grounding issue (or so I think)

[hexinduction]

So this is my first (non intro) post. I have been soaking up a lot of info lurking, but I'm having an issue I, more or less, think I need confirmation on. I have a 72 cl450. A week ago I went to ride it and it died after 10 yards or so. Couldn't start it, then I found a ground wire disconnected in the headlight. started right up. A couple of days ago I noticed the neutral light flickering and the lights would significantly decrease power. The headlight was dim and when I switched on the turn signal or grabbed the brake with the headlight on, the bike would die. Is this a grounding issue? I have checked and double checked all the black wires (in headlight and elsewhere) but it persists. I haven't blown a fuse, either. the only thing I found out of the ordinary was a poor connection from the black and white wire of the ignition coil to the switch, but after securing that, the problem still persists. Other random info that I don't think is pertinent, but what do I know: winker relay has never worked. horn doesn't work.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Do you have an electrical test meter? If not, get one. Doesn't need to be a $300 Fluke just a decent Volt / Ohm meter.
Verify the battery has 12v when not running and close to 14v when engine is running at about 3000 rpm.

 

[hexinduction]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[Flugtechnik]

It could be. First check to make sure that your main grounding strap from the battery to the frame/engine is in good shape and securely fastened.

From my experience, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Take it to an auto parts store and have them test it.

Additionally, your charging system may not be working. This happened to me and it was due to a wire that had become disconnected in my headlight bucket.

Finally, make sure your fuse holder has not disintegrated. When I first got my bike, it would die on me, then 5 minutes later run fine. Turns out the fuse holder was falling apart. I installed a modern blade fuse holder and fixed that problem.

 

[hexinduction]

Thanks. All those things could be suspect. Grounding strap looks hardy and is well tightened. I have had intermittent problems ever since switching to an AGM battery. I was thinking the issue was with the extension cables, but I am not so sure. I was sure it was something with the charging system, but after connecting and reconnecting every wire in there (with the aid of wiring diagrams) I saw no progress. Today it wouldn't start at all. I am on my way to pick up my multimeter (studio apt and tools, etc are on the other side of town), but yeah, that battery...