had a bad solenoid on the other bike.
Where should I start looking? Seems like every time I have an electrical issue it's some sort of grounding issue. Obviously the starter switch has continuity or nothing would happen, right?
Edit: Already made some progress. I was looking at this image and realized that I never bypassed the clutch safety switch (I did it on my 800 and it was the first thing I did on the '97 1400).
![Image](https://i.ibb.co/G5rWnML/1400-Starter-Circuit-zpsbkgxsim1.gif)
So I realized that there must be a short somewhere (in the handlebar wires maybe?) for the starter solenoid to turn over at all when I hit the start switch. This time I pulled the clutch and hit the start switch and the starter motor started normally. . .then I stopped pressing the start switch and the starter motor kept going. I let the clutch switch go as well but the starter motor kept going. I turned the key switch to off and pulled it and it still didn't turn off. I had easy access to the battery so I quickly disconnected it. Where's the most likely location of the short? Guess I'm going to be pulling both switches tomorrow. Anywhere else I should be checking for a short?