Sounds like a dirty or loose wire. Maybe remove case ground from battery, clean and reconnect; also, check connection at starter.

 

I appreciate the help! This morning I turned the ignition on and the volts went to about 10 and stayed for a couple of seconds and then dropped to zero. I did check both connections at the battery and the starter and all are good, I will have to get my service manual and locate the main ground and check that. I guess it could be the battery? It is only 3 years old but I guess it's possible!

 

I keep a connector handy that plugs into my battery tender harness on the bike with open wires on the end for jump starting with my vehicle. If you don't have one of these, take your seat off and try to get some jumper cables to the positive terminal on your battery. The negative can just go to a good ground bolt. If you can jump it off and your voltage is at 13.5 to 14, go get yourself a battery.

From experience though, if the battery is completely shot and not holding any charge while the bike is running, your gauges will do some wild things until you have a good battery in there.

 

10 volts is a dead battery! SITTING STILL, THE VOLTS SHOULD MEASURE 12.9 (a fully charged battery)! Once you start the bike the volts should measure about 14.5 (a working charging system). DEFINATELY a discharged battery! Technically an 09 has a 4 year old battery in it. I plan on changing mine next season.

 

Could be your battery connections and your two starter connections need cleaning. The one starter connection is under the starter and has a rubber boot that holds water which corrodes the connection.

 

Well I know it is not the battery, I tested it at 12.87 volts. What is odd is the volt gauge shows less than 10 volts and if I leave the ignition on it drops to nothing. Would that indicate a short somewhere? I guess I will have to call the dealer and have them come pick it up, I am at the end of my mechanical rope!

 

What does the volt meter show at the battery with the ignition off and with the ignition on? What does it show when you try to start the bike?

 

Leaving the ignition on is sort of simulating a load test (controled dead short). Under a load, the battery should be able to maintain voltage until depleated. Again, all signs are pointing to a bad battery! I'd be interested to hear the outcome - lots of luck.

 

sounds like the battery to me. It may show good voltage, but is the the available amps that will turn the motor. take over to the local; auto parts store. Most of the will test them for free.

 

OK, you guys tell me? Battery tested at 12.8 just sitting, turned ignition on and battery dropped to 9.4, turned ignition off and went back to 12.8, is it a bad battery?