[2UpDuc]

O.K. Here is a weird one. I was doing a little Horn work on my ST4s last week. I installed a set of Electronic Air horns MAXI Sound from http://www.wolo-mfg.com/elec.htm . It was not easy but got it done. I think in all my removing of panels and new wiring I must of bumped or disturbed something. Because when I went to start it the next day I turned the ignition to on and the bike was trying to fire but would not catch and start up. I had not hit the starter button.... The clutch was spinning and thumping and rattling like a dry clutch does but no fire. It was weird. Then it finally caught after I hit start button and fired right up. Got to work and put bike on center stand and turned key to off position and motor turned off but it was still trying to turnover just not fire. I actually had the key in my hand the bike was still trying to turnover. Put key in and turned to on position hit starter and the bike fired right up. This went on for about 15 minutes of turning key off and pulling it out of ignition. It somehow just stopped and I was able to get the bike turned off and starter to stop trying to turn bike over.
I have never had this problem and it has not come back. Any suggestions??

 

[ducatimike]

Sounds like your starter relay is sticking in the closed position, thus providing power to your starter. It is a common problem. I replaced my relay with an automotive one. They are built much more robust are more reliable.

Mike

 

[Guest]

What Mike said. Also, the newer bikes w/all the electronics and such, need a strong turning (battery) motor to start. My 04 oops... (Honda) ST13, out of the blue, would crank, but not fire. After cranking 10-15 sec, it finally started 'dieseling' over and fire up. I feel if they do not fire off quickly, the plugs begin to fuel fowl, (mine were fuel wet) making things worse. Good luck.

Fred

 

[Stick]

Also Also...the newer DUCS have "start managment" built into the ECU brain. All you need to do is touch the starter switch, and the bike will (try to) crank until it fires. I believe it's described in the Owner's manual. Thank goodness I have an older one! No immobilizer issues, etc.

 

[Desmo_Duc]

Same thing happened to my 04ST3...Dealer replaced the ECU under warrantee and I have not had a problem since....