My OptiMate shows a drop to 9 volts during cranking to be the lowest reading for a still acceptable battery under starting conditions. 8 volts and below gets into that gray area. The problem is, that is a difficult reading to catch with an analog or digital meter. The OptiMate actually holds that reading on the display for several seconds so you can read it while it also indicates charging voltage. I agree, no significant voltage drop indicates a bad connection and also warrants looking at the starter solenoid if you're having problems.
I have been running on the assumption that you are having a cranking speed issue. If the engine simply does not fire when it is turned over, that is a whole new batch of issues. I have not read enough nor seen proof that low voltage during startup would prevent your bike from firing as well. If jumping with a know good battery starts the bike as TriumPhil suggests, it is most likely a poor connection or battery issue. Access to spark and fuel indications is pretty tough to see with the way everything buried in the bike. A simple cheap neon test bulb held right next to a plug wire should indicate high voltage is present meaning you have spark. I use a small plastic tube to hold bulb keeping the leads separated or you can buy one of the cheap little neon tester you can find at the hardware store. 20,000 plus volts through the plug wires generates enough RF energy around the plug wire to light the bulb. As for fuel, I don't know of a simple way to check for that.
In any event, keep us informed as to what you find, so we can all better troubleshoot our beasts. By the way, all of these failure posts are scarring me about my new bike. I may have to stop reading the forum.