Start Button Issues

[KevinSchmidt]

Can anyone provide me some insight as to what provides the ground for the start button. I am working on a 1978 XS400E that I am restoring. I painted the handlebars since the chrome finish was pitted and looked terrible. Now upon assembly the start button won't work unless I provide a ground source. Whats confusing me is that I have removed paint in the area where the hand controls mount but still have issues. I need help resolving this issue because even the handlebar risers are isolated from the rest of the bike with rubber mounts.

 

[Onetype]

There should be a black wire in the loom that runs up into the controls. It connects to the main harness probably somewhere in the headlight bucket. I had the same problem and it turned out the ground had come out of the female connector. If for some reason there isn't one, add one.