Hard starting? - Ducati.ms

SP544 · Apr 6th, 2009, 8:08 am

Anyone have issues with their bike not wanting to start right away after it sits cold for a few days? I have an 08 that I've put on LeoVince cat eleiminator and mufflers, a PCIII, and a FatDuc o2 emulator. When it is warm or is ridden often there isn't an issue. Any thoughts? The TPS was reset by the dealer btw.

Toomey · Apr 6th, 2009, 8:21 am

Is it turning over quickly and not starting? Or does it turn over slowly until it fires up?

Mine turns over so slow that you can count the revolutions then fires up on about the 5th or 6th rev. I don't know if thats normal or not.

bfarm752 · Apr 6th, 2009, 10:43 am

i have had problems with cold weather starting (below freezing). sometimes it would have to cycle through a whole start sequence 5 or 6 times before it would fire up. and what i mean by start sequence is pressing the starter button once and letting it turn over till it stops, seems like about 10 or 15 seconds. over the winter i was checking the plugs and when i checked the gap it was way to large. so i set the gap per the manual and maybe this is just by coincidence, it has fired up on the first sequence now, below or above freezing. not sure if any of this info will help you. my bike is fully stock.

SP544 · Apr 6th, 2009, 12:25 pm

I'll check the plug gaps and see how they look.
It does turn over slow like you mentioned. I can hit the starter button and stand aside while it tries to start and times out after 5-6 revolutions. I'll have to hit the starter button 2-3 times before it finally catches. I keep it on a battery tender so I know the voltage is good. Kind of upsetting when it has fuel injection and should fire immediately on a new bike.

trrgod · Apr 6th, 2009, 12:38 pm

I learned this from a mechanic at Beverly Hills Ducati. Upon first start after sitting for days do the following. Push starter button, release, almost simotaniously whack the throttle and let go. This can be done easier using both hands. This worked for my buddies bike that NEVER started after sitting.

Toomey · Apr 6th, 2009, 1:04 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by trrgod

Push starter button, release, almost simotaniously whack the throttle and let go.

I usually crack the throttle just a tad til it fires up.

**CDONA** · Apr 6th, 2009, 2:15 pm

Mine went to the shop last week for this issue. The tech tinkered with it told me the battery has 12.6v, due for replacement. I got 13.83v at the terminals, but still a slow crank (from day one) I also gapped the plugs that were installed @ $15.36 ea. at the 7.5k service in Sept. I have worked the throttle during the third start cycle to get it to start. I think the fuel was richened at idle this time. Still has problems.

Borracho · Apr 6th, 2009, 2:28 pm

I have to twist the throttle a tad on cold mornings since I went to a lighter flywheel but it works. No problems once I get going though.

trrgod · Apr 6th, 2009, 2:39 pm

I'm not saying to open and hold the throttle while cranking. I'm saying --Push starter and release, at the same time give the throttle a wack open and immediately release before the enging starts. Do not hold the throttle open a little, just leave it closed and the bike should start on its own.

Borracho · Apr 6th, 2009, 2:52 pm

Hehehe...I baby mine a little so I don't piss off my crazy neighbor. I think that bitc* wants me dead

BTW; only my second bike I've ever owned that didn't have a choke.