As the weather has cooled down in the mornings (upper 60s/low 70s) now that it's fall, I've noticed my 696 has a lot harder time cranking up.  I know that it has the fast idle switch and all, but it takes several starts before it cranks over and gets going.  It helps to have the bike straight up to get the oil around but it still takes a bit.  Anyone else having this kind of trouble with their 696's?

Here's a thread that might help out: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=9885.0

Basically says to use that cold start lever to get it going good. From your post, I can't tell if you're actually using the lever.

It shouldn't be that hard to start in the 60's IMO.  I don't have a 696, but my carbed 750 usually cranks right up with a little choke until it gets around freezing, then 2-3 bumps of the starter gets her going.

JM

I've tried it with and without the lever.  It actually seems to work a little better without the lever on at the start and then moving it up some.  Thanks for the link to the other thread though, I missed it looking for it the first time around.

ive got about 1600 miles on my 696, it was about 52*  F this morning 1st attempt fired right up then kicked in the cold start lever.

I have done some early morning commutes in the 40s.  My 696 turns over fine, but does not like to stay running immediately.  I normally start with the cold start lever fully open.  I find that if it fires and then dies after a couple of seconds moving the cold start lever to about 1/2 works. 

half choke always and forever on any cold start.  i got tired of trying it sometimes with and without.  if you use the choke everytime on the first crank then reduce it some you will have good results.  just be careful cause the battery only usualy has enough charge to roll the starter a few times.

Quote from: rosstermyer on October 14, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
half choke always and forever on any cold start.  i got tired of trying it sometimes with and without.  if you use the choke everytime on the first crank then reduce it some you will have good results.  just be careful cause the battery only usualy has enough charge to roll the starter a few times.

+1, always at least cracked on first start.

Even when it seems warm enough to start without aid.

I haven't found the pattern yet, but sometime my 696 starts on the first crank, and sometimes she just doesn't want to start.  Fast idle position doesn't seem to be the common thread.  Outside temp doesn't seem to be it either.

Sorry, no helpful data here other than "Happens to me too." 

Quote from: rosstermyer on October 14, 2008, 01:03:09 PM
half choke always and forever on any cold start. 

No choke on our fancy FI M696 

+1 having the fast idle on is not the same as the choke. the choke dumps more fuel in (by cutting air out) so it starts easier. fast idle just  keeps the idle up to warm the bike up.

My S2R1k is the same. sometimes it fires up on teh first go, sometimes ti takes 5-6 turns no matter the temp.

I really think its just the position of the pistons and all that jazz, maybe one is still in exahust and the other is still in compression???  so it needs to compelte those cycles before it can start. Thats my only guess.

Mornings are cold here so I start the bike as per manual - fast idle open all the way when starting and then when the bike is running setting it a bit lower till rpms are around 1500

As far as I understood from the manual it does give in more fuel and that's why they say to never use it while riding. If it was for the idle rpms only I don't think there would be a problem riding a bike with them higher.

This just prove our Duc's have a soul .

For my 696 she doesn't like it when I start her up with max fast idle in the cold. She likes it when I progressively increase the fast idle lever as soon as I start her up or else she'll tell me to try again. I can then ease her down when she can fully take over.

She just want me to work her up.... progressively

Oh, and if your Duc hasn't been fully broken in yet then just give her some time to get adjusted. She'll be smoother as time goes by

Here in Denmark we enjoy 6-8 degrees Celsius in the morning..
My 695 stands outside with just a thin cover on...but it starts perfectly fine on the first try.
I don't use the choke for starting it but I set it to 50% for the first 5 minutes of the ride to work..
just because I like it idling at 1500 rpm..

be careful with fast idling while riding. just imagine riding with never cutting the throttle for stops/starts and gear shifts and that's basically what you are doing.

Arguz, since you're used to it you probably have adjusted your riding style for that time, but for someone just getting on, it's a lesson learned the hard one. trust me.

does the 695 have a choke or the fast idle?