1975 CL360

Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Minnesota

I'll preface this query with the statement that this is my first bike and I don't really have any experience with motorcycles. I have worked on my cars some (love the old Subarus!) and I am very mechanically inclined.

OK, I'm waiting for my Clymer manual to arrive, but I'm not sure how much troubleshooting it will give me (like the Haynes and Chiltons for cars).

I bought this bike earlier this week. It isn't running (no battery in it, petcock leaks a ton, gas tank is empty).
I got a new battery for it the other night and when I hook it up, nothing electrical is working. I checked the battery to make sure it is live and it is charged and ready to go. I looked at the fuses under the seat (3) and they all look good. I cleaned up the wires that connect to the battery with some sandpaper to make sure I was getting good contact...no change.

Does anyone have any ideas on where to start on this? It seems there must be something really out of whack since nothing works- blinkers, light, horn, elec. start...nada.

Thanks for any ideas!

Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Clearwater, FL

Sounds like your ignition switch isn't working.
Try to bypass it.

Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Minnesota

OK, I just found the "document compartment" under my seat and voila...the manual!

I thought I had tried the ignition key in every position possible but last night when I got home I turned it to the "run" position and my neutral light came on. Horn didn't work, headlight didn't come on (but the instrument lights did). Three of the four blinkers light up, but don't flash. I'll have to replace the one bad bulb and see what does. Will that keep any/all the blinkers from flashing?

The starter turns over. I am waiting on some air filters and I have new plugs to install...now that I confirmed that the tool kit was with the bike and have a spark plug wrench that fits! Also have to solve the gas leak problem (in another post)...

Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 1064 Location: Connecticut

Disconnect the battery, and go thru all the electrical connectors, and grounds. fuses ,and holders too...
Don't forget the one's behind the headlight...{one at a time,
to avoid confusion}
make sure all fit clean and tight,
Clean as needed...{handlebar switches too..}
you may find a lot more things will now work
than you think, and will save trouble
down the road..
Hope it helps
bruce

Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 277 Location: Northern NJ

There are a bunch of connectors under the fuel tank too. They are prone to coming loose.

Make sure the starter solenoid (next to the battery) has tight and clean connections too.

You would be wise to check every single connection.