Starter Relay Sticking

[turbodude]

So yesterday I go to take the Monster out for the first time in a few weeks and when I went to start it, it back fired alittle and I let go of the starter button.  Only problem is the bike is still cranking over.  I hit the kill switch and turned the key off and the bike is still cranking!!

I ended up grabbing a 10mm in the garage and taking the wire off the starter to stop it.  I later reconnected everything and got the bike started, but what I need to know is how to prevent this from happening again.

I am sure having the battery a little low was part of the cause.  (I also have a high compression 944 with flatslides which I am sure doesn't help)  I have beefed up the wiring with a kit from Desmo Times, and beefed up the grounds.  Should I change the starter relay (it has done this once before with the battery also worn down from sitting)?

For now I have left a 10mm on the bike incase it happens again and I have to disable the starter.

Thanks for any info.

[Howie]

Buy a new solenoid.  It will happen again.  You can get a Yamaha unit from Chris Kelley for less than the OEM.  Same solenoid, different connectors.

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/elec.html
Scroll down.

[Langanobob]

I am sure having the battery a little low was part of the cause.

That's something I never thought about but I think my battery was also low when the starter solenoid stuck.  Not sure about the physics of DC motors but if the voltage is low and the motor is struggling, I wonder if more current flows to compensate and it's the heat from the additional current that fries or welds the contacts together?

[Howie]

That's something I never thought about but I think my battery was also low when the starter solenoid stuck.  Not sure about the physics of DC motors but if the voltage is low and the motor is struggling, I wonder if more current flows to compensate and it's the heat from the additional current that fries or welds the contacts together?

You got it.  Less voltage = more amps, more arcing at the contacts, possibility of welding. 

[turbodude]

Thanks guys, I just wanted someone elses opinion before I installed another relay just for my health.  Having the starter stick is a major pita.  I don't want to burn up a starter $$$. 

[turbodude]

Rode it this weekend with a full battery and it was fine.  I will replace the battery as preventative maintenanace over the winter.

Keep those batteries topped off.