1999 M750 eletrical issue

[the_Journeyman]

Ok, so I'm got a 1999 M750 with almost 30,000 miles on it.  Wednesday morning, I hopped on it and turn the switch on and everything lit up like normal.  I hit the starter, and EVERYTHING went dark, lights, dash, brake light.  I rolled it & bounced it a couple times and everything lit back up.  It started normally and I rode to work and home without further issue.  Thursday morning, it lit up correctly, and cut off when I hit the starter just like it did Wednesday.  This time, I never got it to light back up.  I've checked the battery connections and they are secure.  As I move the positive cable around, the fusebox or something near it clicks, but the bike doesn't light up.  It's like there is no power at all. 

What should I check, and how should I check it?

Thanks!

JM

[Duck-Stew]

First off, check your fuses if you haven't already.

Next, check the ground wire off the battery where it attaches to the frame under the air box.  Corrosion get in there sometimes.

also, there is a three inch ground strap between the engine & the frame just above the clutch.  Check that wire also.

[the_Journeyman]

Thanks, I'll be checking on those then, already checked all the fuses.  Checked the ground at the airbox, but only for tightness, didn't look for corrosion.  Sounds like I've got a few things to still check ~

JM

[Howie]

Your symptoms are typical of a loose/dirty battery or ground connection.  On all the connections Duck-Stew mentioned plus the battery connections, remove, clean, reinstall.  Disconnect negative on the battery first.  Connect negative on the battery last.

[the_Journeyman]

Thanks for the replies.  Once I actually removed the battery cables to clean as howie mentioned, I found the battery terminal was coated with a thin layer of rust on both sides.  No doubt from insane amount of water I was in on Saturday along with the huge wave of water a truck threw on me and the bike. 

Thanks folks!

JM

[Howie]

Glad you are back on the road again