If you ride with your vest on all day in traffic, (they draw a lot of current)and with your lights etc on, chances are the battery will fail.These bikes need a full battery to start - they'll turn over on a flat battery, but won't start, and in a traffic situation the last thing you need is having to bump start a 550 Lb bike, especially in slippery conditions ! FJ1200's and 500 Interceptors have a different charging rate, CBR1000F's only start charging at around 3000RPM with a standard reg/rectifier. Tony Dilman has had exactly this problem in New York. As Flogger says, check your battery water OFTEN too, as they are inclined to use battery water in high drain situations, and if the battery runs dry, you'll cook your reg/rectifier, and maybe your stator too ! I DID
Then you're in a world of problems and expense.[X(]
This is one area on these bikes I know a lot about - painful lessons.

 

Thanks Shadow 1, MarkRand Flogger for the info on batteries. The battery and charging system on these bikes are a pain. I have been stranded on the side of the road for battery faliure.A local mechinic came out with a fresh battery and cranked right up. Now with added Gps to my bikethanks for the reminder to keep check on the water level in the battery.I have forgotten to do that lately. I am also going to get one of those voltameter things you recomended. Looks nice.

 

Always a pleasure, and if our words save you from sitting on the side of the road, what a bargain.
I wouldn't be without my little voltmeter - it's comforting to see the charging rate kick in at 1400RPM (I have a non OEM reg/rec) and I glance down at it on long runs sometimes. There's a low voltage warning on it, so if you're pushing less than 12 volts, a buzzer will sound, and give you time to get home or find a safe haven.
If I ever sell my bike, I'll be sure to get another one - well worth the money, and accurate, too, even the clock and temp features !