Not getting any power

I rebuilt my starter motor and when I went to test it in the bike, I had no power. When I turned the key, nothing came on (no lights, no horns, no starter). I checked my voltage; a comfortable 12.4v.

I went out again a little later and, upon turning the key, I had power at the lights and horns, but still no starter. So, thinking it was a starter relay issue, I bridged the posts with a screwdriver. Immediately the lights went out and I heard a *sizzling* from somewhere on the right side of the bike. Now, trying to bridge the posts again, I get nothing, not even a spark.

My battery voltage is still 12.4v, but nothing is turning on.

This is a 1982 GPz750

Sounds like a short from the + battery post to ground that may have fried something. Sometimes there are internal fuses in the heavy power cables that feed the starter to prevent fire.