1981 Yamaha maxim 650 shut down while riding, won't restart, help!!!

[Jlogue1076]

Hi everyone, just joined as I noticed from my searches that forums seem to have the best info around. I am typically a do it yourselfer, but alas, I can't do everything:) I recently picked up this bike, been sitting for a year, fixed a stuck front brake caliper, changed the oil and plugs, fresh gas... Put a hundred miles on it no problems until today. I was sitting at a light, started to pull out and the bike hesitated then throttled no problem. I continued for another 6 miles or so and just as I pulled onto my street it shut off. I got it started and pulled it in the driveway and it shut off again.
I now can't even get the ignition button to do anything. I tried to coast it and pop it into gear. It started to kick over but didn't successfully. So I had to suck it up and push the darn thing with pride a little tattered. Occasionally I can get the button to try to turn over, but few and far between. It left me sit at the store yesterday, had to get picked up, went back with new plugs and started no problem, now this. Anyone out there know what the issue might be?
Thanks in advance for your help!!

[Johnj]

Hello Jeremy and welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have an electrical gremlin. Check all the connections real good. Look for a main wire going open.

[Jlogue1076]

Thanks John!
I tried to start the bike prior to looking at anything again. Nothing. So I hooked up a volt meter to the battery and that checked out, so then I just tugged a little on the cable from the switch to the headlight housing and there she was. I had a short. Took the headlight out and checked each wire until I found the culprit. Though I do plan on retiring everything on her, some electrical tape will let me and her go out for more dates til then. Soooooo glad it was something simple! Wish every problem was that easy to fix:) thanks for your help, and hopefully it's a long while til any other issues arise...
Safe riding!!

[dr_bar]

Make sure those battery terminals are tight too, don't ask me how I know... LOL