problems - can anyone offer suggestions?

Unfortunately today my charging system died for the 4th time in the 4 weeks that I've been riding this bike and it's going back to the shop yet AGAIN when they open on Tuesday. i feel like I'm never going to even get enough miles on it to ever have to even CHECK the oil!!! I've got a new battery, a new stator assembly, a new rectifier/resonator.... those guys at the Yamaha shop don't seem to know what they're doing. Ah, wish me luck...

I have a 2001 650 and I can barely see (while almost lying down) the oil-level window because it is behind and only slightly below my floorboard hardware. Also, I don't have a center stand or a housemate to hold the bike vertical. Since it is recommended that this level be checked before every ride....What do other riders do?