Motorcycle Repair: 1982 suzuki gs 550L, stator rotor, solenoid switch

Question
I own a 1982 suzuki gs 550L. I put in a new stator and a new battery. With both, the bike will turn over but not start. After a couple of tries, the battery wears down and only the lights will work. No more turning over, no clicking noises. I jumped it with my car and it started right up and stayed running, ruling out the regulator in my mind. I could turn it on and off as many times as I pleased while it was warm. When it cooled, same problem occurred, turned over and made noises but after a bit the battery seemed to lose power. Is something drawing power from the battery, to drain it? Thank you.

Answer
Jeremy,

-could be a couple of things, first off just to
clarify something, the charging system and the
starting system are two different things and
related only by battery condition.

-the charging system consists of the stator, rotor,
regulator/rectifier and battery, fuses, wiring.

-the starting system consists of the battery,
fuses, wiring, starter relay and/or solenoid switch,
the starter itself and starter button.

-The only related part between the two is the
battery.

-If your battery is not faulty which is possible
even if new, the drain you describe is likely
either the charging system is not functioning
or the starter relay is failing or the starter
is in need of a rebuild or replacement.
The starter may be drawing excessive current
from the battery.

-First, get a multimeter and check for at least
13.5-14.5 volts on the battery when the bike
is running 2000 rpm or higher.
If it is not charging, there is likely
your problem.

-if the charging looks okay, you may have to
remove the starter and check the brushes etc.
The solenoid can be bypassed when it quits
by running battery power direct to the starter
motor, if it starts, then it may be your solenoid
at fault.