Why are my lights getting dim and my gauges flicking to zero!!?!!?

I had an issue with a broken highway peg.  After I replaced the peg I took the bike out for a spin and all was well.

Two days later I took a cruise up to Fontana, WI from Crystal Lake to check of the lake at night.   On the way the bike sounded like it was sputtering a bit and the horn sounded really funny.  I assumed the horn or the switch was going bad.  After i took a walk I hopped back on and the bike barely started,  I assumed the battery must have been going out and made a note to check it.  I moved the bike then parked again to chuck my extra keys in a saddle bag.  Big mistake!  The bike wouldn't turn over.

I tried push starting it but I was having trouble getting enough speed with all my gear.  After ditching my helmet and jacket I was able to get started but realized my attempts at starting had used up what little juice I had left.  Determined to get home or closer to home while I had her running I took off.  I was still thinking it was a bad battery but rev'ing the bike just made the gauges go dim and the needles sputter to zero.  Trying to use the turn signals was caused the gauges to drop out and the headlights to dim.  I realized I had no charging system. :-(

Fork me? Fork YOU! Protection thats ribbed for your travel.

I like the retro look of fork gaiters and decided I would like to throw a set on my 02 Sportster 1200.  Harley has some that are off the nightster available but they are too short for standard length forks and somewhere around $60 a set from what I've seen online.  There are also sets on ebay ect. for around $40.  I decided to see if there was a cheaper option and found some recommendations on xlforum.net to use Rancho shock boots off a 4x4 truck.  I found these Rancho RS1952 Shock Boots on amazon and one of the reviews said they were used on a Harley 39mm fork.  Other reviews said they had split sides on the bottom that made them not work well as for boots.

I decided that for $6 each I would give them a shot.

I got the forks and eyeballed them and decided to give them a shot.  According to my service manual I would need to:
1. Remove the Caliper
2. Remove the Tire
3. Remove the Fender
4. Remove the Forks

I knew I would need some tools so I found I needed a T45 Torx or star bit so I decided to run to Harbor Freight and Grab a full Torx set, a full SAE allen key socket set and some ratchet straps to hold the bike on the lift.