Motorcycle Repair: batteries not beign charged, honda 1000 goldwing, ac volts

Question
I recently bought a 1979 Honda 1000 goldwing and the person i bought it from  told me up front that the batteries will go dead after about 200 miles and that the stator was bad.  he gave me an alternator and some brackets and an instruction booklet he downloaded.  since i am an automotive technician i figured i could convert it over.  Before i did this tho  want to be sure it is the way to go.  How much would it cost to have the stator replaced in a shop EST.  and how long should it last he was talking like it was very common and happens all the time.  if so i think converting it to an alternator would be better what is your opinion on this .

Answer
Check this out on the right side of the bike remove the side cover and you will find a plug with 3 yellow wires. These go to the stator. Unplug these wires and check to see if they are burnt or the plastic plug is melted.If so I want you to take a volt meter and check the wires stator side to ground.If any are grounded stator usually bad.Preform this test also,start the bike and check each wire to ground.This is done with your meter on AC volts. Your reading should be about 23.5 volt each wire.If not stator bad.And I am sure you wont to know were the stator is.Look on the left side rear of the motor The big round thing thats it.I have never converted one over so I don't know about this.They are a pain to change as the engine must be removed from the bike.Check the web and I think you will find one.
Any more help get back to me   Jerry