[MotoJ]

So, beautiful day this morning after weeks of stifling heat, and recently, heavy rains for hours at a time. I was happy to get the cover off the bike and take her to work after a week or so driving the truck.

She started after a couple kicks and idled nicely. I let her warm up and off I went.
About halfway to work she started to sputter and I switched to reserve and feathered the throttle and she picked back up again. I thought that was weird- I kinda remember filling up. Huh, maybe I didn't?

Anyway, a few blocks later and same thing, This time she dies and I coast to a stop. I thought maybe water in the gas, but also notice the running lights are barely glowing and I have no horn. Ampmeter is just left of center. Dead battery again? It's a new battery. A week ago when I switched them out, my meter showed 13.6, and 14 V when running, showing me my alternator was working, at least at that moment when I was checking.

The bike went home on a flatbed.  The bullet connector is tight, all connectors from the alternator are tight, nothing obviously loose at points, and they don't look scarred or burnt. Plug wire and connection at coil are good. Full tank of gas, like I thought. (Things I checked while waiting for AAA).

What should I start with when I get home?

[The Garbone]

Check your voltage and see were you stand with the battery..   If you volts are bad your going to have to chase a short. 

If your battery looks good drain the float bowl of the carb and replace the plug.   Are your points clean?

[MotoJ]

Hi Garbone,
They looked clean. Everything inside the points cover is like new. I'll dress them with a file when I get home and re-gap them anyway. But, I suspect I've got an alternator problem.

[mikail gransee]

What year..'07..'08? just a hunch but check your fuse and also check your tail light for water. if you had alot of rain..some might of "pooled" somewere and gave you a short.

[Blltrdr]

Check that your gas cap vent is working properly. If not it could cause a vapor lock condition. I had a bad cap that wouldn't vent properly, talking about the run around. Check this that and everything else. The bike would run fine then die. One day I changed out the overpriced Hitchcock's cap with my cheapie Indian 50's British knockoff and voila, fixed!