Motorcycle battery problem
 

If I jump start my motorcycle it stays on without a battery. My battery reads 12.55 volts in the off state but will not start the bike. Basically it will try to crank over maybe for about 1 sec and then go totally dead. This was after i rode it on the highway for about 60 km. Is it possible for a battery to read 12 v but still be faulty? Could a faulty battery read 12v but not be able to supply the required current for cranking or hold a charge?

btw, if I can roll start the bike without a battery and it stays on, does this mean the alternator is probably good?

Some vehicles don't need a source of power to stay running. What year and kind of bike is it? It sounds to me like your alternator/generator is not working.
Your battery could have 12 volts, but be low on amperage. It's kind of like a man with no balls. Still a man, but useless.
You should take it to a shop for further diagnoses to determine whether your alternator is shot or not.

its a 2004 cbr 600.

So what you're saying is that you 'cannot' start the engine with the battery? It cranks but does not run, correct?
But you can jump start? How about keeping the voltage meter on the battery leads when you crank it? What happens then? You'll probably observe the voltage drop way below 10 volts and it will indicate what installerz mentioned.

You guys are right. I took my old battery to a battery place and they tested it. Apparently the battery was not holding a charge anymore. Got a new one and now it starts like a champ! thanks for all the help!

be careful too b/c the 600RR's are known to have bad rectifiers or stators. Do a search and you should find info on that subject