I have not done anything with the starter yet, so I doubt
the contact has moved but you never know.

 

Just replaced battery on 09 RKC same symptoms. Battery checked good then it stranded me. I walked off with lights on for about 5 Minutes. Had battery checked again would only charge to 12.3 volts. Replaced battery, starts like new.

 

Nice to hear another '09 with the same symptoms,
That was my first thought after cleaning the connections. I just checked the bike with a meter and it showed right at 13 volts and then dropped to
10.5 - 11 volts when I hit the start switch. Same thing just kinda hesitated and then started right up.

 

What is a better battery to go with than stock for a replacement to those of you who have or are going to replace their battery? I wonder if the extended warranties cover the batterys, you would think so..

 

My 09' is doing the same thing, sounds fishy!!

 

Had the same problem on my 08 SE3, thought it was the battery or starter. Believe it or not, it was the stock compensator, it was worn out at just 13,000 miles was hanging up and binding causing a hard start.

Read a thread on this same issue and decided to change to the new SE compensator...............starting problem solved, now starts like a new bike, no more big clunk when it starts, neutral is easier to find easier smoother shifting.

The new SE compensator is a heavier design and has an oil grove inside the case allowing it to spin more freely when starting.