Blown fuse

[premiumjo]

blew my main fuse for no reason (the bike wasn't running). My ignition switch is pretty beat (pretty much any key that is close will work) As I am a total electrical newbie, any suggestions for what I should look for? this blew a few years ago when I was riding it and I replaced it on the side of the road and went on my way. I haven't ridden it much in the last 10 yr.s, but I had it running last year and it was fine. I replaced the fuse and it did not immediately blow. should I be looking for a chaffed wire?  Any suggestions for troubleshooting would be appreciated. I have a multi-meter, just not sure where to start.
Thanks
rd

[OldSwartout]

Yep, chaffed wire or a loose one in the headlight. A shorted bulb can cause the problem, too. A broken filament in the taillight or headlight bulb can occasionally blow a fuse.

[disc_valve]

I guess one route would be a process of elimination. Start with ignition on, and everything else off, Then switch on components one by one until the ffuse blows, and then the last item you switched on could be the culprit. It's also worth jiggling around with the wiring harness at the same time, in case there is a broken wire in the harness shorting out.

If you've still got the old fuse, examine it closely. A normally blown fuse will show the wire inside melted. If teh wire is still intact or if it has just broken with no sign of melting, it could just be an old fuse, or vibration that's caused the prioblem.

In the meantime, make sure you carry a couple of spare fuses in the toolbox in case it blows far from home.


Graham.

[OldSwartout]

In the meantime, make sure you carry a couple of spare fuses in the toolbox in case it blows far from home.

Graham.

Foil off a chewing gum wrapper or cigarette pack works if  you don't have a fuse. That got me through a day of riding in North Carolina when my brake light wiring was shorted out.

[premiumjo]

Thanks Guys! I was investigating the wiring near the ignition switch and found a wire that was twisted together and electrical taped. It literally came apart by just moving it. I soldered it and covered with shrink tube. Hoping that was the culprit.