'82 Virago 750 battery keeps going dead

[gary riggle ()]

My '82 Virago 750 has an electrical problem.  2nd brand new battery will not hold a charge. If I turn the key to 'on' position, then turn to off the nuetral light will stay on. If I try and start it and turn key to 'off' position the nuetral light and oil level light will stay on. If I turn the kill switch to run with key 'off' the nuetral light will come on. With key off I can turn kill switch to run and be able to crank bike. Anyone with similar problem? Is there a short in the kill switch? Starter button?

[Pop of 6]

I had an old Honda do something of the same thing and it turned out to be a bad ignition switch.  Try disconnecting the switch. This Honda you couldn't take the switch apart but a different switch fixed the problem.

[bstig60]

I agree.... Probably a bad ignition switch or a shorted wire somewhere causing the ignition or a portion of the circuit to stay "on" with the switch "off". Unplug the switch and then get out your wiring diagram and a good Voltmeter and check the wires for a short. Do the same with the switch terminals with the switch both in the "on" position and with it "off". This should tell you which direction to look for the problem.

[pofarm]

Check out this thread. The guy had an eerily similar problem to yours.
http://viragotechforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=19313&highlight=neutral+light