Motorcycle Repair: how does the batt rechage?, virago models, regulator rectifier

Question
i have a 85 virago that i just bought. i know how a battery charges on a car, and altenator. well how does it charge on my bike. i too did not get an owners manuel with this bike and wonder how do you get the battery out to charge it? i was able to get the neg off but could not remove it from under the seat. yes i did take the ruber stap off. it just wont pull out. thanks

Answer
Kevin,

-Check if the bike is charging 13.5-14 volts
at the battery. If not, the battery, stator
or regulator/rectifier may be faulty.
Also check the fuses.
You may have to remove the seat and take off
both battery cables. It may be tight but should pull
out. The charging system on Virago models uses a rotor with
permanent magnets that rotates around a stator coil of copper wire.
This produces alternating current, which is converted to direct current
by the regulator/rectifier. The regulator/rectifier also controls the
charging system output to the battery.