Hi all, I'm a Ducati new-be, so forgive me if this post is irksome! I have a 916 which, when starting, sounds like the starter motor is really being laboured. Is this a Ducati thing? I've had loads of other bikes and my 916 sounds completely different. Every other Ducati I have watched being started seems to have a similar thing, so I'm interested to know why the starter motor sounds like its straining. Many thanks, DH
It is ‘normal’ for the start to sound a bit laborious compared to other bikes, especially 4’s. They have big pistons these Ducati’s. Having said that:- 1. Ensure your battery is always in tip top condition 2. Switch off all lights etc and pull in clutch when starting. Anything to reduce the effort on battery and starter. 3. Consider upgrading cables on starting system plus earth to heavy duty items. Kits are available but cheaper to buy decent cable off the shelf. Watch the reg recs as they are renown to fail. Also, use the cold start assist button bottom of starter switch block. Hope this helps.
As above. I can recommend the EXACT START cables. Cheaper to make them yourselves, sure, but for a luddite like me, the kit has everything I needed. Took me more time to figure out how to route it than it did to screw it all on. And INSTANT improvement. So much so that you have to let go of the starter button quickly now otherwise it feels like it's over-running. Recommended
Upgrade the cables and the problem is in the past. The original cables are marginal anyway and with a bit of resistance due to corrosion after nearly 30 years they no longer supply the power needed.
