Thanks guys, I hate diagnosing electrical problems so every tip helps heaps.
One question. Should I be using a lead acid type battery that the bike came with or the gel type that was supplied by the local bike shop?
I would use the newer battery, but start with it in in full or mostly charged state. Assuming that battery is good, it removes one variable from the analysis.
I'll do a current draw test this weekend and see if I really do have a voltage leak. Does it work both ways?
Not sure what "both ways" means. Voltage and current? If that is what you meant, then "yes."
Should I have a certain current (amps) input into the battery when it runs?
I am not too hip to the battery, but what is the Amp Hour rating of the battery? My guess is that you should see 3-5 amps flowing INTO the battery at a reasonable engine speed (say 4000 rpm) at start up. As the battery charges, the voltage regulator voltage and the battery voltage differential reduces, and the current flow will be reduced. But, 3-5 amps initially is probably reasonable.
You also want to make sure you have a Voltage rise to about 14.4 volts while the system is charging. (Thanks, Bergerhag)
How can I perform this test? Maybe this is my problem all along . I think it's charging with sufficient voltage but it's not getting the current input.
Connect an ammeter between the negative post of the battery and ALL of the leads which are connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Activate the ignition, and look at the SIGN of the current draw (i.e., either positive or negative). KICKSTART the bike (if you E-start it, you will draw enough current to blow the fuse or destroy your ammeter). When the bike is running, watch the ammeter. as you rev the engine, you should see the Ammeter switch current polarity (i.e., current in, not out) and move to 3-5 amps. If you see that, then check to see you're getting a voltage rise across the battery terminals. (If you have only one multimeter, you'll have to connect the negative leads to the negative post, and then restart the bike and check voltage.) you should see 14.4 volts as Bergerhag reported.
Also, I would suggest that you do these tests with both the lights ON and the Lights OFF. You should still see current flowing into the battery with the lights ON, but perhaps a diminished amount as some of the current output is going to run the lights. (but maybe not 'cause the lighting might be on a different circuit/winding in the generator/alternator).
If both of these tests pass, and a charged battery goes dead, then you have a parasitic loss somewhere. If it doesn't pass the test, it means you have a charging issue. We can help you with that, too.
Do you have a wiring diagram you can post? Looking at that would help me be more specific. Thanks.
Best wishes.
blitz