I was reading an article from American Iron on charging system checks, when I came across this paragraph:

"Contrary to popular belief, a bike's charging system will not replenish the battery as you ride. It will only put a surface charge in the battery, which will quickly disappear with some extended cranking during a hot start. The only way to get a full charge into the battery is with a battery charger."

Is this true? Then how come I never had to charge my battery last summer? I don't get it. If anyone could clarify this for me, I'd really appreciate it.

probably some esoteric teckno bullspit, if thats so then all batteries are never charged

My 99 is equipped with a 22 amp charging system if I understand it correctly.

Not true.
While it will never "fully" charge the battery, it will come damn close. This is due to the fact that there is a conitinuous draw of current from the battery and charging circuit with the bike turned on and running.