So just to throw fuel on the fire and have a healthy debate on this, I found this link
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...1014740AAKiQo8
Discussing motorcycle condensors and how they can overcharge the battery. Though I agree that the rectifier too, if in bad shape, can contribute as well. I'm by no means an electrician and still learning how the heck it all works, but I'm interested in others' responses.
I have another vintage bike with a voltage regulator instead of a rectifier, the battery electrolyte levels get low on it and builds corrosion on the terminals, which I guess I could suspect the regulator and/or condensor. I'm almost getting the impression it is so cheap and easy I may as well replace condensors on every vintage bike I ever work on.