Bike died, will not start again.

[demoni]

Pulled the bike out of the garage for my morning commute. Turned the idle advance up a bit like most cold mornings. Started the bike and continued putting on my gear. Got on the bike put it in gear and rode off. On my way to the first stop sign on my ride the bike dies. I pull over and coast to a stop. Hit the starter and get nothing (the headlight is currently on). Turn the bike to off and switch it back on, I don't hear the fuel pump kick on and my headlight dose not turn on. The bike will not start. I figured it could be a blown fuse so I pull the inspection cover and check them oven, no blown fuses. I had to put the bike back to the house and grab my other bike. So at work now trying to brain storm things I get to check when I get home. Anyone want to chime in?

Good thing the date I had tonight canceled.

[cagivaduc]

been there recently.

if the fuel pump is not coming on, check the connection for the fuel pump - the big one under the tank, next to the battery;

pull battery leads and wire brush;

wire brush all three grounds: up front next to the rectifier, the middle - next to the negative lead on the battery, and the rear behind the rear brake cylinder;

if those don't get you going again, it's probably the solenoid (the round thing that hangs under the battery box - you should hear a clicking sound at least from that. if not, there's a little electrical connection that easily comes out. I bet you it's that.

let us know what you discover.

[curveman99]

How old is your battery?

[demoni]

6mo old. The guy I purchased it from installed a fresh battery befor he sold it.

[demoni]

Thanks cagivaduc

I'll check the connections when I get home tonight. Did not have enough time to trouble shoot the problem before having to give up and get my butt to work (late mind you). Guess my slow weekend will be spend digging through the Ducati looking for a gremlin.

[Ric]

Originally Posted by cagivaduc

been there recently.

if the fuel pump is not coming on, check the connection for the fuel pump - the big one under the tank, next to the battery;

pull battery leads and wire brush;

wire brush all three grounds: up front next to the rectifier, the middle - next to the negative lead on the battery, and the rear behind the rear brake cylinder;

if those don't get you going again, it's probably the solenoid (the round thing that hangs under the battery box - you should hear a clicking sound at least from that. if not, there's a little electrical connection that easily comes out. I bet you it's that.

let us know what you discover.

Here is a pic of the connector Cagivaduc is talking about.A little safety wire,(or a nylon zip tie in my pic) holds it in place.It's a very common problem,very easily fixed.

[JaredM]

Check your relays.

[demoni]

Thanks for the picture Ric. Will definitely be the first thing I check when I get home. Hope it's that simple.


On another note. Ended up riding the BMW F650 to work. I had actually not put any miles on it since getting the Duc. I always remember it being this great powerhouse of torque compared to my RS50 (aprilia 2 stroke) that I learned how to ride on. Compared to the Duc the F650 has about as much torque as a wet rag. It's funny how things change... Fun and amazingly nimble bike but no longer the powerhouse in the stable.

[mad]

Originally Posted by JaredM

Check your relays.

Wouldn't a bad voltage regulator also be a player here?

[Stick]

You say the headlight stayed is lit, so it sounds like the battery was doing something. There are fuses/relays under the seat (?) and one of these is for the fuel pump.
Also, check your kill switch button--make sure it's ON.
Another: Side stand switch. Make sure this switch is working. I believe if the stand switch has a fault (or in the down position), it won't crank the starter, and I don't think the FI pump will run. There's also a way to bypass it, if you want to do that.