Ducati Scrambler Starting Problem

Joined Apr 2023
1 Posts | 0+
Sweden
Hello!
I am a happy owner of a Ducati Scrambler 800 Urban Enduro (2015) since last summer (bought it summer 2022).
I bought it second hand and it has now been driven for 16000 km.

I am really satisfied with the bike and its a real joy to ride, but i have an issue that i need some advice on how and what to troubleshoot.

Almost every time i try to start the bike it have a hard time starting up.
(I always turn the key and wait for the lamps and pump sound to finish before i press the start/ignition button)
Most of the time it starts up after 5-10 seconds of holding the start/ignition button down, but some times it takes a lot longer.
A couple of times ive had to roll it down a hill and start at gear 1 (its not that fun to push it back up the hill again if i cant make it start 😊 )

When i have driven it for a while and turn off the engine it starts up pretty much right away, but if i park it for a longer time (1 hour or more) im back at square 1 having a hard time start it up again.

Even tough i experience the problem in hotter and more dry weather, It seems to be more frequent and harder to start in colder and more humid weather. As for exemple in the video linked below. The example in the video is an extreme case. Took me almost 4 min to start it up.

Sometimes it starts easier if i dont give it any throttle at all, sometimes a little bit of throttle helps. I have not found the pattern for when and how that helps. In the video i tried without throttle, with little throttle and also max throttle.
Also, somtetimes after i get it to start it can be sensitive to throttle. For example, if if give it to little throttle at gear one the engine can die.. same goes if i have it in neutral and dont give it any throttle at all.

The nearest Ducati dealer/mechanic is 1,5 hours away and they want to charge me a minimum of 350€ just do troubleshoot.
So thats why i am trying to get help this way before the last resort to take it to the mechanic.

Ive found several posts on the internet describing similar issues, and have followed the advices given in those posts but with no progress to solving the problem.

Some background information and what i have checked/tried so far:

  • Ducati Service (incl valve check) done in 2021.
  • It has a Termignoni exhaust system with map key installed
  • Always fill it up with 98 octane when available, and with 95 if not available at current gas station.
  • I have changed to a new battery and when i check the battery status in the displays its at steady 12-13 v
  • Changed spark plugs to new ones (recommended NGK DCPR8E spark plugs)
  • I have (with my limited knowledge) checked for air leaks , but have not been able to find any obvious leaks. I happy to recieve suggestion on a good method to check this further.


I would be very greatful to get more suggestions on how to troubleshoot this further, even better if someone have had the same problem and solved it :)

Link to video when i try to start it in rainy weather:
 
Late answer and I'm no expert...
After grinding the starter for a longer period of time, did you check the status of your spark plugs? Dry or wet?
If dry it should indicate a fueling problem, breather hose that has been pinched when it was at the shop for Desmo. Try to start with the fuel cap open.
If you use starting gas, does it start?
Clogged fuel filter?
If wet - spark or air, did they change air filter (really changed it?),

I really hope that you've already got this sorted!
 
About air leaks, use starter spray, I've seen some post where a hose at the right side had a puncture, behind the triangle shaped plastic cover below the rear of the gas tank.
Based on my own experience of some Swedish Ducati dealers I wouldn't bet all of my money on the Desmo been performed correctly 2021.