In desperate need of electrical help!

[surfshrink]

I need to get my bike inspected for the first time. My right rear blinker doesn't work. I can't pass inspection without the blinker. Whenever I push the right blinker, the fuse blows. The front running light works. I've tried changing the bulb, but the fuse still blows. I'm in desperate need of help. I'm definitely not electrically inclined, but have tried everything I can think of. I have a VTX1300S, 2005.

[coffee_brake]

Somewhere along the wires from the blinker, a wire is grounding out. It is probably a place where the wire has the insulation rubbed off. It will take a little while, but you need to "chase" the wires from that signal until you find the place where it is grounding out. A wiring diagram in the shop manual or the Clymer's manual will help.

[Gummiente]

Further to coffee brake's advice, pull the headlight out of the housing and examine the wiring behind it. Most bikes use the headlight shell as a halfway point for wiring, which makes it much easier for troubleshooting electrical problems. Problem is, the wires will chafe against the inside of the shell due to normal vibrations from the road and the bike and sometimes will wear through the insulation. This will cause an electrical short, which will blow the fuse. Examine all the wires for burn marks and bare spots, if you don't find any then replace the headlight and start tracing wires from the signal light switch out to each signal light - you'll find the problem eventually.

[surfshrink]

Thanks for the tips. I finally located the spot under the rear fender. Took me all day (I'm not that bright). It's finally working. Just had to replace the bad wires. A friend helped me narrow down the location.

[mgdavis]

Good job. I hate having to chase down wiring faults.