I have a 1986 xl883. I turn the key this morning, the starter clicked once and the bike went totaly power dead! The same thing for 2 or 3 tries and then no click, no power anyplace on the bike.

The ignition switch is checked ok. If i put a test light at any hot lead on the bike it goes out as soon as i turn the ignition switch on, even on the + side of the battery post.

All leads, connections and grounds look good what else could cause this bike to be totally dead ?

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jimbo1950 at gmail dot com

 

Sounds like a dead battery. Try jumping it to verify.

If it is dead, you need to understand why. Old Age, bad charging system, or short circuit.

 

Battery has to be a suspect! If you have a multimeter, what voltage are you getting across the terminals before and again during pressing the starter. If volts are low you can recharge it and see if that helps. If not you can get your battery checked at many autoparts stores.