Ignition Fit Harley

Ignition Fit Harley
1985 Virago 700, voltage drop?

Thanks to the answerers here, my 1985 Virago 700 is running again. But, it doesn't charge its battery when running. To charge the battery, the voltage needs to be 12.5 volts or more. If I yank out all the fuses except the ignition fuse, it'll get that 12.5. Adding back the headlight and tail light drops it down to 11.7. What tests can I perform on my alternator (and I know nothing about this, so please, give details)? Should I open it up to look at the stator (whatever that is), and if so, how do I open it up? I have a digital multimeter. If I have to replace the stator, would a stator from a 1986 Virago fit into my 1985 motorcycle? Any other suggestions (and please don't say 'replace the whole bike with a Harley 883')?

Find the three wires coming from the stator, they'll be in the plug/plugs that go into the regulator/rectifier unit. Set your meter on Ohms function and check for continuity bewteen the three wires (two at a time), should have continuity at some low Ohm reading. Next check for continuity from the stator wires to engine case, should be NO continuity, if there is stator is shorted and will need to be replaced. You can also check stator output, set meter to AC volts function, fire the bike up check voltage output for the three stator wires (two at a time), holding high idle I think you should see 60-80 volts. If your stator passes all these tests your problem is probably the regulator/rectifier unit. When its charging correctly you should see 13.5-15 VDC accross the battery not 12.5

EDIT: Viragos use a permanent magnet rotor system and do not have brushes. You'll find the regulator/rectifier on the left side of the bike down by the footpeg. Earlier reg/ret units were finned for cooling then later on they did away with the finning for some reason, which was a mistake as they then had a alot of reg/rec failures.