starter motor delay

[oliver dicicco]

Hi I'm new to the group and to ducati ownership. I got a '98 monster 900, when I hit the starter button there is a lag of about one second before the starter kicks in. I've got a new battery and starter solenoid, all the contacts have been cleaned and everything is tight. When I use a jumper cable between the battery and starter it kicks in immediately. Is the lag a normal condition, or should I try heavier guage wiring between the battery solenoid and starter. Thanks

[Desmo Demon]

or should I try heavier guage wiring between the battery solenoid and starter. Thanks

This is the next thing I would do. Both of my '98 ST2 bikes had that problem and it was cured by installing larger diameter starter cables. I believe I got the cables from Powerlet or something like that.

[Howie]

Chances are good the connection at the starter has high resistance.  A voltage drop test over the connection should reveal if this is the problem.  You should have less than a .2 volt drop at that connection.  While you are at it check all the connections for voltage drop, battery, solenoid, and ground.  If you need to clean the connection at the starter be careful.  The lug coming out of the starter is very delicate.

If you don't know about voltage drop testing, I googled and found this link:
http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm

[oliver dicicco]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the voltage drop, fatter cables will probably help too.

[Howie]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the voltage drop, fatter cables will probably help too.

Yes, they will, but as long as all connections are clean and solid with a good battery the bike should start fine.