The voltage load test on the bike is really crude..I agree. Depending on were my motor stops, ever now and then I get a slow groan till engine turns slightly and starts cranking. Even with my battery in good shape, with my meter on it, voltage will drop like you say but once it gets moving it will jump back up to 9.6 or so. It happens so quick, for me anyway, its hard to catch. With a five year old battery I probably am pushing my luck. However I was out of the country all winter and bike started up fine. If the date looks good on it at the store, I probably am going to get me a new one.

 

Any numbers on the Walmart battery? For the Harley?
I have good luck with Walmart battery's in :
tractor
Truck
Jeep

Just sayin I don't know who makes them but they are cheap available and work
Hap

 

Why wait until you are on a trip and it wont start? Go ahead and replace battery.

 

Sounds like it is time brother......RIP

 

Trips are American for me..local no starts are Hello Son, what are you doing? and like Happy Bob, got them in 5 vehicles and the ridding mower. The one in the 89 4x4 just died at 7 years

 

hook to a meter ----
just the battery should be 12 volt or a little more
when running it should jump above 13 volt when u rev it up
if not then u have another charging problem

then test when u start it up - watch the meter,
hit the starter if it drops below 9.5, its time for new one
it sounds like u need new one