I've broke my Baby. Electrical issue.

[CoreyDog]

Hi all,

New user so please be gentle.

Bought a 2005 Varadero 125 as a commuter. After only a couple of days, I've managed to injure it already doing, what should have been, a very simple job.

I've gone to change the headlight bulbs as old ones looked very yellow and ancient. Picked some Halogen Ba20d 35w off Amazon. Removed the offside bulb holder easily enough without having to remove clocks or anything. Removed old bulb and fitted new, turned ignition on but no light. Fiddled with the smaller single connector and it illuminated. Disconnected bulb holder from all 3 wires and bent the connector to make better contact with bulb, replaced everything but still no light. Decided to start the bike and roll it out the garage to get better view and now the bike won't start at all! Clocks are illuminated, neutral light is showing but the bike is completely dead, not even trying to turn over.

Engine kill switch is set to right position and everything is as it should be.

So to sum up, I've messed about with something and now bike is dead... Help please before I spend a fortune on a mobile bike electrician!

Thanks.

[CoreyDog]

Well turns out I'd blown a fuse!

Who'd have thought that blowing a headlight fuse wouldn't allow the bike to start! Probably nearly every single one of you on here...   

Gave me an excuse to take the side panel off though and get to know the bike alittle better.

Good to be here and I'll take a long read through many of the helpful threads. 

[The Prodded Dog]

Key to problem solving.
1) Don't panic.
2) start with the cheapest to fix.
3) Double check everything. A volt meter helps.
4) Read the manual. Looking at the wiring diagram for any bike is enough to give you nightmares!
5) Take your time.
Best of luck.
The Prodded Dog