Starting problems-headlight dims, no power to relay

When I press the starter button, the headlight only dims. There is no
power getting to the starter relay. I know this because the starter
relay doesn't even click. I've tested the continuity with an ohmmeter
on some wires, but Im way over my head as far as knowing what to do.

I"ve posted on this site for some other problems, and slowly I've been
making some progress. Thank you everyone for your help. I've almost
given up on this bike, but thought I'd give this one more shot.

I have a 1983 Honda Shadow VT750.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what the most common problems could
be? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

 

Dead battery is the Number One suspect.

 

...followed by a loose connection on the started with a bad starter/solenoid
following at a distant third. Try jumping it with a car. Make sure the car
is turned off and that you connect positive to positive first and then
connect the negative leads. You can use the frame as a negative lead in
most cases, but if you want to be sure, use the battery posts. If the bike
turns over, then you've found your problem.

 

If it doesn't, then the starter relay coil is hosed. Check the
continuity of the coil itself with a multimeter.