wrench and sniff and ?

Today I tackled the starter problem my shovels' been having lately.
Many times just a click then it would catch. Couple days ago it
wouldn't catch. The starter motor did spin but wasn't turning the
motor over. I assumed it was the bendix and ordered one along with a
solenoid repair kit since I cracked the cap when I applied dielectric
grease on the terminals a month or two ago. Also ordered a new
dipstick so the oil would quit leaking out of the tank. Anyway I
decided to look inside the primary and check the bendix even though
the replacement bendix is still a few days away. I tried to spin it
one way then the other and was successful both tries. So the bendix
was certainly shot. I called around to find one in town since I was
wanting to ride the shovel to work some since it's been so dry lately.
Osborne's had one and explained how to get the old one off and new one
on since I never had to replace one before. Their directions were
first rate and I was able to remove the jackshaft after prying the
shifter lever nipples out of the shifter collar. Within 30 minutes I
had the collar off the bendix and on the new one. Within an hour I had
the thing all buttoned back up and ready for a test firing. First
attempt just a click, second attempt the bike fired up and sounded
great. What's with the sniff you ask? I must have a toasted stator.
The stench of the oil was horrible in the primary. I will keep the
bike on my battery tender and attempt to ride it short rides until I
can test all the charging system and see what needs replacing. Is it
too damaging to the battery if I ride it to work 15 miles and back
home and don't use lights, then put the tender on it? Will that many
miles without a charge lead to an early grave for the battery? I
checked the battery while the bike was running and didn't see any
increase in voltage as the rpm raised to about 2500. Something is
definitely wrong with the charging system and at least the stator is
suspect. I will be doing diagnostics on it to see if the regulator is
toast too if that can be tested with a burnt stator. Also if there are
any pitfalls to avoid in removing and replacing a bad charging system,
I'd appreciate hearing about them.
TIA