New 696 - Is this normal?

[Dozer]

I just picked up my 696 over the weekend after two month wait.  This is the second bike I've owned since I started riding back in 2001 - the first being a CBR 600 F4i.

Now, I've never owned a bike with this engine type and I have a few questions.  Sorry if they are newbie - I could just be overly paranoid.

1.  My bike had some trouble starting this morning... it just wouldn't start.  I had to try it about 10 time before it would actually stay running.  I'd rode the night before, to and from work, and it only dropped into the upper 60's over night.  Is that normal for this engine type?  My CBR never had any problem starting even in 40 degree weather. 

2.  This morning after finally getting it started it was idling fine, and then just cut out.  The check engine light was then on, but that may just be because it stalled.  I turned the key back off to power it off, then back on, and the light wasn't on at that point.  Upon restarting everything was fine - it even idled easier.  My buddy who was with me (we both ride our bikes to work together) mentioned that maybe it was just because it was new, and only about 120 miles into the break in period.

3.  I keep finding some magic neutral somewhere between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th - not exactly sure which as it catches me off guard.  I'll be heading down the road a click and find myself, upon shifting up, in neutral - no neutral light on the display, but clearly there is no gear engaged as I throttle up.  That never happened on my CBR, nor on my buddy's Katana that I've tooled around on from time to time.  It has only happened 2 or 3 times since I got it (about 120 miles on it now). 

Like I said, this may be overly paranoid, but I want to make sure nothing is wrong.  Luckily, I haven't seen any of this 'surging' issue I've read about for the 696.  I've just never had a bike like this so I'm kinda a newbie considering I've not had a lot of exposure.

Thank for any info.

[nkryptit]

1.  My bike had some trouble starting this morning... it just wouldn't start.  I had to try it about 10 time before it would actually stay running.  I'd rode the night before, to and from work, and it only dropped into the upper 60's over night.  Is that normal for this engine type?  My CBR never had any problem starting even in 40 degree weather. 

Are you using the cold start leaver?  That really helps me.

2.  This morning after finally getting it started it was idling fine, and then just cut out.  The check engine light was then on, but that may just be because it stalled.  I turned the key back off to power it off, then back on, and the light wasn't on at that point.  Upon restarting everything was fine - it even idled easier.  My buddy who was with me (we both ride our bikes to work together) mentioned that maybe it was just because it was new, and only about 120 miles into the break in period.

Probably the same as question one,  you should really let it warm up with the cold start leaver engaged before going anywhere.

3.  I keep finding some magic neutral somewhere between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th - not exactly sure which as it catches me off guard.  I'll be heading down the road a click and find myself, upon shifting up, in neutral - no neutral light on the display, but clearly there is no gear engaged as I throttle up.  That never happened on my CBR, nor on my buddy's Katana that I've tooled around on from time to time.  It has only happened 2 or 3 times since I got it (about 120 miles on it now).

I have had the same issue,  you just have to be very deliberate in changing gears at that speed.

[ducisurg]

I have about 90 miles on my 696.

Cold start lever is definitely helpful for warming up when bike has not been ridden for more than a few hours.

I have also found that "neutral" gear between the higher gears. I agree 100% that you just have to be very deliberate in changing gears.

Enjoy the bike. It is a lot of fun!

[roy-nexus-6]

Hi Dozer.

Welcome to the board, & congratulations on your new bike.

Can't really help you with specifics - I ride an S4. But I've no doubt you'll grow to love all the little idiosyncrasies of your bike.

You might want to check out this thread - it's the 696 appreciation thread: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=602.0

A lot of new 696 riders have posted there.. so you can introduce yourself to the crowd. More importantly, you'll see what issues they've found with their bikes.

Enjoy your bike!

Roy 

[Dozer]

Thanks for all the info guys, and the link, Roy.  I'll check it out and say hi.

I don't feel nearly as paranoid now about my bike.  =)

[707soldier]

All is good, your 696 is running as how Ducati Engineers designed it.
I like all the Intricacy of this Monster, its different. Enjoy your ride 
BTW, it's on the manual 

[Grappa]

I have a 2001 M900 that also has the fast idle lever, and it is absolutely essential for starting the bike.  I turn the key to ON, move the fast idle lever all the way on, then press the starter button without touching the throttle.  The bike starts right up, and within about 30 seconds the idle will start to climb, at which time I adjust the lever back a bit.  Turn the lever all the way to off before riding away.  Check out your manual for specific instructions. 


And shifting... show that shift lever that it needs to respect your o-thor-ri-tie!   

[Dozer]

Ah, manual.  Got it!  I was distracted by the shiny Accessories catalog and Apparel catalog. 

[johnster]

A very famous philosopher once said: "It's a Ducati, they do that.." 

-Truthfully, the Monster is somewhat of a quirky bike. For instance, My gearbox shifts differently almost every time I ride it. One day it'll snick right into the next gear, and the next it'll "clunk". 

-Anyway, you'll get used to it.. It's a completely different bike than the f4i that you're used to (I've ridden an f4i a few times), but you'll discover it has a LOT more character + soul than those Jap I4's!!

[Dozer]

I love it so far, I was just worried I had a sick bike.  It is good to know it is just 'personality' and not a characteristic of a problem. 

When I rode it home from the dealer, and heard the sounds it makes, I knew I was in love.  I never did put my front cowling on and I love the "there is nothing in front of me" feeling.

I already order new mirrors (smaller, less 'Dumbo ears' esque ones - not that I hated the stock ones really) and a fender elim.  Next up are new pipes, but I don't want to do anything to risk that kicking growl it has.

[Binary]

Dozer, congrats on the bike! I just got mine this past weekend and I LOVE IT.

In regards to your questions, I would definitely suggest you use the cold start lever. My dealer mentioned to start the bike and then adjust the cold start lever since the bike is EFI its not recommended to adjust the lever prior to the engine start. Not sure how true this is.

I did experience the magic neutral. I spoke to my dealer and he mentioned it to be apart of the break in period. I will make sure that they check it out once I'm over my 600 mile service. I only got the magic neutral the first day of riding.

Post pictures of the mirrors and fender eliminator once you have it . Good luck!

[somegirl]

In regards to your questions, I would definitely suggest you use the cold start lever. My dealer mentioned to start the bike and then adjust the cold start lever since the bike is EFI its not recommended to adjust the lever prior to the engine start. Not sure how true this is.

I don't think it really matters.  Just adjust the cold start lever once the bike has started to keep the idle in a reasonable range (about 1500 on my 695).

And shifting... show that shift lever that it needs to respect your o-thor-ri-tie!   

+1, be firm with it, don't be tentative.

[Dozer]

I don't think it really matters.  Just adjust the cold start lever once the bike has started to keep the idle in a reasonable range (about 1500 on my 695).

Well, the problem I had was that the bike wouldn't start.  So, I couldn't get it to start before adjusting the cold start lever - a sort of chicken and the egg paradox.

I honestly can't remember if I tried to start it, then adjusted the cold start lever.  I believe I tried to start it without adjusting it, then once it didn't start, I moved the lever, then tried it again with no success.  I'll give it more attention while starting the next few times.

[somegirl]

Well, the problem I had was that the bike wouldn't start.  So, I couldn't get it to start before adjusting the cold start lever - a sort of chicken and the egg paradox.

Sorry, I wasn't clear.  This is what I do:

1. Turn on cold start lever.
2. Start bike.
3. Adjust cold start lever to get idle in reasonable range.

good luck!

[Dozer]

Ah gotcha, I was just reading that in the manual.  Apparently, you should use the cold start level in ambient temps below 95 degrees F, according to the manual - so for me, that's pretty much all the time. (assuming it hasn't been running anytime recently)