Headlights/tail lights and cluster OUT and not working (2003 abs)

I was just sitting on my bike with the engine running today in the garage when the headlights/brake lights and instrument cluster turned off. The engine kept running, and the blinkers and brake light (brake on) work fine. I can start the bike and it runs no prob. I need to get to the fuse box to check it out, but could this be a 03' recall involving the grounding on the harness? Maybe a short somewhere?

Also, any advice on getting to the fuse box (2003 ABS)? Do I need to take off the upper cowl to access it? Thanks!

 

If you find a blown fuse, you probably have a short to ground somewhere on that circuit, so study the wiring diagram and closely inspect the wires.

 

Yep, shorted the license plate light to ground, blew the 10amp fuse. Duh...

 

thats interesting. I've had that EXACT problem before. Took me about 6 fuses to track it down.