Motorcycle Repair: Charging system, suzuki vl800, regulator rectifier

Question
The question is; I drive a 2002 Suzuki VL800 Volusia (yes I know this isnt your area of expertise but I am getting desperate).  This is my primary transportation.  Lately; the last 3 weeks; my bike is depleting my battery after about 45 miles.  I have to put it on a charger every night.  I know it isnt the battery as I have already replaced it.  I have put a volt meter on the bike and when the engine is off the battery shows a draw 12.4; when I revved it up, it shows 12.7.  I have had the bike just die on me 3-4 times but when I am able to get someone to jump me off; their engine off of course; the bike starts right up and allows me to make it to the house, luckily 4-8 miles away.  I have also noticed that before it dies, it starts trying to backfire.  This happens at highway speeds as well as neighborhood speeds.  It has only died 1 time on the highway and I was able to start it while still rolling.  Any ideas?

Answer
It's nice to know you're turning to me only in desperation... OK even though this is against my better judgement, I'll venture some ideas.  It sounds like you either have poor connections to the alternator, or the regulator/rectifier.  If the connections are all good and clean, then start looking at the regulator/rectifier itself or the alternator.  Also check all the fuses, just in case there is a fuse in the alternator circuit.  There is no easy way to check functionality, other than when the engine is running, the voltage at the battery should be close to 14V to show a healthy charging system.  Good luck,  Jan