Ducati Sporting Club UK - trouble starting 749s

Quote:

Originally posted by megalite
cant start my bike this morning. the voltage of the battery is flashing 12, and after i try starting goes down to 11.8 and stays there.
can i run with it really quickly, engage it into gear and start it like that? or how do i jump start it from another battery? can i do that from my cars battery?
also whats the procedure for starting it when its really cold? in the manual it says choke should be full out, while everyone on this forum disagrees, whats the best way?
cheers
megalite
ps pictures to follow soon

[Edited on 28-1-2006 by megalite]

Well done on getting your bike

I use as little choke as possible when starting and turn it down asap. On the one occassion I had a problem I used no choke and just gave the throttle a blip as soon as it sounded like it was about to fire up. Sounds like it needs a charge up though.

Personally, I would never consider bumping it. Running down the road beside it, then jumping on as it fires up, whilst in gear sounds like a recipe for a serious drop to me. Maybe worse. I have seen this done, and thought the guy was nuts. Not sure what the local constabulary would say about it either. 100bhp+ bike, in gear, engine runnng, no rider in the seat, I doubt they would be happy.

Good luck with it Mega!