Motorcycle Repair: voltage drop, motorcycle batteries, volt meter

Question
1998 FLHT. When I turn on my ignition my volt meter reads 11 volts when I push the starter button it drops to less than 10 volts then after the motor starts the volt meter slowly rises to 14 volts. I first noticed this problem after the starter seemed like it was slow to turn and the bike was hard to start. I cannot remember what it was like originally and I have owned the bike for one year. I seems to me that something must be dropping excessive voltage. could you help lead me in the right direction? Thanks, Tim

Answer
First, get a volt meter to check the battery with. The one that is on the bike can be off.
When the bike is sitting cold you should have a little over 12 volts. When starting, the voltage will drop off quit a bit. After starting and running you should get a reading of around 13.5. Do all these tests at the battery.
You probably have a weak or bad battery, so I would replace it first and see if this solves the problem. most motorcycle batteries dont last very long. I would also suggest getting a battery tender for the battery. That will it will always be a good charge on it and it will make the battery last alot longer.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike