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Title: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 05:39:33 AM I just picked up my 696 over the weekend after two month wait. This is the second bike I've owned since I started riding back in 2001 - the first being a CBR 600 F4i.
Now, I've never owned a bike with this engine type and I have a few questions. Sorry if they are newbie - I could just be overly paranoid. 1. My bike had some trouble starting this morning... it just wouldn't start. I had to try it about 10 time before it would actually stay running. I'd rode the night before, to and from work, and it only dropped into the upper 60's over night. Is that normal for this engine type? My CBR never had any problem starting even in 40 degree weather. 2. This morning after finally getting it started it was idling fine, and then just cut out. The check engine light was then on, but that may just be because it stalled. I turned the key back off to power it off, then back on, and the light wasn't on at that point. Upon restarting everything was fine - it even idled easier. My buddy who was with me (we both ride our bikes to work together) mentioned that maybe it was just because it was new, and only about 120 miles into the break in period. 3. I keep finding some magic neutral somewhere between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th - not exactly sure which as it catches me off guard. I'll be heading down the road a click and find myself, upon shifting up, in neutral - no neutral light on the display, but clearly there is no gear engaged as I throttle up. That never happened on my CBR, nor on my buddy's Katana that I've tooled around on from time to time. It has only happened 2 or 3 times since I got it (about 120 miles on it now). Like I said, this may be overly paranoid, but I want to make sure nothing is wrong. Luckily, I haven't seen any of this 'surging' issue I've read about for the 696. I've just never had a bike like this so I'm kinda a newbie considering I've not had a lot of exposure. Thank for any info. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: nkryptit on June 18, 2008, 05:45:30 AM 1. My bike had some trouble starting this morning... it just wouldn't start. I had to try it about 10 time before it would actually stay running. I'd rode the night before, to and from work, and it only dropped into the upper 60's over night. Is that normal for this engine type? My CBR never had any problem starting even in 40 degree weather. Are you using the cold start leaver? That really helps me. 2. This morning after finally getting it started it was idling fine, and then just cut out. The check engine light was then on, but that may just be because it stalled. I turned the key back off to power it off, then back on, and the light wasn't on at that point. Upon restarting everything was fine - it even idled easier. My buddy who was with me (we both ride our bikes to work together) mentioned that maybe it was just because it was new, and only about 120 miles into the break in period. Probably the same as question one, you should really let it warm up with the cold start leaver engaged before going anywhere. 3. I keep finding some magic neutral somewhere between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th - not exactly sure which as it catches me off guard. I'll be heading down the road a click and find myself, upon shifting up, in neutral - no neutral light on the display, but clearly there is no gear engaged as I throttle up. That never happened on my CBR, nor on my buddy's Katana that I've tooled around on from time to time. It has only happened 2 or 3 times since I got it (about 120 miles on it now). I have had the same issue, you just have to be very deliberate in changing gears at that speed. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: ducisurg on June 18, 2008, 06:15:09 AM I have about 90 miles on my 696. Cold start lever is definitely helpful for warming up when bike has not been ridden for more than a few hours. I have also found that "neutral" gear between the higher gears. I agree 100% that you just have to be very deliberate in changing gears. Enjoy the bike. It is a lot of fun! ;D Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: roy-nexus-6 on June 18, 2008, 06:29:21 AM Hi Dozer.
Welcome to the board, & congratulations on your new bike. Can't really help you with specifics - I ride an S4. But I've no doubt you'll grow to love all the little idiosyncrasies of your bike. You might want to check out this thread - it's the 696 appreciation thread: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=602.0 A lot of new 696 riders have posted there.. so you can introduce yourself to the crowd. More importantly, you'll see what issues they've found with their bikes. Enjoy your bike! Roy [thumbsup] Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 06:35:23 AM Thanks for all the info guys, and the link, Roy. I'll check it out and say hi.
I don't feel nearly as paranoid now about my bike. =) Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: 707soldier on June 18, 2008, 08:40:23 AM All is good, your 696 is running as how Ducati Engineers designed it.
I like all the Intricacy of this Monster, its different. Enjoy your ride [thumbsup] BTW, it's on the manual ;) Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Grappa on June 18, 2008, 09:28:06 AM I have a 2001 M900 that also has the fast idle lever, and it is absolutely essential for starting the bike. I turn the key to ON, move the fast idle lever all the way on, then press the starter button without touching the throttle. The bike starts right up, and within about 30 seconds the idle will start to climb, at which time I adjust the lever back a bit. Turn the lever all the way to off before riding away. Check out your manual for specific instructions. [thumbsup]
And shifting... show that shift lever that it needs to respect your o-thor-ri-tie! 8) Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 09:42:05 AM Ah, manual. Got it! I was distracted by the shiny Accessories catalog and Apparel catalog. ;)
Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: johnster on June 18, 2008, 10:23:58 AM A very famous philosopher once said: "It's a Ducati, they do that.." ;)
-Truthfully, the Monster is somewhat of a quirky bike. For instance, My gearbox shifts differently almost every time I ride it. One day it'll snick right into the next gear, and the next it'll "clunk". ??? -Anyway, you'll get used to it.. It's a completely different bike than the f4i that you're used to (I've ridden an f4i a few times), but you'll discover it has a LOT more character + soul than those Jap I4's!! Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 10:44:18 AM I love it so far, I was just worried I had a sick bike. It is good to know it is just 'personality' and not a characteristic of a problem.
When I rode it home from the dealer, and heard the sounds it makes, I knew I was in love. I never did put my front cowling on and I love the "there is nothing in front of me" feeling. I already order new mirrors (smaller, less 'Dumbo ears' esque ones - not that I hated the stock ones really) and a fender elim. Next up are new pipes, but I don't want to do anything to risk that kicking growl it has. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Binary on June 18, 2008, 11:01:46 AM Dozer, congrats on the bike! I just got mine this past weekend and I LOVE IT.
In regards to your questions, I would definitely suggest you use the cold start lever. My dealer mentioned to start the bike and then adjust the cold start lever since the bike is EFI its not recommended to adjust the lever prior to the engine start. Not sure how true this is. I did experience the magic neutral. I spoke to my dealer and he mentioned it to be apart of the break in period. I will make sure that they check it out once I'm over my 600 mile service. I only got the magic neutral the first day of riding. Post pictures of the mirrors and fender eliminator once you have it . Good luck! Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: somegirl on June 18, 2008, 11:07:37 AM In regards to your questions, I would definitely suggest you use the cold start lever. My dealer mentioned to start the bike and then adjust the cold start lever since the bike is EFI its not recommended to adjust the lever prior to the engine start. Not sure how true this is. I don't think it really matters. Just adjust the cold start lever once the bike has started to keep the idle in a reasonable range (about 1500 on my 695). And shifting... show that shift lever that it needs to respect your o-thor-ri-tie! 8) +1, be firm with it, don't be tentative. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 11:12:49 AM I don't think it really matters. Just adjust the cold start lever once the bike has started to keep the idle in a reasonable range (about 1500 on my 695). Well, the problem I had was that the bike wouldn't start. So, I couldn't get it to start before adjusting the cold start lever - a sort of chicken and the egg paradox. I honestly can't remember if I tried to start it, then adjusted the cold start lever. I believe I tried to start it without adjusting it, then once it didn't start, I moved the lever, then tried it again with no success. I'll give it more attention while starting the next few times. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: somegirl on June 18, 2008, 11:19:40 AM Well, the problem I had was that the bike wouldn't start. So, I couldn't get it to start before adjusting the cold start lever - a sort of chicken and the egg paradox. Sorry, I wasn't clear. This is what I do: 1. Turn on cold start lever. 2. Start bike. 3. Adjust cold start lever to get idle in reasonable range. good luck! Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 18, 2008, 11:25:40 AM Ah gotcha, I was just reading that in the manual. Apparently, you should use the cold start level in ambient temps below 95 degrees F, according to the manual - so for me, that's pretty much all the time. :D (assuming it hasn't been running anytime recently)
Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: gearhead on June 18, 2008, 11:46:30 AM I have 600 miles on my 696 now and the tranny is like butter. I had the false nuetral thing but as it broke in it vanished and now it never happens. Cold starting can be tricky and requires a definate routine which is no fast idle lever, quarter to half throttle, crank and it will light up immediately and reach over and pull the lever to about half way. If it stalls I found turning the key off and then back on following the same step works every time. The check engine light comes on when you have it turned on the first time without running so you can know the light is working normal. You won't see the surging issue, only putting the Termis on it will cause that.
Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Snips on June 18, 2008, 11:58:08 AM I have 1100 miles on my 696 so far, and I had a 620 before. I have always used the 'idle adjust' lever before starting from cold - but has always started instantly. I've also noticed that the 696 seems more keen for me to wind off the idle-adjust as it warms (it begins to cough otherwise). I would get a few false neutrals with the 620 until I learnt to be clear n=in my intent. After that I never got false neutrals. Likewise the 696 requires me to be firm, but I'm quite clear I've been to blame for any false neutrals I've had. I always dread the severe clunk of selecting first for the first time when the engine is warming, was the same with the 620. Enjoy the bike! Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: NWapex on June 18, 2008, 01:02:59 PM I have 1100 miles on my 696 so far, and I had a 620 before. Not to thread-jack, but how did the 620 compare with the 696? Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Augustus on June 18, 2008, 07:40:28 PM Apparently, you should use the cold start level in ambient temps below 95 degrees F, according to the manual - so for me, that's pretty much all the time. :D (assuming it hasn't been running anytime recently) This is humorus, I wonder why the bike has a cold start lever when it's fule injected? Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: herm on June 18, 2008, 07:47:21 PM I just picked up my 696 over the weekend after two month wait. This is the second bike I've owned since I started riding back in 2001 - the first being a CBR 600 F4i. Now, I've never owned a bike with this engine type and I have a few questions. Sorry if they are newbie - I could just be overly paranoid. 1. My bike had some trouble starting this morning... it just wouldn't start. I had to try it about 10 time before it would actually stay running. I'd rode the night before, to and from work, and it only dropped into the upper 60's over night. Is that normal for this engine type? My CBR never had any problem starting even in 40 degree weather. if using the cold start lever does not solve this, then no, it is not right 2. This morning after finally getting it started it was idling fine, and then just cut out. The check engine light was then on, but that may just be because it stalled. I turned the key back off to power it off, then back on, and the light wasn't on at that point. Upon restarting everything was fine - it even idled easier. My buddy who was with me (we both ride our bikes to work together) mentioned that maybe it was just because it was new, and only about 120 miles into the break in period. 3. I keep finding some magic neutral somewhere between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th - not exactly sure which as it catches me off guard. I'll be heading down the road a click and find myself, upon shifting up, in neutral - no neutral light on the display, but clearly there is no gear engaged as I throttle up. That never happened on my CBR, nor on my buddy's Katana that I've tooled around on from time to time. It has only happened 2 or 3 times since I got it (about 120 miles on it now). ah,....the extra neutral positions. they can be kind of scary if they occur at the wrong time. shift like you mean it, and always be ready for a little surprise Like I said, this may be overly paranoid, but I want to make sure nothing is wrong. Luckily, I haven't seen any of this 'surging' issue I've read about for the 696. I've just never had a bike like this so I'm kinda a newbie considering I've not had a lot of exposure. Thank for any info. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: somegirl on June 18, 2008, 10:55:35 PM This is humorus, I wonder why the bike has a cold start lever when it's fule injected? The lever just adjusts the idle speed (it is also known as the "fast idle lever"). It's not a choke. Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Howie on June 19, 2008, 02:02:47 AM Now that the starting problem is solved, if the shifting doesn't get better with practice and a few miles try adjusting the gear lever. Instructions are in the owner's manual. If you still have a problem at the 600 mile service you want the complaint written on the work order.
Title: Re: New 696 - Is this normal? Post by: Dozer on June 19, 2008, 05:16:54 AM This morning the bike started up like a champ. I used the cold start lever and had zero problem.
So, it looks like my only concern now is what to mod! *licks his lips* :D Thanks for helping to alleviate my concerns. |