'81 550 maxim electrical

I am working on an 1981 550 Maxim and converting it to a cafe racer. I have the clymrr The problem is that I all that needs to be hooked up to have the ignition running, but all the engine will do is light the tail light. I'm pretty sure my headlight is burned out, and I'm unsure about all the switches, but I'm still working on it all. Should I buy all new wire and just redo it all, or keep on trying to work with what I have?

 

head light does not turn on untill the bike starts.
do you still have glass fuses?

here is the basic of your wiring
battery feeds 20 amp main fuse
20 amp fuse feeds the ignition switch.
the ignition switch feeds the tail lights AND the 3 other fuses
question ! are you getting voltage at the 3 other fuses?

here is a link to the best wiring diagram for a 550 it is seca not maxim but close enough for you
http://www.frankjohansson.com/stuff/xj550/XJ550ElectricalDiagram.html

there are 3 differances that I am aware of the directional indicator lights 2 vs 1 and how they ground. fuel guage and volt meter maxims do not have one

there are 2 relays that need to work sidestand safety relay and starter relay
look at them on the wiring diagram above it is interactive mouse over the relays

 

reading for you relay guide is a good first read
The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide


The Information Overload Hour

IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS

Something New, Something Naked

The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide