I have a 2002 polaris 700 sportsman that has to be jump started. When you disconnect the jumper cables it will run all day but the lights and gauges don't work and if you shut it off it won't start again without being jumped again and there's no power going back to the battery to charge the battery. I thought I got lucky when I found a loose wire on the regulator but when I hooked it back up there was still no power. If I hook up a new battery it'll start but then that battery goes dead after riding for a little while.

 

Sounds like you do have a charging problem,but it may not be the reg/rectifier causing the problem.Possibly a bad stator also! Ducati electrical systems on the early models(IF you haven't updated the ignition) are just bad about going out! May take a few years,but the systems will fail and no new parts are available! The updated Kokusan kit is #2202602 and includes a new stator,flywheel,cdi,coil,regulator/rectifier,jumper wires needed and instructions. Just look through this forum at all the posts on this and even other forums mention this problem! The kit is around $450,check different websites on this such as Cheap Cycle Parts,Cycle Parts Warehouse,etc for the best price. DON'T spend any time or money trying to repair this system as it wont last! OPT

 

Whats the best way to test it

 

I wouldn't bother! If a stator is the problem, then you have to buy the updated kit any way. If it's a reg/rectifier,even if you replace it something else will go out such as the combination cdi/coil pack,then you have to buy the updated system! Plus don't buy any new or used parts on Ebay. Just do a little research and you will see all the problems people have on the 600 and 700 atvs with the Ducati electrical system. OPT

 

I only have a $300 repair budget, and I found a voltage regulator and stator on cheap cycle parts. So can I get by with buying those parts or do I need to figure something else out

 

Magneto A02 Ch68 Aa/Ab/Ac/Ca/Cb Polaris Sportsman 700 (A02CH68AA/AB/AC/CA/CB) 2002 OEM Parts - Cheap Cycle Parts Plus a later model Kokusan stator will not work with the Ducati flywheel and electronics if you find that part!
The stator(magneto, item #2) is updated by the complete kit #2202602! If you find any Ducati parts anywhere don't waste your money! I understand on the money situation,but best to save up and do it right! You might get the regulator/rectifier and luck out for awhile(if it's a reg/rectifier problem) but this system can still leave you stranded! OPT