Turned out stuck starter solenoid. Quick whack fixed it

Also took apart starter switch and cleaned it out. With the jumper cables on, cleaned out switch, brand new punched in the balls starter relay and proper key position bike behaves as it should.

Good, does that mean it cranks or actually starts and runs?

Haven't put the tank back on still have some reassembly to do so I'm not sure if its getting spark\fuel pump is running.

I did toss the new battery on the charger (older Diehard 2/5/50) last night until I got a green and popped it in during lunch.

Hit the start button and not enough to kick over but it sounded like an honest try. Couple of stabs at the button resulted in consistent behavior typical of a low battery.

Final test
Turn bike off and on and lights are at half intensity got a slight buzzy squeal from coils.

Before you put it back together, take a good run at all the wiring. It might save you a lot of time and frustration later on.

I've gone through starter switch, starter relay, headlight connectors, deceased kickstand switch wiring, ground point at thermostat bracket, fuel pump connector.

I've cursed at the connector for the junction box and the IC box.
Y U NO COME OFF!!!

I've also touched the housing for the clutch switch but have yet to crack it open.

Other items I've stared at but only in a "scowl...get to you if I have to kinda of way" is the ground point at the engine case (battery cable) and cable from the starter relay to the cable.


I've also ordered a Battery Tender Plus because my Die Hard 2\10\50 charger annoys me.

I was thinking more about taking apart all of those questionable splices then redoing them yourself, using solder and a good grade of automotive self-sealing heat shrink. But whatever. Scowl away.

So far the only questionable splice was the kickstand switch wire.
After a closer look, it looked like someone initially cut into the the sheath and used a wire to connect everything (hence the crappy electrical tape job and then later on took the connector off, twisted the wires and popped the connector back on.
As for other areas, what I thought to be questionable splices were just extra electrical tape @ rub points and as a way to keep wires organized.
My initial reaction was from a position of ignorance of bike wiring.

Take a look at a racebike that's been stripped of everything, right down to the wiring harness, and you'll never make that mistake again.

Just retested.

Had battery on charger most of the day.
Popped it in
At first all the lights come on fairly strong.
Hit the start button...nothing but a click.
Turn key off then back on lights are dim, buzz from the ignitor and then lights begin to fade.
Also tach needle is floating.
(Identical issue http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...ing-sound.html )

Hook jumper cables up to the car and no problemo.

So I think the solution to my problem is to install my wifes car as a sidecar.