'81 XJ650 won't Start :-(

I did a search trying to locate a similar post but did not succeed, so I apologize if this has been asked ten million times before.

Took my battery off the tender, charged and ready to go. placed it back on the cycle and was gonna go for a ride. Turn key to on, lights all come on as normal (neutral light, headlight, etc). Hit the starter button and lights all go out. Doesn't turn over no noise except a click when everything goes off. If I turn the key to off and back on the lights will come back on again.

Any recommendations on what I should be checking to correct this? I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, so use small words and whatnot. ;-)

 

start by "jumping" across the two big terminals on the solenoid ***shower of sparks alert*** and see if the starter spins.

If it does, then it's the solenoid, wiring, or the start button contacts.

If not, take that "fully charged" battery to the auto parts store and have it load tested.

If the battery checks out, then it's the solenoid, wiring or the starter button. (Or the starter itself.) The starter can be tested simply by feeding it 12volts, it should spin.

 

ok. thanks so much!