I have a 2003 Suzuki Vinson 500 and the battery wont hold a charge. I have tried replacing the battery, and tightening all connections. I can charge the battery, start the bike and go for a ride, but after riding for a while and turning it off and trying to restart, there isnt enough juice to even turn the headlights on. I have tried this with both the new and old batteries and it is the same thing with both, even after turning the key off and then quickly back on. I can do a pull start and when it starts it runs fine. Any thoughts on what it could be? Not looking forward to taking this to a shop, only one in town that works on them, and their not very good. Thanks for any help.

 

Charge the battery, then start the quad.

Attach a voltmeter to the battery terminals, and read the idle voltage--it will probably be around 10.5-11vt.

Rev the engine. The voltage should increase to around 14.5vt.

If the voltage increases, then you know that the charging circuit components (stator, regulator/rectifier) are functional.