Hmmm... in the last week, I've had to push start 3 times and its started with the starter about 6 times... I took the battery out to have a fiddle with it and I was going to take it to the battery shop to get them to test it and prove to me I needed them to sell me a new one.

When I pulled out three of the six plugs, I realised there was no visible fluid in the battery! I couldn't see any sign of water through the side of the battery and when I tipped it over past 45 degrees end ways, no water came out the holes... I didn't turn it copmpletely upside down so I don't know if there is a little bit of water in the bottom, but essentially it is definitely far below the level it is supposed to be.

I figure I may as well get one of those fancy maintenance free batteries but I was wondering if I should just top up the battery with distilled water and see if it comes back to life?

The multimeter tells me it is giving 12.26V when disconnected with no visible fluid.

 

I would, but I reckon your going to be up for a new one
Just park it on a hill

 

Thats what i would be doing, top it up and go for a ride and see if it charges it. i often have to top mine up with distilled water.

 

Top it up with destilled water and see if it charges, BUT check that it does not charge over 14,5-15 V!!! It might be the regulator/rectifier thats given up, this could cause your battery to boil dry because of overcharging. Do this before you buy a new battery.