Motorcycle Repair: maitenance, starter solenoid, starter system

Question
last night i went to start up my bike and after it started the starter was still going. so i cut my engine with the kill switch and it still kept going. then i took my key out and it kept going until the battery died. it is a 1983 honda vt750. please help, this is my only mode of transportation.

Answer
Hi Mike.
 My initial thought is that the starter solenoid is shot.  But before you start replacing parts, check the entire starter system for shorts, stuck switches and that sort of thing.

If all of that checks out, then that leaves only the solenoid.  Replace it, then.

Good luck.
FALCON