Never had this happen to me in 15 years of washing bike... Fist time I’ve cleaned my monster and the thing won’t start. Just turns over and clicks Same wash routine I’ve always used and never had an issue, wash and dried with a towel then sprayed protective spray all over it and blew it over with a drier Not sure if water has gotten in somewhere or something’s come loose? Battery is at 13.1v so should be fine. Anyone any ideas? Thanks
This happened to me but after a monsoon hit me rather than as the result of washing. It sorted itself out after 60-90 minutes, I was lucky I guess.
Battery earth lead or power lead to starter motor, the little rubber boot on the starter motor end fills with water and the connector corrodes
Thanks I’ll take a look Will remove the battery box and spray plenty of protection spray in there Started up first time this morning so don’t know what it’s been
Pulled the starter motor boot off and it was full of white grease and was dry so don’t think that was the problem. Will have to just give it the NHS bed bath next time
I was mocking. It is a Red Ducati Performance one? Joking aside, I’ve always been against this purely because Ducati designed the bike to get rained on and travel in a set direction in wet weather, so I’ve always thought it quite possible to blow water where it wouldn’t naturally want to go.
I doubt there’s enough pressure to force water in anywhere. Take the fuel cap off your 959 and you will find the bolts inside are rotten. Even days after washing or riding it’s still under water. Not good for a steel tank. Also the amount of water the radiator fins hold is unreal. Don’t really want loads of steam around the clocks.
Can you explain this a bit further? Turns over! Does that mean the starter is turning the engine? Clicks! What clicks? If the starter solenoid clicks but the engine doesn't turn that could indicate a bad connection at the battery - check the leads. Or a bad connection to the solenoid or to the starter motor or it could be the battery ground connection to the engine. If none of these, then touching a jump lead from the battery +ve to the starter motor terminal should turn the starter motor. If it does then the problem probably lies with the solenoid, if it doesn't the starter motor is faulty.
The dash went blank (which it always does while turning over) but abs light stayed on Could definitely hear (and feel) the bike crank over and a rely clicking somewhere near the front of the bike I checked the battery box and solinoid etc and all were dry and with clean grease From the factory. Pulled the boot off the started motor and again this was bone dry and had plenty of grease on it and connecting was good. I think it was ignition that was the problem it was definitely turning over. Spoke to the dealer I got it from and they said it could be anything and not uncommon. Spoke to my local dealer who I trust a hell of a lot more and he said the thing would need to be under water not to start and he’s never heard of this before and most likely is a duff battery even though it read 13.1v
The bike had only Done 500 miles in 2 years and sat in the dealers for a few months so wouldn’t be surprised if it was knackered The previous owner had it on a Ducati charger though (as the DDA plug cap was missing and I had to get a new one) and it’s started fine every time except when I washed it. I’m going to fit a lithium battery anyway as the one on my panigale has been excellent and maintenance free for 2 years. There are 4 connectors at the front of the bike which are quite exposed so maybe it’s one of this that was the problem.
Ok. If the bike is cranking it is unlikely to be the solenoid nor starter nor battery connections but could be connection elsewhere. If a relay is clicking it means that the voltage is dropping either because of a poor connection or because the battery voltage isn't holding up while the bike is cranking. Try removing then refitting all of the fuses as sometimes they can develop a bit of oxidation on the blades which prevents contact. Taking them out and reinserting them can wipe this off and remake the connection. If that doesn't work try a jump start - not from a car with the engine running. If it still won't start it could well be the battery. It may be showing a good voltage off load may not be maintaining it when the starter operates.
