Hard starting 998

[Doc]

Ok so I try to start the bike and it just turns over and over and over... It takes forever to fire and it seems to be worse when it is cold or i haven't started it in a day or so.

It has Sil moto cans and K&N filter but nothing else.

Any ideas and maybe a short term fix (Gino, the putting one hand over the exhaust thing doesn't seem to work). I read that turning the key on, letting the fuel pump prime, turning the key off then back on again might help but honestly I haven't tried it yet.

I have the fix, I just haven't had the chane to install it. (PCIII)

Ideas?

[The Crashing Tomato]

SOLUTION : Take it to Pasta Rocket's barn / ducati emporium

[reiobard]

is it a new problem? could be a clogged gas tank breather hose. triumphs are notorious for it ( i know it is not a Triumph, but it could have a similar issue). as the fuel goes down the tank can;t breath and it creates a vacuum in the tank and the fuel can't get out. Try opening the gas cover before turning it over. if that is the problem then it will release the negative pressure in the tank.

[Doc]

is it a new problem? could be a clogged gas tank breather hose. triumphs are notorious for it ( i know it is not a Triumph, but it could have a similar issue). as the fuel goes down the tank can;t breath and it creates a vacuum in the tank and the fuel can't get out. Try opening the gas cover before turning it over. if that is the problem then it will release the negative pressure in the tank.

No issues after the bike is running and I don't get any vapor lock so I don't think that is it. But I had thought of that so good call!

[TLRMan]

Could be fouling the plugs with fuel.

[LuvDog]

Are you pushing the "secret" throttle lock button?

[jcbell1007]

my 848 is the same. just crack the throttle a little (per hobbs) and it will start right up.

This is always the first start, once its warm its good.

[LuvDog]

my 848 is the same. just crack the throttle a little (per hobbs) and it will start right up.

This is always the first start, once its warm its good.

That's exactly what the secret button does... I'm not sure if it's on the 848 or not... but I think it should be on the 998... I have it on my 916.

It's actually called the Fast Idle Button on the throttle side. On my bike its on the bottom side of the throttle/starter button housing near where your right index finger is on the grip. It's just a little push button that opens up the throttle - maybe 1/4 inch.

hit that button... turn the key... let the fuel pump prime... hit the start button... vroom vroom clackity clack.

[Kurlon]

Older Ducs used a throttle lock, newer ones have a high idle lever. In either case, your bike is LEAN, which is why it's bitchy about cold starting when cold. As Ryan suggested, a lil throttle when you fire it up will help, as you're telling the bike to toss more fuel down the throttle bodies, aka choking it. A PC3 will help immensely, especially if you get a 'spring/fall' and 'summer' map set to run depending on the temps.

[BCT748]

You're probably just running lean but have you checked the quick connect fittings under the tank? They have a tendency to crack and for some reason only really effect cold starting.

[jcbell1007]

I've heard about the fast idle lever/button on some of the past bikes. motofreak was telling me about the one on his ape but i've looked all over my 848 and can't find it.

i'm assuming there isn't one but i'll give $10 to someone who can prove me wrong.

[Kurlon]

The newest Ducs use a stepper motor to raise the idle for you, I think the Multi was the first Duc to ship with it? So no lever, no button, the ECU handles it.

[Slyder]

A friends 996 was like that. It didn't like cold at all. Even when warm it would still die, if it was cold out.

My 01 gixxer 750 had a "choke" on the left bar. It even had a choke symbol on it. It clearly wasn't a choke, all it did was crack the flies, same as opening the throttle like others are saying. The newer gixxers don't though.

When in doubt, gas it

[Doc]

PCIII installed. Problem solved.

Thanks fellas.