I have a 1990 Ducati Paso 906 that has starting problems. I would appreciate any ideas as I have only had this bike for two months. I love it. I pulled a bike apart 20 years ago, but dont feel I really know anything about motorbike parts and electrics.

It was running fine and rode it a little in the wet and parked. Later in the evening when I tried to start it, the console lit up but no turnover of the engine. The next day I wiggled wires and checked the fuses - looked like one was gone, which I replaced and it started. I thought great, that was it, but then next time I went to start it same thing - console lit up but no turnover. I tried a jump start from a car battery (car not running) connected and the same problem, so I figure it's not the battery. Then on another try it turned over and fired up. I figure it is an electrics issue.

When it fires up, just before, when the key is on, I can hear a ticking noise somewhere under the tank. when it is not working, there is no ticking noise. Is this the starter motor? Any ideas? what do I do?

Any help much appeciated.

warwick

the ticking noise when the ignition is switched on is the fuel pump on the left side below the tank.
For the rest check the search function of this forum. Starting problems were often discussed. Ie.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3163&hilit=starting+problems

Your issue sounds also like the starter solenoid.

G.

If you need a new starter, it will be cheaper to buy a 2nd hand one from a later bike ie 748, starter is same part number, just check...

With Italian electrics it be anywhere of a dozen places that can cause the problem. But the fact that your fuel pump does not run when you turn the key on is a big hint.

1st, check and clean all ground wires. All of them. Yes it's ugly work but it is 100% needed.
2nd, turn the key to on and see if the pump runs, if not, jiggle the key or try turning it slightly back and forth to see if it makes contact. You can dissassemle the switch to clean it. This is a common problem.
3rd, with the key on, flip the run/stop switch to see if that's dirty and not making contact.

Report back with your findings and we can continue the search!

I can`t remember, do the lights still come on if the ignition switch is defect ?
If flipping the run/stop switch will fire up the bike while pressing the start button this may also indicate towards the starter solenoid. In my own case it did.

Did you clean the one on the back of the engine (if there is one)??

You found a bad wire so if you fixed it , it may be the answer. Good luck!

Have a good look at the molux ( multi pin ) connector that connects the right hand switch block to the main harness ,poor contacts here will cause the problem you describe

Uk prices for new starters are HUGE! The Nippon Denso number looks like it fits nearly the whole range, so I contacted a British Superbike team, because the first thing they do to race bikes, is take off the starter. The guy at the team I called said, " I have a shelf full of them, how many do you want?" I asked how much, he said £25 (British) and he sent me three!!!! Still haven't fitted it because I'm still getting up the courage to take the engine side cover off, I bet my flywheel hasn't got a hole in it..........................

This happened to my bike, and I couldnt figure out what was going on. It would be worth your while to check the connector on the right side of the bike in front of the tank, and below the triple tree. Mine can come unplugged partially, and now that I know I keep an eye on it. It runs to the starter switch. If you peek down in front of the tank, you may see the connector Im talking about. Worth a shot.

This happened to my bike, and I couldnt figure out what was going on. It would be worth your while to check the connector on the right side of the bike in front of the tank, and below the triple tree. Mine can come unplugged partially, and now that I know I keep an eye on it. It runs to the starter switch. If you peek down in front of the tank, you may see the connector Im talking about. Worth a shot.