Starter Problem with a Monster 800?

**sweetpea** · 11 Sep 07, 07:28 PM

Okay it is a 2004 Monster 800 and I have had it for a month. If I try to start her without the choke (okay I know it is not really a choke but an air mix thingy but I do not know what it is called) when I hit the starter button it sounds like the starter motor is spinning but not engaging. When I then release the starter button the motor continues and only starts if I pull out the choke otherwise I have to switch the bike off. I'm sure the starter motor should not be working after the button has been released.

Sorry if this is me being daft but, as you can tell, i'm not technical.

**Imola Duke** · 11 Sep 07, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpea

Okay it is a 2004 Monster 800 and I have had it for a month. If I try to start her without the choke (okay I know it is not really a choke but an air mix thingy but I do not know what it is called) when I hit the starter button it sounds like the starter motor is spinning but not engaging. When I then release the starter button the motor continues and only starts if I pull out the choke otherwise I have to switch the bike off. I'm sure the starter motor should not be working after the button has been released.

Sorry if this is me being daft but, as you can tell, i'm not technical.

SP sound's to me like you have a dodgy starter soleniod.

**sweetpea** · 11 Sep 07, 07:39 PM

Thanks ID

Do you think it will matter if I can not get it to the dealers for a couple of weeks as I have a ride out this Sunday but can not get to Ducati Aylesbury this Saturday so it will have to be the following weekend?

**749red** · 11 Sep 07, 07:47 PM

Hi Sweetpea,

My 749 is similar. I found if you 'hold on' to the switch (as say you would with a GSXR) you're right the starter won't disengage until 2 or 3 seconds after the engine's fired.

If you simply press the button and immediately release it ie just touch it, it's enough to start the bike and the starter should release straight away. It's just a thought as it may save you a bit of dosh - worth trying !! Let me know how you get on..

Chris

AKA 749red

**sweetpea** · 11 Sep 07, 07:51 PM

Thanks Chris I'll try that because as I am worried it will not start I might be holding it too long.

I'll let you know.

**749red** · 11 Sep 07, 08:02 PM

Hey - nothin wrong with holdin on for longer (so im told!!!)

**sweetpea** · 11 Sep 07, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 749red

Hey - nothin wrong with holdin on for longer (so im told!!!)

**749red** · 11 Sep 07, 09:04 PM

Nice shade of red !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**smokingboots** · 12 Sep 07, 01:26 PM

Hi

Your symptoms sound like a problem I've been having on my 888. See the thread in the 888 section on "Starter Problems"; there's some useful information and links in there.

Good luck

Andy

**Rudolph Hart** · 15 Sep 07, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpea

I'm sure the starter motor should not be working after the button has been released.

I think you may find the starter has a servo. As others have said, you only need to touch the starter button and the servo motor will continue to drive the starter motor after you have released the button. I'm sure I read this in the manual for my Monster. Did you receive a manual with your bike? If not then it may be worth investing in one so that you can check various functions & settings.

**sweetpea** · 17 Sep 07, 11:41 AM

Thank you for the above as you guys are right. I am now only using the lightest (and shortest) of touches on the starter button, however it still is not starting unless I use the choke.

With my broken clutch lever on Sunday I had the "opportunity" to restart my bike several times after stalling in heavy traffic and there seemed no obvious reason as to why she would start sometimes and not others...... which I am sure the drivers behind me found very amusing