I'm sure this is out there some where but the search wording is difficult to find a solution. Just done a 2000 km trip. Shortly after the start the bike began the following. Press the starter button, the starter motor clicked for a split second then nothing. Pressed again, same. Then somewhere between 1 and 6 tries, it would eventually start. The problem continued for the next 7 days and +- 20-30 starts. It would start any where between the first (mostly not) and up to 6 tries. I was wondering if the small drop in voltage when the starter clicked in told the ECU it was too low and turned off the starting procedure. On a separate note why the hell do I need an automatic start on a bike anyway ?? If I'm not bright enough to start a bike, surely I'm not competent enough to ride it? I was in half a mind when this started to wire the starter switch directly to the starter solenoid/relay but I was 1000 km from home.
These sorts of problems are usually caused by a battery that's unable to hold sufficient charge. It's well known that the battery needs to be in tip top condition to start one of these big twins for the reason you've given above, a voltage drop. I'm not sure of the figure exactly but it is something over 12v when cranking, if I remember correctly. There's also a possibility that the earth connection to the frame is partially corroded. Try a new battery, or a jump start first, to see if that eliminates the problem, then go from there. @Exige on this forum sells hicap starter cables which help with easier starting. Good luck.
I new battery will be a good option. I did buy a new one on the trip and then when I got to my overnight stop and was going o change it , found it was stone dead !!!! The fact that it never got any worse over 8 days made me think it was ok. Even after stopping for petrol, ie fully charged, warm motor, it made no difference to the starting procedure. I'll also look at the earth wiring.
Starter relays go on the blink. To check, swap it with the headlight relay (they're identical) and you should find the problem's cured. You need to reach up into the fairing by the fork leg (I think its the left one) to get to the relays Good luck
I don't think it is the relay as the starter actually engages for about 1/2 a second which means it is working. My guess is the driving circuit drops it out.
Its easy enough to swap the relays to be certain - one less thing to worry about. Mine had been getting steadily worse for weeks, it would start sometimes, others not, or catch, not start and then sometimes go dead etc... a maddening array of issues that eventually left me stranded 100 miles from home, exactly as you describe above; stopped for fuel, nice hot engine etc... absolutely refused to start. Luckily, I phoned a Ducati mechanic friend who knew about the relays. 5 minutes later, I was on my way and the issue never arose again. I then replaced the faulty relay that was OK for the lights, but not for starting
I can try that as it is easy enough. I'm new to the Multistrada so finding both relays is the first problem.
Checking battery and earth for loose/corroded connections has to be a good place to start. Relays are cheap, so replacing them regularly is a good idea as well. Also, do check the topmost fuse. My SS was very prone to starting problems until I made sure that fuse was dead flat and making full and proper contact with the fuseholder
You can get weatherproof relays which only cost a few pounds and eliminate many of the problems the OE ones throw up. Again, memory is hazy, but I think there is a Fiat one that fits. In any event it is not unique to Ducati so there are plenty to choose from.
