Louie,
YouTube it, watch it a few times and if you have the tools, do it yourself it's not that difficult. Save yourself a bundle of cash and learn something new. My 2 cents on the topic.

 

Louie, there are Stickies over in the Tech Electrical section which describe how to check your charging circuit. It's pretty simple stuff, all you need is a multimeter. That way you should be able to diagnose what is wrong and needs putting right. There are also other sources of info, such as on-line videos, as Mike points out.

 

Ensure you have the correct tools. Buy a Service Manual/parts catalogue. Thoroughly understand what needs to be done. Take your time.

 

Parts manuals are nice, with exploded views, but I have yet to buy one. If money was tight, I'd get a torque wrench first. Comp nut is over 150lbs I believe. A craftsman jack.

Take lots of pictures. Separate parts for storage easier to assemble.

Consider replacing belt, since you are that far. Or you can wait until it breaks on the side of the road.

Look at tranny shifter shafts when apart for leaks. I'd replace primary bearings and seals. Don't go back in there for 10nyears.

 

A torque wrench is definitely a 'right' tool!

 

this is what I would do.

16+ year old bike I would take the old stater and regulator(*?) off, get a new cycle e. hi output and pay no more then 250$,i would throw in a new rotor for good measure, 350$ tops if you spend 5 minutes online searching. Then i would scuff were the regulator contacts the bike and add another ground to were the starter connects to the primary and the unused post on the battery for good measure.
If its still working at all? I would save the old stater/reg in case one day I need to send back for lifetime warranty work which would be a miner inconvenience, because after i did it once i can change them in my sleep its so easy.
Thats just me.

 

Rotors are pricey. They don't seem to fail much, that I know of. But I like saving on future labor.

I have stator on shelf, misdiagnosis, for years saying going to replace belt before it fails. Hopefully this winter. I doubt I will but a rotor.

Unless you want more power

 

Rotors are pricey. They don't seem to fail much, that I know of. But I like saving on future labor.

I have stator on shelf, misdiagnosis, for years saying going to replace belt before it fails. Hopefully this winter. I doubt I will but a rotor.

Unless you want more power