Geoff, thanks for the new battery tip. I´d read on another message board that these bikes had a charging system problem, but I didn´t know it was preventable. I´ll get a new battery. I´ve read that it is a good idea to change the fuses every year or two to help maintain performance. I don´t know if this is realated to the charging system or not. Also, don´t use synthetic oil in these bikes. Any thoughts on this?