Idle & Backfire

[memetic]

How do I turn the idle up on my bike? Should I adjust the throttle cable, or is there a better way?

Also, the bike seems to be choking up a bit. When I accelerate it stutters and bogs down, then seems to clear up and then takes off. Maybe it is running rich? This is my first fuel injected bike, so I am really a newb at this.

Thanks for any help.

2002 900s

[Speeddog]

You can increase idle by opening the air bleed screws.

When was the bike last serviced, particularly, when was the last valve clearance adjustment?
Low idle is usually a symptom of out of spec valve clearance.

[memetic]

Not sure about the service. I sent an email to the guy I bought it from to find out.

The bogging issue was actually due to the same component that was causing my bike not to start; the plug that attaches to the solenoid had loose spades. I thought that I had put it back on tight enough, but apparently not. I used a tiny screwdriver to bend them closed (more). It is running fine now. Seems to have cleared up all my issues... Hope it stays that way.

[memetic]

I was wrong.

Here is the problem now: I start the bike and let it warm up and everything runs smooth no issues. I take off and a few minutes into the ride I start bogging really bad -- it is exactly the same kind of sound/symptoms as if I was running out of gas. It starts chugging and bogging down and then shuts off. I fiddle with the choke a bit and keep it revved high -- it helps, but it will still bog down and shutdown. Then, it starts to get a bit better and better after about 7-10 minutes. After that, the bike runs really well for the rest of the ride (very rare to have it bog down or choke again).

This happened yesterday again. And after the bogging and choking cleared up, I rode 108 miles with no issues. Then, I was home shut it off, went inside, came out about 30 mins later to move it and it backfired loudly but then ran fine.

The other weird thing is that when it shuts down I can't just restart it; I have to turn the key off and back on. Even if it doesn't turn over and start the first try, I have to turn the key off and on again. I am guessing this is not supposed to be.

Thank you.

[memetic]

No takers on this?

Still having the problem. It doesn't happen all the time, but enough to be a concern. I've gone over everything. Another Monster owner in town suggested it may be a shorted battery cell. The battery is over three years old so I ordered a new one anyway. Installing it tomorrow morning.

A new observation is the last time this happened (yesterday) fluid blew out the K&N filter next to the upper cylinder. It made a total mess. Saturated the filter and got all over the engine and rear wheel cover.

Any other thoughts?  

edit: I just read the topic Nice English Weather or whatever and was mentioned about the drain tube. Yesterday, the drain tube actually started hitting the exhaust and melting. I thought this was just a coincidence. Could this be the problem?!!!

[memetic]

Nope. It died again today this time the battery went totally dead (I bought it new yesterday). I have a sneaking suspicion its electrical and something is shorting out (on and off).

[Thermite]

Check the ground cables where they connect to the frame/engine.  Known to be a problem with Ducati.  Lame grounds will affect almost every system on the bike.

Check all of the fuses.  This is probably not your problem but a good habit to get into for electrical issues.

When you say the battery is dead does that mean the bike doesn't turn over, or you used a voltmeter to test the voltage?  If the grounds check out okay you need to test the voltage at the battery while the engine is running to confirm the battery is being charged. 

The stumbling may be the result of a combination of problems.  You need to know when the last time the valves and timing belts were done.  Also oil change, fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs.  There are some really smart people here who will help you, but the routine work has to be done before problems can be diagnosed.

[memetic]

Yeah, I did all that stuff. The ground is fine, fuses fine, fluids, battery & plugs new, the valves were shimmed at 10k...

I think the solenoid might be bad (or wire has a short). I am not sure what to do to troubleshoot stuff like this.

[Thermite]

Yeah, I did all that stuff.

I think the solenoid might be bad.

The solenoid won't make it stumble and die while you're riding, only crank or not crank the starter, so you have other issues.  If it wont crank the starter you can jump the two large terminals on the solenoid with a pir of screwdrivers.  Do a search in tech and you'll probably find an exact how-to with pictures specific to your bike.  That's assuming your new battery isn't "dead" as you posted before.

Do you notice any electrical problems when it stumbles?  Tach pegs to zero, lights, gauges anything?  Do you always have to turn the key off to restart it?  If it doesn't start can you sometimes turn the key off/on and get it to start?

If yes to any of the above you might have a failing main relay.  They're pretty durable but if even a little battery acid gets spilled on them they go toast.  Strangely enough both of mine are situated right under the battery tray.

[Howie]

For test purposes you can bypass the relay.  Jump terminal 87 and 30 (red/black and red/yellow) wires.  If this alleviates the problem, replace the relay.

My guess is you have either a fuel or fuel venting problem.  If it is fuel venting the problem will go away if you open the fuel cap.  You will also hear vacuum when you open the cap.  If so, find the kink or restriction in your vent lines and repair.  If you still have the carbon canister on the bike they can clog over time.  You may have bad gas (sorry, not you, the bike) or a clogged fuel filter.  These are only starting points.

[memetic]

Thanks, both of you. I had/have multiple issues...

Yes, the vent line from the tank keeps coming out of the little wire bracket thingy under the engine. It flopped onto the header and melted and clogged. I thought I had fixed it but it flopped out again and was clogged deeper up the line.

When it died, everything died. It would shut-off and back on over and over while I was driving down the highway. Yes, I always had to turn the key off and back on -- every time.

I found that the copper jumper that I used to bypass the kickstand switch had broken. I should have un-taped that biotch first thing and checked it out, but it was so new I didn't think it could have failed so soon. Ugh. The copper jumper basically broke in half and was making and losing contact over and over at certain temperatures. Then, it finally lost contact. It was very confusing because it happened the same day I put in a new battery and the horn stopped working too. 

I still need to figure out what happened with the horn. The horn itself is good; its just not getting juice. It could be the button. Any advice on that? I really need the horn! I live in one of the worst places to ride a bike. I am surrounded by drivers who pay absolutely no attention to their surroundings. My last Monster was hit head on by a guy driving on the wrong side of the road. He didn't see me until I was on his windshield (that's what he told the cops).

I NEED this horn. Should I just open up the button and take a look, or is there something I can do first? It's not the fuse... I'm slow, but I'm not retarded.

[DucatiKabul]

Follow the horn wires from the push button to the ignition back to the horn itself, you might find the problem there.

[ducpainter]

No takers on this?

Still having the problem. It doesn't happen all the time, but enough to be a concern. I've gone over everything. Another Monster owner in town suggested it may be a shorted battery cell. The battery is over three years old so I ordered a new one anyway. Installing it tomorrow morning.

A new observation is the last time this happened (yesterday) fluid blew out the K&N filter next to the upper cylinder. It made a total mess. Saturated the filter and got all over the engine and rear wheel cover.

Any other thoughts?  

edit: I just read the topic Nice English Weather or whatever and was mentioned about the drain tube. Yesterday, the drain tube actually started hitting the exhaust and melting. I thought this was just a coincidence. Could this be the problem?!!!

Or check your vent to the tank.

Sounds like the hose may be kinked.

If you have removed the charcoal canister remove the little rubber button under the cap. That will eliminate the effects of a kinked hose.

[Howie]

Well, you know the horn itself works.  First make sure your brake light works.  If it doesn't, check the fuse, they are on the same fuse.  The violet/black wire at the horn should have voltage, key on.  The switch grounds the horn, allowing it to beep.  It does this with the green wire, which connects to the switch, terminal J. 

[memetic]

Thanks guys. I'll be taking your advice tomorrow in my shop. I hope to get this sorted. Thanks a lot!