696 DP ECU

[R2]

I haven't really ridden much in the past six months and I've started riding way more lately. So, I've been getting reacquainted with my 696. I have been noticing that it gets weird around the 3.7 - 4k rpm area. It gets choppy, kind of like when you hit the rev limiter, and sometime it seems like it coughs once and looses power for a second. I remember hearing talk about a 4k surge or something like that on the 696, but I have the Termis w/ the DP ECU, and I though that was supposed to get rid of the issues. Any one care to chime in?

[Howie]

You may have one of the 696 Monsters with reversed coil wires.  Though wired wrong, the bike would still jive with the wiring diagram.  Your dealer should have a service bulletin on this problem.

[R2]

Thanks for the reply howie. I think the dealership I bought the bike from said they checked that. It doesn't happen all the time either. Today it only did it once, but yesterday it happened three times that I remember.

[Raux]

apparently the DP ECU's now keep the O2 sensors in the loop from what i've read.
That being said, probably still is a minor problem with the system trying to keep it lean.
for the coil issue. it's for the early production run numbers.
if you recently purchased the bike shouldn't be there.
but if it's an early 2009, doesn't hurt to get it double check by another dealer.

[Howie]

Raux is correct, this problem was on early '09s which were really late '08s  An easy test is to  check spark polarity using an analog (moving needle) volt meter. Hook up a voltmeter with the negative lead to the plug terminal and the positive lead to the block. Set the meter on the highest volt range. Crank the engine over (no need to start it), and you should see an upward swing of the voltmeter needle (don't be concerned with taking a reading). If the needle swings down off the scale, your coil is hooked up wrong.  Reverse polarity costs about15% available spark loss.  This will show up most where you are having the problem since you are still in closed loop.

[Raux]

and a constant 4k rpm cruising will result in overheating 

[R2]

I got my 696 in August '08, so it could be one of them. I'm not to thrilled with my local dealer so I'll try following howies instructions first.

Do you say to use an analog meter because it's easier to see it move, or is it too short of a time for the digital to get a reading. I'm just wondering if I need to find someone with an analog or if my dmm will work. I guess I could just try it when I get home and see if it works.

[Howie]

All you are looking for is the needle to swing to positive each time the plug fires, numbers don't matter.  Off hand, I don't know what the results would be with a digital meter or if you could damage the meter.

[R2]

Ok, so I finally got around to doing this test. I've only got about 14 days until my warranty is over, so I figured I better get on it. I think the polarity is reversed. I want to make sure I'm doing this right before I go into the dealership, that way if they say it's fine I can debate it with them.

I put the negative lead inside the the terminal that goes onto the spark plug, and I put the positive lead onto the tip of spark plug. Then I cranked over the engine and the needle dipped downward off the scale, instead of swinging upward.

That is the correct way, right?

[Raux]

if you do both coils you'll see one go the opposite way

[Veloce-Fino]

You may be referring to the stuttering that all 696's have when you are at a very exact rpm somewhere around 4k. Part of the stock ecu's fueling problems. Both of the 696's I have ridden were exactly the same with this issue.

DP ecu/re-flash solves this.

[R2]

if you do both coils you'll see one go the opposite way

Is the problem when they both go negative, or is one cylinder supposed to go a certain way? I have the instructions for the wire swap, maybe I should just tear it apart and do a visual check.

[Howie]

Swap the wires and if it runs better you are golden.  4K RPM cruise is significantly worse with reverse polarity. 

[ggemelos]

Let me start off my saying that I don't have a 696, I have an 1100.  I am kind of surprised that cruising at 4k will cause the bike to overheat.  For highway speeds, I would think you would need to be even higher that 4k.  Is this something you have experienced?   

[Raux]

the reversed coil wires created a misfire at 4k causing the overheat.