Just got a '99 ST2 with 22k on the clock (I know it's not a Monster, but I'm keeping my Monster so I can still hang out here ;D ).
History isn't totally verifiable, but I was told all the scheduled services were done, but some records are missing. The fluids all look fresh and topped off and everything visible looks as expected, though the chain is questionable. It's all stock except for a reusable K&N air filter which I haven't checked yet.
Minor issue is from a cold or warm start, it needs throttle -a fair amount when cold, less when warm. I know this should not be the case. It turns over without issue and seems to idle and cruise fine. Only thing of note is that I get an occasional (engine/exhaust?) burp when shifting into a higher gear.
I'm fairly useless when it comes to diagnosing starting and running issues. Any suggestions on where to start? I plan to check the plugs but don't know where to go from there...
Are using the fast idle lever? Unlike most cars, your fuel injected ST2 controls cold fuel mixture, but not idle speed and should be used on a cold start whenever it is less than about 95oF.
Do you have the owner's manual? If you don't you can download one for a 2001 (close enough) here.
Thanks, Howie. I did grab a copy of the manual and have read through it. At least for starting, it's pretty identical to my '07 Monster. On a cold start on a 90 degree day, the PO used the fast idle lever and still had to rev it significantly to get it to idle properly until warm. On the way home I stopped several times -engine was plenty warm and outside temps were up to 91-92F, so I didn't use the fast idle, but still had to give it some throttle to get it to start.
I'm not too worried about warm start, however, the manual recommends against using throttle for cold starts, so I'm hoping to get it working right (according to the manual anyway).
Any modifications like an open airbox that would make the bike a little lean? I would check all the base settings; throttle position sensor, CO trim and throttle synch. I would also check the adjustment on the fast idle cable. Meanwhile, as long as the bike runs well and is starting I wouldn't worry too much. The fast idle lever opens the throttle a little, just like your right hand.
I need to check the air box after I get the tank closer to empty, but the PO said it was bone stock which checks out so far (other than the side-stand bypass switch, which I don't think he was aware of). I'll check those items you mentioned -first step is to dig up a shop manual.
Quote from: howie on June 16, 2012, 03:40:26 AM
The fast idle lever opens the throttle a little, just like your right hand.
Funny, I didn't think of it that way, but good point.
Might want to check that the TPS is reading in the normal range, and gives smooth a change in readout when you twist the throttle.
Additionally, it may be that the trim is adjusted incorrectly.
Brad Black has a good document here:
http://www.bikeboy.org/ducati2vthrottleb.html (http://www.bikeboy.org/ducati2vthrottleb.html)
Thanks for the link. Looks pretty daunting, but I'll give it a shot.
I ran the fuel down until the light came on so I could get under the tank. It was hesitating a fair amount at that point, but I figured it was due to low (and possibly old) fuel. Cleaned and recharged the air filter with the K&N kit (wasn't too bad) and put everything back together. Put in some fresh mid-grade (89 octane) gas hoping it would run better, but it still hesitates until over 4500RPM, which is a new development. Also started getting occasional loud pops on decel, which is new, too.
Time to peel of the fairings and dig in. Definitely something to be said for the ease of maintenance on a naked bike.
Pull the fuel pump assembly out of the bottom of the tank, and check all of the hoses.
If the bike has been sitting much with recent fuel in it, the hoses will decompose.....
Get a new O-ring for the flange before you reassemble.
The fuel swells them, then they're too long and virtually impossible to reinstall without pinching/cutting.