Hi guys! First time posting on here, long time reading info from your page though, anyways, onto the issue.
I recently got a 1978 CB550K that has clearly been slightly altered by a previous owner. It should also be stated that my dad originally bought this bike, and then had let it sit for over a decade. I will post a pic when I get home. I have been taking the last 2 months or so just to clean things up and check that everything still moves where it should, and stays put where it should. Long story short, after checking that everything seems to be fine (visually), I put new oil in it, got a new battery, and tried to start it. (and yes, before anyone asks I did follow the right steps and checking the required items as outlined here on the forum for trying to start/resurrect an old bike)
Let me be clear, I wanted To start it, but I never got that far. When I touched the second battery terminal with the positive lead, therefore completing the circuit, the tail lights and the neutral lights came on, but then it immediately began to smoke. I got it disconnected as quick as possible, but the damage was disheartening to say the least. I have never tackled wiring before so this is very intimidating to me. When I looked the wiring over later the next day I found that a green wire, starting at the regulator, passing through a couple connectors and terminating at the left ignition coil (looks to be the ground I think, again, will post pics later today) had melted through its insulation and through the external wire wrapping. It was completely exposed!
I've never run into this sort of thing before, it's a vintage bike that has sentimental meaning to me, and my dad. We would love to be able to hear that engine purr before the cold hits here (NE Wisconsin). I will have additional maintenance to do over winter, so in reality there is no rush, but any help would be great! Thanks guys!
