Charging at high revs
 

So after a late night (and very dark) ride to a buddy's house last night, I've decided that perhaps the poor running issues with my 1989 XT600 are related to a shot battery/generator system. When the bike idles, all lights are on nice and bright (including headlight), but at rpms any higher than idle, really, all lights dim or cut out and the bike backfires in decelleration. Also, bike also accelerates a bit rough and for the life of me I can't get rpms over around 5000 in any gear. I have a new battery to put in this afternoon, but could it be that the charging system is also shot? Shouldn't the generator alone be enough to power the bike when it is running, especially in high rpms? Or is this the difference between a generator and an alternator all over again?

Thanks in advance.

When you have your new battery fitted , fire up the bike and put a voltmeter across the battery treminals .When you rev the bike past about 2500 rpm you should see the voltage rise from about 12.6v at rest to something like 14 to 14.5 volts on the meter . This will tell you whether the alternator is charging .
A bad battery can display many wierd symtoms and until you KNOW you have a good one any further diagnosis is pointless.

Good point. I plan to fit the new battery tonight and will report back tomorrow.

No joy with new battery. New reg next up.

Down load this chart .

Technical Article: Fault Finding Guide - ElectroSport Industries

Check all connectors .
Check your rotor and stator before changing reg/rectifier .