Motorcycle Repair: Strange Electrical problem, electrical diagnosis, ninja 600

Question
Hi,
    I am actually stuck at work right now because my 1987 Ninja 600 is not working.  I am seeing power to my indicators and the right front turn signal when I turn the bike on.  However, there is no power to the headlight or rear lights and there is not even a click when I push the starter.  The fuses look ok (fuses under the seat, are there other fuses anywhere?).

I drove it to work normally.  When I went to take it out again (1 hour later), it started normally, then cut out and I lost all power.  I opened up the seat and saw a spark from the battery when I was trying to start it.  The positive lead was loose so I tightened that up.  At this point, I am at the situation above.  Last year, I had it repaired for electrical problems (some type of short that was causing a drain on the system).

I hope you can suggest something simple so I can just start the thing and take it to a repair shop.  It is very weird that I see *some* power but not other stuff.

Thanks,
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

I would have to perform electrical diagnosis to find the source of the problem.

I suspect a loose connection, an open short that conducts occasionally, or other intermittant conduction problem.

I would check each circuit component (switches, etc...) and conductors (wires) until I found the source.

Check switches, connectors and wiring for loose or corroded contacts or connections. Repair or replace as necessary.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively