Good afternoon My 996 Bip is in for a Service/MOT at present at a mates garage. i hadn't used her much last year, an started her about once a week when not riding her; keeping her on an Optimate. A couple of months ago. I went to start her....the usual 'whir' when turn the ignition on, pressed the starter button and....nothing :-( literally. After some mild cursing, squirted some WD40 around the button thinking it was a sticking button, after a few attempts she started no problem. Tried a few times and no problems. Problem solved....no problems since. So I went to fire her up onThursday to take her for the service, the usual ignition 'whir', then nothing again!! Thought I'd dig out the trusty WD40. No success this time...! A mate suggested bump starting her, and I foolishly googled the symptoms; possible start solenoid or something. (I have NO IDEA when it comes to electrics...) i bumped her first time, perfect. Let her warm up, shut her down to try on the button - nothing. Dead bumped her again, took a chance and rode to the garage. Shut her down to show my mate - turned key, pressed button, and guess what??? STARTED FIRST TIME... He initially suggested some contacts had stuck and needed a good ride to free themselves. Is this a regular Ducati starting issue? I've never had it when I was commuting on it a few years back. Only since I ride her 'occasionally'.. If it is a solenoid, A) is it expensive, and B) is it easy to locate and swap??? Otherwise I'm suspecting dodgy starter button? I undid the two screws, prized it apart and noticed a small screw inside had corroded. Shes a year 2000, with a history of two full years commuting in all weather. Thanks chaps in advance for any tips you can give. I've not heard off my mate yet, but wanted to give myself a heads up on what it could be. It might not be anything!!! Just needs riding more regularly maybe ;-)
it's often the little connector that plugs into the starter solenoid. It either gets light corrosion or is on the verge of dropping out. Many times people add a tiewrap around whole body to keep it in.
I was hoping it was something simple I thought if the starter button was sticking in, then she would be continuously firing surely...? Thanks, by the way
Is the starter solenoid the circular gizmo in front/below the battery housing? I should give that area a general clean up I think.
As predicted by you wonderful people, the starter solenoid was heavily corroded! Thanks again for your advice
