I have a 2003 Polaris Predator 500.

It seems that after the machine has been running for a little while (and the time changes after each turn of the key), the voltage or current starts to fluctuate.

The machine will die and you can see the headlights fluctuate.

The first time it starts up after sitting a long time it will run the longest, then progressivly get shorter each time you try to start it.

It is not gas or spark plug as the lights will change even after the machine has died but as long as the key is still on.

I measured the voltage across the battery terminals and when started at idle it sits just above 12~13. When rev'ing it got up to 14.6.

Any ideas?

 

battery trying to short out on you? have a small short in the wiring somewhere. vibration of motor causing it to hit the frame just right to short then bounce off.
i would start with a load test to the battery

 

I don't think the battery is shorting. The machine will do the same thing each time even if it does not move or rev. It seems to be that when it warms up to some temp the current starts to fluctuate. The battery was brand new and I only got about 3 hours on it until the problem started.