The reason for alternators rather than generators is that alternators have a decent output at low revs. I've checked mine with amp meter and it more than holds it's own at idle. Having the ability to turn off the lights even allows it to charge at idle, I could see how idling might draw the battery down if you couldn't shut off the lights and the battery was aged (sulphated), In that case the resistance in both might be more than the alternator can put out.
Still, with a good battery, alternator and leaving the lights on the bike should idle indefinitely. Having it croak after 15min of idling isn't factory design spec, not at all.