Hey River Rat - You might do some internet research on stator failures and the installation of a "Poor Boy Alternator" as an update to your GW.
There are actually many newer motorcycles that still use the basic Stator/Volt Reg set up because they are simple and relatively inexpensive compared to a manufacturer using a true automotive alternator. Most 4 cylinder GW owners have found that as long as you keep your oil changed on schedule (old oil can become acidy and erode the stator wiring insulation) and you do not add any additional electrical loads to the bike over the factory lights, ignition, etc... you'll be fine.
I've owned several 84 - 87 GW's and have had to replace the stator on all but one. Most were purchased after they had been parked because of a stator failure. After installing a new stator winding and I removed all the high wattage Fog and/or Running Lights added by the previous owners, I had no more electrical issues.
Good Luck and Ride Safe - Michael