Bike won’t start on battery alone

Andy3

Member
Hi guys
I have a Ducati 999r it hasn’t ran for around 10 years I’ve changed the belts and all the fluids plus a new battery
I finally got it running the other day I had to use jump leads as the battery didn’t have enough power to turn it over (I think) but it still won’t start without jump lead’s attached
Do you think it could be just a rubbish battery or could it be something else
Thanks
Andy
 
Does the R have the original Earth lead and starter circuit cabling?

It doesn't take much to stop a big v-twin starting easily and uprated cables on the starter circuit are a big help (I know from experience.).

Perhaps @Exige has a suggestion? :)
 
Sounds like a fucked battery, how old is it and has it been on a trickle charge for a long period?
 
If she's been stood 10 years, the starter itself will need looking at, but first I would be looking at sprag clutch, then starter motor then Exi's magic cables and Robert should become your uncle :giggle:

BTW, welcome to Zanadu

dave-angel-eco-warrior.gif
 
If the battery is OK, then I'd look at the starter motor or starter solenoid, especially as you say it doesn't turn at all some times. If it was a sprag issue, then the motor would at least spin but not the engine. You could try connecting a battery directly to the starter to see if that spins the motor over. Remove the solenoid cable though to stop spiking back up through the solenoid circuit.
 
Is the battery the correctly rated Ah?

Sounds similar to an issue I had, where the battery would crank the bike, but it wouldn't fire. Changing to a larger Ah battery cured the issue.
 
If the battery is OK, then I'd look at the starter motor or starter solenoid, especially as you say it doesn't turn at all some times. If it was a sprag issue, then the motor would at least spin but not the engine. You could try connecting a battery directly to the starter to see if that spins the motor over. Remove the solenoid cable though to stop spiking back up through the solenoid circuit.
Sound like a plan I will give it a try
 
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