Motorcycle Repair: General electrical testing question..losing charging, motorcycle mechanic, electrical testing

Question
Hello Jan, I didn't know where else to turn so i hope you can help even though i don't own a Honda. I used to be a motorcycle mechanic (25 years ago!) so i don't remember a darn thing anymore. My bike keeps losing it's battery charge and most of the time it starts over and over again. But there are days when i will travel 60-80 miles, turn it off and then can't start it again without a jump start. I hear the selenoid click and that's it! Lights are on...all is on but she won't turn over. I've tried to test the starter rely, headlight rely etc...(my headlight doesn't work either which is now directly connected to my battery when i want to ride). Seems I need a special tester as the usual won't read right for testing electrical components but i will be darned if I can find one! I am lost as to what may be the problem..starts sometimes...and then it won't. I've checked all wires...looks good...can't find any grounding out anywhere. What puzzles me is why would it start with a jump? Something is keeping the battery from charging enough to start this bike consistently. What would you suggest?

Answer
I would use a regular voltmeter and check the voltage when the bike is running.  At rest, the battery should have around 12.6V  If the bike is running, the voltage should increase to around 14V.  if not, check your fuses, connections, alternator, and regulator.

Good luck,

Jan