SR 500 general clean up - electrical issues

[HotelBushranger]

Hey guys,

So I've had this '85 SR 500 since December, sat in the cellar for most of the winter but had good electrics. It's always had running problems, not wanting to start much and then when it does the spark plug fouls up after 5 minutes or so. Anyway life got in the way and I didn't get a chance to change oil and gaskets till a month ago or so. Did that then when I turned the key I was getting no electrics whatsoever. I assumed it was a dead battery and ordered a new one - no change. It was a struggle, but I managed to get the seat off and check the connections: everything is where it should be. After an even greater struggle, got the airbox and carby off; carby is clean as a whistle inside so the problems have to be electrical. Assuming the battery/s is dead, what are some other possible causes for getting no electrical output whatsoever? I don't a multimetre here, what are some other ways to check battery life? Two wires touching? Bit basic but yeah...any help would be appreciated.

Really desperate to get this on the road, I live down the road from the Black Forest and summer is almost in full effect - perfect conditions!

[Screamin TE]

Silly question but did you check the earths? Common problem with starting is a bad earth.

[HotelBushranger]

Yup.

[HK31A]

anyone trying to sort out electrical faults without a multimeter i would of thought would have to be very competent electricain

[Slug_BM]

Probably best if you pick up a cheap multimeter. Failing that, use a 12v bulb withfly wires (an old indicator unit works well) and test between the main earth and the battery. Keep one wire on earth and then try the ignition switch. Do check fuses too. The blade type fuses normally have the metal conductor exposed from the top so you can check if power is getting through at that point using the same method with the bulb.

[HotelBushranger]

Alright, grabbed me a cheap multimetre from Bauhaus - both batteries are dead. Why would the new one be as well? I followed the instructions, distilled water etc, only about 2 weeks old by now. At least I know what the problem is, I'll start looking around for some gel batteries I suppose. Going to use this time to clean up the crankcase and carby.

[chief wiggum]

check resistances of cables, and between cables and earth. if you could get hold of a megger, you could check your insulation resistance, but you'd have to ensure no electronics are still in circuit