97 m750 possible tranny problem?

[arhim22]

I have a 97 ducati monster 750 and I was rolling down the driveway without the bike on and accidently stepped on the shifter and dropped it into first gear. Since then the shifter won't go back to it's original spot after shifting (probably the spring) and the bike will not start. A mechanic stopped by telling me that the sensor in the transmission is probably going off which is preventing the bike to start. He jumped the starter and it started but it won't start with the start button. Could this be a big transmission issue? All the mechanic would tell me was that the sensor is probably bad in the tranny and it's going to need major repair. (he was a suzuki/honda mech so I didn't really know if he knew much). I feel that something like the spring could be broken but don't think it would be that big of a damage because of how slow i was rolling.

Also does anyone know how to take off the left side cover of the motor where the shifter lever connects so I can take a look inside? I have the bolts out and I need a steering wheel puller but anything else I should be aware of?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[ducpainter]

There is no sensor in the transmission.

There is a neutral switch, but your bike does not have a starter lock out circuit.

Find a different mechanic.

[arhim22]

Any ideas to what might be wrong with it?

[Howie]

If you are talking about the starting problem first check that you are getting voltage to the solenoid when the starter button is pressed.  You should at least hear a click from the solenoid when the starter button is pressed with the key on.  If not, remove the white connector on the back of the solenoid.  Where is the solenoid?  Follow the positive cable from the battery.  You will get to a round tin can.  That's it.  There is a white connector on the back with two wires.  One is from the starter button, one is ground.  With the key on you should get battery voltage at one wire.  If not you have a problem with the starter button or related wiring.   Check the condition of the connectors before you reconnect to the solenoid.  Often a loose connector is the whole problem.  If the solenoid is getting battery voltage your solenoid take a heavy wire and go from big terminal to big terminal on the solenoid (make sure the bike is in neutral).  If it now cranks the solenoid is faulty.  Since the "mechanic" got the bike started we can assume the starter motor works, so the next possibility is corrosion at the starter motor  connection.  Careful taking it apart.  First disconnect the negative battery cable.  Then inspect the connection.  It is easy to break the lug the starter wire goes to. 

[arhim22]

Thanks I will check and reply after I check it out

[Mike Qube]

What happens when you press the starter button? Does it click at all or is it silent?

[gregrnel]

Blew a tranny? Were you partying in New Orleans again? Just remember the golden rule......if there's an apple up here (points to the throat), then there's a banana down there (points to the groin)

[arhim22]

it is silent when you press the start button. no clicks