Motorcycle Repair: Electrical issue..., amp fuse, fuse box

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I realize you're an HD mechanic but I wondered if you might be able to help trouble-shoot an electrical problem with a Buell?  

If you have any experience with these HD cousins I could use your help, if not- sorry to have bothered you.

Victor

ANSWER: What would you like to know?
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks,

I just pulled a 2003 Lightning (xb9s) out of storage after two years and have been trying to make it road-worthy once again. One problem I am having is that Accessories (ACC) fuse continues to blow, which means my gauges, dashboard and the bike's turn don't function.

Its a 7.5 amp fuse, and I checked the key on the fuse box to ensure that it's the correct amperage for this circuit.  This is the only fuse that has blown. Each time I replace it, and test ride the bike, the fuse will last for 15 minutes maybe, then it will blow again.

I can't really think of what might be causing an electrical overload in this circuit.  The only issue might be that a previous owner replaced the OEM turn signals with some aftermarket ones.  I figure that if the lamps in these signals are not designed for the bike, they may not be overloading the system.  This is a guess though, and I'll admit that I have not had any trouble with these turn signals (previously) in my 4 years of ownership.

After storage I replaced the battery with a brand new (OEM) one from HD, although when I was originally trying to coax the bike to start I may have worn down the charge.  Could a weak battery cause this sort of problem?

Any other ideas? I'm at my wit's end.

Victor

Answer
A weak battery will not cause a fuse to blow. Only to much current draw or a short will do that. I would start by unplugging all the components that are on that circut. then plug them in, one at a time amd go for a ride. that way you can narrow down which one it is. then you would need to following the wiring and find the short
Good luck and happy riding
Mike