I would like to know if there is a specific starting procedure for the Pantah range. The previous owner of my 500 (a Roman) told me he never uses the choke but merely opens both fuel taps, twists the throttle about three times to prime the Venturis and then presses the starter button without touching the throttle. If I try this it doesn't always work. Curious to know your methods. Cheers, W
A tip top ignition system is a prerequisite for clean trouble free starting. A Sachse ignition replacement system on my old Darmah has helped immeasurably with starting. And idling. And all round performance. See https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/1981-ducati-pantah-ignition-and-stator-wires.81155/
No one can tell you how to start a bike as its will vary from bike to bike. Some might need a couple of squirts from an accelerator pump, other might need full choke. Pilot jet and choke jet sizes will play a part as will float level, filters and ignition timing, plug range and so on. Even where you live, up a mountain or in a valley, Italy or Scotland The US has 90 octane petrol, the UK has 99, it all makes a difference.
Ain't that the case - and I find that idiosyncrasy makes for a more involving & pleasurable ( ) ownership when you get it right. It used to be called 'character'. It's often tricky when it's cooled down somewhat after a run and the weather is warm.... how much to tickle and how many squirts of the accelerator pumps.
I never knew the same bikes could be so different in so many aspects. I guess in my case an electronic ignition conversion could improve matters. Its a good start anyway! (pun intended) Thanks to you all and happy motoring. W
I had a bevel 900SS with 40mm Delortos. It had no chokes but 3 squirts from the accelerator pumps when starting from cold and it woukd usually fire up 1st kick. At a later date I had a 500 Pantah. It needed the chokes to start and keep running for the 1st minute or so. As Paddy say's - they're all different.
And my Darmah has the same 40 mm carbs that always require a tickle in addition to one squirt of the accelerator pumps for it to fire on the first press of the button when cold... no kickstart and a girly electric starter for me Yep, as you say, all different.
