Ducati Monster Forum

Here is the situation. The pregnant dog (I am really pissed at the bike right now) has a starting issue. When it first happened, it was solved by charging the battery and letting the bike sit overnight. I figured it was a low battery. Not anymore. It has only 3000 miles on it, the battery is fully charged, the starter turns over everytime, and all the bike does it sit there, cranks over and it keeps flooding as I twist the throttle in hopes of getting it going. I am at wits end at the moment, and cannot figure out why technically a brand new bike wont effing start. I took it for a ride on sunday, started right up. Then when I parked and came back, nothing. I tried several times, and all it did was drain the battery. I have had the bike on a trickle charger for the past 2 days, and try and start it every morning after it drains the fuel from flooding each the previous day. Nothing, zilch.

Any advice, comments before I have her towed to Desmoto and spend a lot of money getting this issue resolved?

Thanks in advance

Do you have spark?

Chances are you fouled the spark plugs.  Try a new set.  Leave the throttle alone.

You've got to have the 3 basics: fuel, air & spark.

Confirm you are getting spark, and make sure you are indeed getting fuel delivery.

If you have spark, then a few simple things can be done to ensure you have fuel. You can take a long extension for a ratchet, and gently tap on the throttle bodies/fuel injector as you try to start. If you have a stuck injector, the tapping will 9 out of 10 times free it up.

If the injector isn't an issue, open your gas cap. There will be a small black rubber bung underneath the cap. Use a small pair of needle nose pliers, and pull it out. I've seen several instances where this rubber piece has become blocked, and the tank can't properly vent. If your tank can't vent, then you will vapor lock, and starting is nigh impossible.

Also, check that you haven't flooded fuel into the emissions canister. If it's filled with fuel, you've once again blocked the venting ability of the fueling system. It's not a serviceable item, so removal of the unit and accompanying lines is necessary. Be sure that if you remove the cannister, that you properly block all the lines/junctions to avoid a lean running condition.

Obviously, double check the condition of your airbox/air filter.

If you've got a 3 elements, then it's on to other possibilities.

Compression and leakdown tests. Yes, it's a new bike. But sometimes things get missed, or done incorrectly at the factory. I've seen a few, from time to time, come out of the crate with some seriously bad issues.

Troubleshoot as much as you are capable of, and document everything you've done. Notes will always be useful when future issues arise.

If you are in doubt of how to do anything, take it to the dealer. Spend a few $ now and have it done correctly, instead of a lot of $$$$ later because of a costly mistake.

Might want to check the connectors under your tank.  Mine worked loose not too long ago.  Assuming due to engine vibration.

Location would be helpful. You said Desmoto-that the same Desmoto in the SF bay area? If so, there are a lot of us near you who could probably help.....

IMO, you should NEVER have to touch the throttle to start the bike.  In addition, I've rarely used the throttle advance.  Good luck.

Thank you all for the replies thus far. Yes, it is Desmoto in SF. My username on the old forum was nubreed.
My friend and new riding buddy, Stephanie - CharliesAngel from the MOB, has put me in touch with Dan, ducwrench, and I am hoping he will be able to fix the issue.
I live in Hayes Valley, so if anyone else is able to stop by and check out the issue, I would be willing to compensate, or provide libations!   [drink] [beer] [drink] [beer]
Cheers!