TOPIC:

and I tied off the clutch kill switch.

I know our bikes aren't the same but wiring should be very similar. Keep in mind colors may be different. Power from ign switch comes in to the kill switch on a red/yellow and exits on red going to the start button. If you have no power to the start button check for voltage on the input to the kill switch.

I'm defintitely at a loss here. If I've got 12 volts on one side of the solenoid, why don't I have it on the other. I've tried 2 different solenoids. Anybody have any suggestions?

Sweet Back,put a circuit diagram up. I don't know your model, but electrical tech is easier with a drawing

This is the electrical if thats what you mean. You can down load it here. 19mb file.

www.filefreak.com/pfiles/56769/electrical.bmp

I d/l your diagram, I'll post asp.
where on the bike is the "starter lockout switch"?
anybody?

disconnect all positives from battery.
unplug connector feeding solenoid,this should have a black,

and a black/yellow
set meter to lowest resistance setting.
connect one meter lead to battery negative.
connect other meter lead to black/yellow on harness side of

disconnected connector.
your meter should show short circuit[same as connecting

meter leads together].
this confirms integrity of earth[battery negative] to solenoid.
All good?
if yes then continue.

reconnect all positives to battery.
do not reconnect solenoid connector at this stage.

you should have a connector which goes to your :
lighting switch and
pursuit switch and
stop switch and
starter switch[starter button] and
siren switch.
this connector has 8 wires
blue L
red/blue R/L
blue/yellow L/Y
red/white R/W
green white G/W
yellow/red Y/R
red R
black B

pull this connector apart
set meter to whatever scale to enable you to read 12 volts dc
turn ignition key to position 1
connect meter negative lead to battery negative
connect meter positive lead to yellow/red on harness side of

disconnected connector
you should read 12 volts
if yes then turn ignition off.
disconnect meter from yellow/red
disconnect meter from battery negative
disconnect all battery positives

set meter to lowest resistance scale
connect one meter lead to black wire on harness side of 8

wire connector.
connect other meter lead to black wire on harness side of

solenoid connector
your meter should show short circuit[same as connecting

meter leads together].
Tell me your results.

Everything came out exactly as you stated in your post. Nothing different. And thank you for your time on this.

I can continue with this tonight if you wish?

I think I'm just gonna take it in. I appreciate all of your help.

Everyones tips (all good ones btw) are having you test the same components over and over, just in different orders.

Try this test and see if it helps:
Turn the ignition switch on, put the kill switch to the ON position, and while holding the starter button in, slowly turn the ignition switch key slightly in either direction and see if your beast wakes up.
If so, then the ignition switch contacts are worn and/or corroded.

I've been dealing with this same sceanrio on my ZN700 for the past few years, which makes riding really exciting when it cuts out while negotiating through a see of inattentive cagers at 75+ mph.
A slight (approx 1/8" ) turn of the key to the left and ignition power is restored, which is confirmed by a throttle that responds again and a HUGE f-ng backfire!

Cleaning and adjusting (bending) the contacts helps for a while, but the prob eventually returns.
One of these days I hope to get lucky and find a NOS ignition switch (it's no longer available through Kawi) on eBay and put this prob to rest for good.

mods please delete