Hello I have a 2000 Polaris 500 magnum that is constantly burning out all the headlights and sometimes draining battery after sitting a couple days , while not running it has 12.5 @ the battery, But while running I checked the charging system @ the battery & my tester only goes up to 16 & it burries the needle way past 16 @ an idle, could someone please help me out ?

 

Not 100% sure but sounds like voltage regulator is bad usually located on inside front grill some mounted to alluminium angle L shaped piece # 33 on partzilla engine taillight illustration do a search with part # might be able to get a cheaper one online ?if to pricey
Keep us posted

 

the rectifier is bad as it controls the voltage as mentioned above is the location. make sure the connections is good and corroded before replacing however.