poor starts (2000 M900ie)

[redxblack]

When I bought my m900, the bike hesitated a bit when I hit the starter button. It has progressively gotten worse. When I try to start, the bike turns over VERY slowly 3 or 4 times and then acts like the battery is dead. I do have lights, but they are dim. If I try to bump start it (alone), I get it to turn over once and then I'm able to fire up the electric starter. Again, I think it's battery. My brother is much better with mechanical stuff, and he thinks it's solenoid. I think I'm going to head out and get a charger and see how it goes. I did a search on solenoids and most of the threads are about sourcing a replacement, so maybe this would be a good time to discuss the difference between batt and solenoid faults?

Thanks as always for the help.

[nomadwarmachine]

I have a 2000 M900Sie and have had EXACTLY the same problem that you describe.  Thumbing the starter, especially when cold, would get a few slow revolutions of the starter or nothing at all.  It was like it could not overcome the compression.  Bumpstarting would bring it to life immediately and, once warm, it would start fine.

I recharged my battery overnight on the tender and the problem went away entirely.  I attributed this to a weak battery, but I am interested in what others think.

[ducpainter]

Have you looked at cable connections and the condition of the cables themselves? Look closely where the connectors are crimped on.

You'd get no crank at all if it were the solenoid. Replacing that would be a waste of time and money.

[redxblack]

I REALLY appreciate that, nomadwarmachine. Thanks a bunch. Unrelated, I will be buying my third battery charger. I'm the guy people borrow tools from and never return. I should write PROPERTY OF NED FLANDERS on the new one. At least they're relatively inexpensive.

Thanks Nate. That's the kind of troubleshooting I need to do. Cheers! If I ever meet up with either of you, the first round is on me.

[ducpainter]

Many people have had good luck doing a cable size upgrade.

I believe powerlet made a kit. Some others may too.  edit...this kit may very well work on a monster also... http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-vehicle/1/ducati-st2-944/product/ducati-starter-rewire-kit-st2st4st4s-916/295/178

My 900 does it too sometimes, but I keep the battery charged and ignore it.

[64duc]

My 900 does it too sometimes, but I keep the battery charged and ignore it.

   +1  Mine too.

[Howie]

The solenoid is not the problem if your lights are dim.  First step is fully charge and load test the battery so you know it is good.  Next, look for resistance at the connections, particularly the battery connections and the ground at the engine case since the headlight is dim.  There are two ways to do this, one is by voltage drop, the other is by physically disassembling, cleaning and reassembling.  Visual inspection won't cut it.

This will help you with testing for voltage drop
http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm

[redxblack]

Thanks for that! I'm much more comfortable in the electronics end than in the mechanical end, so tearing it apart and cleaning should make for a fun morning.