Ducati 1997 won't start

[fishbonium]

Hello,

My newly purchased 1997 Ducati Monster 750 won't start after a week of ownership. It has fun fine the last week, I've driven it every day. 17000k on the bike, new spark plugs installed in the last 1000 miles, all fluids new and full between 1-2 months ago, nothing visibly wrong.

The bike makes an electric whirring/grinding sound without throttle, and sputters only slightly with throttle. In first gear the bike does buckle forward when trying to start with throttle. With the choke high or low, ignition sounds the same.

Any ideas?

[ducpainter]

I'd check the plugs regardless of the mileage.

[hooligan machinist]

 The bucking is probably due to the clutch sticking.
Mine does the same thing after sitting over night.
Work the clutch lever 3 or 4 times and rock the bike back and forth a few inches while holding the lever. You should be able to feel it break loose.
Also, you could/should start it in neutral.
As for the noise you described, it sounds like the starter may not be engaging properly. Or the starter sprag has worn out.