Why is my 650 dead?

[neotaco]

I have a 1981 XS650 Special with only 15,000 original miles. After I rebuilt the carbs, the bike died upon trying to start - no lights, horn, nothing. I've tested as many connections as possible and come up blank. Could it be an elusive ground connection I haven't found? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[5twins]

It could be I guess. But if you still have the original fuse box, it may very well be in there. They are notorious for going bad. The clips that hold the fuses get weak or break and you lose contact. The way that it's totally dead sounds like a main fuse problem.

 

[smokedyerstang]

I agree there's a good chance there's a fuse box issue. I had problems with my 81s fuse box when I got it so I immediately upgraded to a blade type fuse box.