Long story short.. GS fell over and bent the handle bars. Replaced the handle bars and accdentally broke the clutch switch assembly. Made a jumper to bypass the switch (ordered a new one, but wanted to get it started asap). But it still won't start. It seems that the battery drains very rapidly when the ignition is turned on. I fear I have a short or a ground problem. Ideas? Does this sound like a ground/short problem unrelated to the clutch switch assembly?
try getting a switch from some junk bike?
Here's John Bates' simplified starter circuit schematic....
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k304/miphotoz_2006/gs500startckt700pix.jpg)
As to the non-starting/ battery draining, if you are certain there hasn't been anymore damage, I would recheck your jumper. You may have induced another problem.
The quick way to bypass the clutch switch is with the wires that it connects to inside the headlamp bucket. Green/yellow bullet connectors, one sex each, can be connected together.
aye, check your wiring WELL. :o nothing worse than a burning motorcycle ( specially if its in motion ) :thumb:
Are you sure the battery is servicable?