Hey Bill,
if you have a proper short circuit, I think the main fuse will always go first.
The things I would check first are all the light bulbs - it is possible for a bulb to short when they blow. Just remove them all and test them with a multimeter if you have one, starting with headlamp, rear + brake, all 4 blinkers, and then if still nothing try unplugging the main connectors for your speedo and tacho assemblies and try again.
Get a box of fuses - it'll make your life easier!
If it isn't any of the bulbs, it could be a failed component but is most likely to be your wiring loom. Two options there: a) some critter like a squirrel or mice have chewed through it while it sat or b) some wires worn out, this most likely occurs where the harness moves, like at the steering column everytime you turn the bars.
The thing about the Vmax wiring is, you can isolate pretty much every component from the main harness, so by process of elimination you should be able to find where your short is, and if after unplugging everything it hasn't gone, then you'll know it'll be in the harness itself in which case you're better off replacing it. I did this on my bike and it was surprisingly easier than I had thought.
Hopefully it's something easy like a bulb or a burnt component, keep us posted and we'll do what we can to help!