TOPIC:

on my 1976 kz900, I can let it run all i want but if I turn the lights on or hit the brakes it will die.

I know the battery is old and shot, but it holds a charge to tinker atleast.

thing is, I want to sort out the draw on power from the battery before I get a new battery. Its like the charging system doesnt charge at all.
I havent been into the stator yet and I do have an oil leak coming out of the stator cover. Going to pull the cover today, make a new gasket for it, clean out the goo if any and whatever else I can think of doing to it in one day without money.

but for the charging system, where should i look first for a direct draw of power?

No blinkers, Maybe a direct short to the frame?

maybe a direct short to a wire in the headlight bucket? who knows?
Have to figure out why my test light isnt working, but going to dig into the bike a bit more today.

does it die if you rev up the motor and turn on lights?if the generator aint putting out and your battery is week there probably just aint enough power to keep things going.check your charging system would be my guess .