Motorcycle Repair: 2007 nightster starting issues, starter wire, negative cable

Question
QUESTION: about a year ago i was riding stoped to get gas and my bike wouldn't start after a while it did. this happened a few more time in the year. i realzed that my negative cable was loose. i did not charge my battery this winter so i put a new one in it in the spring. my biked started right up but after runnig for twenty minutes i coulnd'nt start it agian. should i check the regulator or the alternator. i'm just looking for the right direction to head. i dont like taking my bike to the shop i like to do the work myself.

ANSWER: Check your cable again to make sure they are tight at both ends. Charge the battery fully and try to start it. If it starts, check the voltage at the battery at around 2000 RPM and let me know what the voltage is
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: voltage is about 14.2 i ran it for about 5min and checked it again and it was the same

Answer
If you are running  that kind of voltage, it is not your charging system. After checking the cables are you still having the same problem? Also, when it does not start, do you just hear a clicking sound? If you do, check the power at the starter from the starter relay. If it clicks and you dont have 12 volts at the starter wire from the relay, then the relay is bad
Good luck and happy riding
Mike