back fireing & a pain to start...
 

any ideas on the following..

my 03 is a pain to start.. its obviously been tucked away during the winter.. its been plugged into a optimiser..

any thoughts.. would it be a spark plug issue...

also to get ut started after about 5 pushes of the button, it will only start with through choke on full..



to add it sometimes backfires once it started?? is that because its cold?? what should i be looking at to prevent that..

any thoughts would be great

Have you put a fresh tank of fuel in?

What voltage have you got at the battery?A good battery is critical on these bikes.You need at least 12.5v at the terminals for reliable starting.Dont go by the voltmeter in the clocks either,...its not reliable.
The backfiring could be a leaking exhaust.My old 999 did that when the exhaust seals failed.It could also be down to unburnt fuel.
I'm thinking the latter.
Early 999/749's used to eat coils,...especially the front cylinder.Moisture from wet roads or a damp garage can creep in and cause corrosion.2005 onwards bikes had an improved version that is a straight swap.(The coils are built into the spark plug caps,btw.)
So,
1.Fresh fuel.
2.Check battery.
3.Check/clean plug caps.
Let us know how you get on.

Thanks to you all.

Will go through the list over the next few days & feedback...

Did add some fuel when I picked the bike up back in Jan.. but have not ridden it to be honest since I got her....

when you say new/clean fuel, do you mean drain what's left & add new, or just top up new?

JA

I don't like the idea of leaving old fuel in the tank over winter... Especially if the bike could be left in cold conditions.. Condensation can form in the tank and water can get into the fuel… Tank can rust fuel filter can bung up… My bike is always indoors over winter.

Thanks for the heads up.. looks like I'll be purchasing a fuel filter also...

A Worth while change anyway, the 749-999 tanks rust easily on the inside...

Any ideas on what Plugs I should get? & where from, also after a fuel filter...

I recall reading that to preserve tanks its best to put them away full to the brim ,no room for condensation and no bare metal to corrode. I dont think fuel goes off like it once did? (but don't quote me on that)

pete

Yep, that's what I believe. I work on aircraft and we always put them to bed with tanks brimmed if its for an extended period. The best way to stop the condensation is to completely fill the tanks.

Ducati dealer is the best bet.:rolleyes:
Also budget for tank 'o'ring seal and a couple of clips to clamp the fuel filter hose.The standard clips are the clic type and you should'nt really use them twice.Last time I changed one,I used some nice little stainless steel 'p' clips.

Checked 1st plug today, it had seen better days, I've ordered a pair of NGK CR9E, which came out of it....


Will also change the fuel filter, as I'm guessing I'll have to remove the tank to get to the 2nd plug right???

I take the fuel Filter will be under the tank also??

Cheers
JA

Yep, the tank is pretty easy to remove to get at the vertical cylinder plug.

To change the fuel filter, you need to remove the fuel pump from the tank!

Its inside the tank.When you lift the tank,you will see a round plate where the fuel lines and wiring connect.Filter and fuel pump are behind the plate.As in my previous post,you might also need a new sealing ring and a couple of hose clamps.

Good News (well for me)

New plugs added & cleaned Air filters..

Hit the start button & just like magic she started 1st time...

Over the moon! fairings back on.. roll on the weekend for some sunshine riding..

Thanks for all your responses...