if you so run it slow on trails run it with the lights on. that will turn on the charging system. the charging system on it is made to run at a high rpm, or if it has a load on like the lights. my brother in law learned this while trying to brake in his motor nice and slow, that darn thing would have a dead battery, and would not start. run the lights no more problem. you will need to loosen up the preload on the front shocks about 4 turns also unless you are a realy big guy. they are to tight from the factory.