Monster won't start

[alec76]

Hi All,

I bought my first bike, 2000 Ducati Monster M600 (mileage 9500, carb) 2 months ago. Until recently it was doing really good. However three days ago I tried to start it but it won't start. Starter motor turns but engine won't start.

I went through the Haynes Manual
-checked fuses (replaced the blown 7.5)
-checked battery voltage (it was low voltage, recharged, now it's above 12.3)
-topped up the engine oil (it was way below the minimum)
-will replace the spark plugs tomorrow (ordered, in the post)

I am not sure what else to check, any ideas?

I commute to work (15-20min each way) and take long 3-4 hrs rides at the weekends.

One more point, which makes me fear the worst; when I tried to start three days ago, I heard a small explosion from the exhaust which sounded like a particle or low quality petrol caused it, but I would like to hear your opinions.

Best Regards,

Alec

[erkishhorde]

I don't have much to offer but...

Has the bike sat for a prolonged period due to rain or anything? If you have a slope nearby you can try to push start it to see if it recovers after a little bit of riding.

The blast you heard was probably a backfire. I don't think it's of any concern. Also, since you say it's your first bike, you checked oil level while the bike was upright, correct? Not while it was on the side stand.

[Howie]

12.3 is still low, you want 12.6-12.8.  Check the plugs.  Are they wet, fouled?  When was the bike last serviced?  Belts? Valve adjustment?

Ditto on was the bike vertical?   If the bike was on the sidestand and topped off the oil it is now overfilled.

[Oldfisti]

Welcome to the forum!

As with ANY engine you need to start with the 2 fundamental questions: Do you have spark? Is fuel getting to the cylinders?  Once that is known we can take it from there...     

[clubhousemotorsports]

M600 I will assume you have carburetors.

ducati's with carbs some times have the fuel go bad in the float bowls while sitting. I would start by charging the battery and then before trying to start the bike drain the float bowls, do not overtighten the drain screws. you will have to crank long enough to get fresh fuel into the float bowls but I bet it will fire right up.

good luck

[erkishhorde]

M600 I will assume you have carburetors.

ducati's with carbs some times have the fuel go bad in the float bowls while sitting. I would start by charging the battery and then before trying to start the bike drain the float bowls, do not overtighten the drain screws. you will have to crank long enough to get fresh fuel into the float bowls but I bet it will fire right up.

good luck

Is this what causes the bike to backfire sometimes when it's sat for a while? I've noticed that my 900 sometimes backfires after it's been sitting for a while.

[clubhousemotorsports]

The smallest jets in the carbs are the first to clog up and get resticted, these are the pilot jets that control idle and mostly closed throttle aplications. If it goes away with a few miles you may be cleaning out some build up or on the lean side of the jetting (cold bike = lean bike)