lately, every time I take a ride the charging light comes on after 10 min. or so, stays on for 10 or 15 min and then goes out - doesn't come on again until next time I ride. Once I pulled over when it was on and put a meter on the battery - seemed to be charging fine, about 14.5 V or so I think.
hmmm... Any thoughts?

check the connection from the stator which is the source of most charging issues, they tend to melt and suffer from corrosion

thanks - I'll check it out when I get back to town.

yes, the plastic on the connectors was melted and the contacts were corroded-looking. I cleaned the contacts and replaced the connectors and went for a ride. Same thing! After about 10 mins. the charging light came on, then winked out after a few and stayed off. I'd like to just write it off as quirky Italian electrics, but then certainly I'd get 100 miles out in the sticks and my voltage regulator would catch on fire or some such.

Doh!

there are many more connections that are most likely just as corroded and melted including all your grounds and your ignition switch.....read the FAQ its all there