switched to the 7" headlight ammeter in the red since then

[AgentX]

Check battery, then if that's OK, alternator output?

[Arizoni]

You might want to remove the carburetor float bowl and check for water or debris.

On my old carburetored bikes I found it doesn't take much to make an engine finicky. 

[ammburger]

I'll take those suggestions to the bike. I did check the battery and it mostly hovered a bit above 12V. I have a analog tester so can't drill down too precisely. Once while idling the meter went down to 8V and started dropping. I went to check something came back tested again, back at 12V. It idled for another couple minutes then just stopped as if I turned off the kill switch.

Also, now it kicks back when the choke is open, I dialed back the air mixture and it seemed to help.... a little.

Finicky isn't the word!! 

[barenekd]

If your battery is dropping to 8V with a load on it, it is shot. You need a newie.
Bare

[mikail gransee]

If your battery is dropping to 8V with a load on it, it is shot. You need a newie.
Bare

On troubleshooting a problem, the best is to start with what you did right before the problem. The light swap. Loose wire shorting ?  Take the time check your wires and connections for bare copper or looseness.

[pooletx]

Speaking of switching from the smaller to the larger headlight, i cant seem to solve the mystery of the two wire high and low beam connection to the headlight and then the mysterious single Amber wire.  I have a 2004 Sixty-5 and i have no clue what to do with the amber wire.   I also have a new 50/40 bulb.  Any info is appreciated.
John

[pooletx]

... And now the old stock 5 1/2" headlight doesnt work!  Tried w multimeter to check Current and blue and green ( high and low beams ) and amber wire have juice.   Stumped.  Battery charged up.  Other lights working.  Horn working. Dang.

[neil]

John:

I to have a 2004 bullet 65 and my headlight is powered by the A/C circuit. No power and no illumination unless the engine is running to produce A/C power. That circuit is regulated by a separate voltage regulator. Don't know if this is helpful but it might help clear the question.

Neil and Buzzy the Bullet

[ERC]

Sounds like something in the carb.   ERC