1983 KZ750, dead in the water

I just got an 1983 KZ750 (dont really understand the body type) this past week. The bike started when I bought it from the guy but when I got home it seemed as if the battery had died. Several attempts but just seemed to die even more. Charged the battery over night and started right up, but once I shut it off, the battery seemed completely dead and the engine would no longer click. It has been through some rough times, 1st owner painted it a horrible green, and the previous owner covered with black rattle/spray cans to cover the first owners junk.

I replaced the battery, which I now hope wasn't a bad idea, but now the engine doesn't even click. The lights, turn signals, break lights all work. I want to fix this so that I have a better idea on fixing my dads harley. (passed away in july, had a 2001 softail w/ 947 miles!) Any suggestions on this journey?

pictures of the bike

1983 KZ750 - Imgur

imgur.com/a/I6XJb

First check the charging system. Sounds like it was not charging the battery and killed it. Replace all fuses regardless of appearance. Clean battery connections especially to ground on frame.

I'd check the battery connections again, also the fuses as even though they may Look good, they can make no connection. You are pulling in the clutch lever right?

Yea clutch was pulled every time. Also, just to note, just familiarized myself with taking about my dirt-bikes couples weeks ago. So I would say I am fairly new but can read a manual.

Is there anyway to specifically check the charging system, tools recommended or atleast checking the wires without totally screwing myself. (hope this doesn't sound dumb, I just want to learn, hands on I guess.) I also charged the old battery overnight which might have helped it to just barely start the next morning. But I charged the newer battery for a few hours but still nothing to the engine.

To note, the bike wiring seems very dirty. Kept outside and has a lot of dirt.

(also does the bike look as bad a my brother says? I think it has some beauty?) thankspa

The New Battery, is it a Wet Acid type, and has been filled with electrolyte?
Do you have a Volt Meter? To check the battery voltage, and the electrical?

yea it was, I had to pour the electrolyte acid in there. I did the entire process by the book in preparing correctly. However as volt meter no, but from reading some of the forums sounds like a good tool to have. Would the volt meter detach the dead wirings?

If your going to sort out your bikes electrical system, you should buy or borrow a decent DVOM
(Digital Volt Ohm meter) to make measurements.

Sounds Good, neighbor use to be a electrician, he may have one. I will update when I get it and begin figuring out what wires are bad. Best idea on replacing/fixing a bad or lose wire?

Get a hold of a meter, your neighbor would have one if he's an electrician. If you do some simple tests you will find why it won't turn with the starter. If you have a bad connection, cleaning and tightening may be all it needs. Or possibly cutting the wire at the terminal end, and replacing that terminal. Possibly a bad switch, or wires where they solder to the switch, etc. You may need a soldering Iron and solder, heat shrink, different terminals, only way is to do some checks first.
A 6 pack of cold beer might get the neighbor interested in your bikes electrical,

I will and will keep you posted. He may even know some simple was of cleaning it up. Let you know what happens

Just curious as for tonight I will check the charging system. If the charging system was not properly working or charging, would the battery still have enough juice to have the lights working on the bike? Such as turn signals and headlight? Thanks.