After thinking I sorted my 998s starting problems, the problem really didn't go away. On a much closer inspection I need to fit a new starter clutch. I checked out ducati.com and the part no. is 701.4.007.1A Has anyone any idea how much one of these cost to buy, before I ring around and have the parts dept guy sucking air in past his (or her) teeth? Sorry for the Monty Python.
New sprag fitted but the old one knocked out the flange it sits in and the driven starter gear it sits on. OUCH! So replaced those also. The up-side is that she fires-up with the quickest of touches on the button. Confidence has now been resumed.