Electrical thingies not working. Have I killed my bike?

[ninja_butler]

The title sums up my level of expertise, I'm lost already! The bike is a 1980 Honda XL 250 SA, it was running okay until I decided to have a go at mending it.

The first problem I encountered was that being unable to turn the bike on I couldn't check to see if I had power before I started.
I lost the old key to my bike so I bought a new ignition barrel - and while I was at it I thought I have a go at replacing the headlight since the old one was breaking up.


I turned the key in the new ignition barrel and.. nothing. Dead. No horn, no lights, no indicators.


First thought: A problem with the new ignition barrel.. should I try the old one? I don't really know how to force an ignition; any bike thieves know how to screwdriver it?

Second thought: Did I disturb something when I was tinkering with the exhaust and took the seat off?

The battery (6 volt) seems fine, it didn't even need charging even though the bike hasn't been run for six months.


EDIT*

I just tried touching the spark plug to the frame and there is no spark.




Third possibility: There is a mystery green wire loose in the headlight and I have no idea where it came from, maybe I pulled it out by accident. The Haynes wiring diagram shows three wires so what is the extra one?

https://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc469/Ninja_Butler/random/Honda%20XL%20250%20S%201980/Honda%20XL%20250%20S%20headlight%20wiring/mysterywire.jpg

[Vincent]

That green wire looks home made and also looks like it's either a commen earth or for one of the indicators.
Have you checked the fuse?
____________________
Space Is Deep

[ninja_butler]

Thanks Vincent.
I think you're right, the green wire very likely is an earth.

The fuse isn't broken but it looks dark in the middle (it's hard to see) as if it's been running hot. I'll see if I can find a 6v fuse in town.

I'll check the Haynes manual later but does anyone know off-hand if the display lights (ie, the "neutral" light) should come on when the ignition is on? I know all modern 12v bikes will but I can't remember for sure with old 6v bikes.


Things for me to do:

New fuse.
disconnect kill switch just in case it's faulty.
Check for loose/disconnected earth wires.

[Vincent]

Yup, neutral light should be powered by the battery and come on with the ignition.
____________________
Space Is Deep