Thought I had the ignition switch issue. The key had failed a couple of times, while riding I'd had the electrics stop and start, flickering, resetting clock the 12:00. All rather irritating.

I did this last year sometime. Also, last weekend I replaced the battery as it wasn't holding charge very well. Pretty sure that's a different issue.

So I cut off the ignition switch harness, and wired in a new switch. Did it after the socket, so, if necessary, I can just get a new ignition harness, but I'd rather not. I put in the switch using the wiring instructions found on the site in another thread - can't remember which one. That's been working pretty well for a while. Wired in using this diagram: http://curtandnancy.com/rocket/Ignition_Jumper_Illustration.jpg but as I said, can't remember the original thread.

Anyway, was out at the weekend, stopped for gas, and then the bike wouldn't turn back on. Pulled all the fuses - no issues with any of them. Not the first time this has happened. I pulled off the seat to jump it putting wires between the fuses, as explained here - shorted it, blew and fuse, and got all my power back, and the switch is working again. I've jumped it before using the instructions here - was in the process of shoving the wires in when it blew a fuse and came back to life. DIY Ignition Switch Repair - Get home, Keep Your Locks!

Now I'm totally confused. Can't be the ignition, I've cut it off. A short somewhere? How can I detect that? I have no training or ability with electrical issues.

Should add that some days I can walk up the bike in the morning and the switch is good, some days bad - without changing anything in the interim. Pretty crazy. Anyway, I'm now annoyed enough with it to post here and sort it out.

Bike is an '08 Touring.


In the early years 1960s ----> we dealt with lord lucas here we go again ;>(
 
Not sure. I had a 2005 standard and never had an issue. Of course it probably had a little different set-up. I just hope when I do take mine down again I find a problem in the harness that I can see.
I took my bike apart and found the same white/blue wire fried primarily on the female side. I was able to remove the wire from the harness, but since the holder was melted I cut the wire out and soldered a new wire direct. I'm thinking since I run with my lights on bright with running lights during the daylight hours may have caused high constant current. I also think running the wire direct my lower the resistance.

This Web site is a life saver. Thanks to everyone who shares.
 
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