So after getting all these good suggestions on what to look for, how to go about testing the circuits, etc. I chickened out (not real mechanically inclined), put the battery back in the bike and headed to the dealer. I did check and the 12 Volt faring outlet and it is indeed dead when the ignition is off (my bike anyway). The shop found the short, a bare wire running in the left side saddlebag. This is where the PO had mounted a CD player, not sure if that is standard or not I took it out when I got the bike and it has been collecting dust on the shelf ever since.
Thanks for all the suggestions,and advise everyone! I sure do appreciate your willingness to share your experience.