Help!My "new" ST2...Sounds like a combine harvester!

**robbydso** · 04 Apr 08, 06:08 AM

Hello Chaps,

Just recently purchased a 1997 ST2 with 6700 miles on the clock from a local Ducati dealer.

I seem to have two problems with this bike. The first problem is that when I press the start button the starter seems to hardly have any power to turn the engine over (battery is fully charged). The second problem, which gives me the most concern is that when the bike has started and I release the clutch lever (still in neutral) it sounds like the end of the world! Clunking, clattering banging and shaking! Must say it does sound like a very expensive noise. By now you will have surmised that I have absolutely no knowledge of the mechanical workings of a motorcycle (to my shame). Just wanted to know if any knowledgeable forum members can help me. The bike has a 90 day warranty. Got to say the rest of the bike is superb. It really doesn't look over ten years old, but would I expect these problems from a machine thats done less than 7000 miles?
Regards Rob

**markm** · 04 Apr 08, 06:55 AM

you will by now have realised that all dukes sound like that

its perfectly normal!
re: starting: use the search function on the forum; loads of posts on that with all the answers

regards

mark

**robbydso** · 04 Apr 08, 07:53 AM

Thanks Mark,
Really? Should it sound that bad?!!
I had a Harley Road King Classic that I thought sounded like a bag of nails, but this "Duke" makes the Harley sound quite refined.

Rob

**mattybaz** · 04 Apr 08, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbydso

Thanks Mark,
Really? Should it sound that bad?!!
I had a Harley Road King Classic that I thought sounded like a bag of nails, but this "Duke" makes the Harley sound quite refined.

Rob

A bag of nails it shouldnt sound like. Not even for a 10 year old bike. If it is still in the 90 day warranty, why not just take it back and tell them about the issues. They should sort them for you.

**lingosl** · 04 Apr 08, 09:12 AM

Do not worry about the noise it is perfectly normal ( mutiplate dry clutch ) it should sound like that

**mike shannon** · 04 Apr 08, 10:01 AM

hi
first thing ref the slow turn over look at the cables on the battery if they are the ones fitted by ducati they are to small on wire size and if or when you cut in to them they will be black and burnt ie to small in wire size to throw over the v twin so go to halfords and you will sell them cut and with lugs on take the length red+black take all your sizes, first if you go to richards ducati page just type in richards ducati page st2 only info and you will read all the in fo you need plus read in the search page on this web look for
clutch or click on the message above yours and read
change all the wires from battery to stater motor then you will see how the v/twin will fire up on a full battery if bike has a 90 day cover ask the dealer to replace ALL THE BATTERY /STATER /EARTH wires be for you take the bike
mike shannon st2

**Steve GD** · 04 Apr 08, 10:13 AM

Buddy, if the noise is limited to the clutch, then it really should be no problem. Does the rattly noise change significantly when you pull in the clutch lever? Does it go altogether when you engage gear and let the clutch out? If so, it is most likely the clutch may need cleaning or adjusting. As for the lame starting, this is quite likely a separate issue...may be a warranty call if you cannot identify or solve it .
Search this Forum for "dry clutch" and you'll find loads of advice.

**MarkST** · 04 Apr 08, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve GD

Search this Forum for "dry clutch" and you'll find loads of advice.

Steve, the search facility does not recognise words with less than 4 letters. I've always wondered why this is, as it can be quite annoying.

**Trevor** · 04 Apr 08, 08:14 PM

Hi

I too have just got a ST2 1997 with 17,000 on the clock. It did concern me re the clutch noise at first but was told that Ducati dry clutches sound like a cement mixer half full of bricks!

As for the starter, mine is just the same as your's. Will have to check wires this weekend.

**weeveetwin** · 05 Apr 08, 07:57 AM

Ducati starters can barely turn over the engine at the best of times. Two big pistons and a high compression are the culprits. If you're coming from a Japanese bike, then it's going to look like you have a problem. Same with the noises you're hearing. If it goes away when you pull in the clutch, it's perfectly normal. Go and have a listen to another big capacity Ducati being started up, and compare.

Fit a heavy duty gel-type battery if you need a replacement. (It'll still turn slowly, but it'll turn slowly for longer without flattening..!)

Here's an example of Ducati clutch rattle. Some sound better/worse..! YouTube - DRY CLUTCH SOUNDCHECK: duc 900 ss

**mike shannon** · 05 Apr 08, 08:31 AM

hi
ref your 90 days cover ask the dealer if the stator up grade was carried out on your st2 or e/mail ducati with your frame no and they will tell you by return e/mail as the upgrade kit
mike shannon st2

**robbydso** · 05 Apr 08, 09:09 AM

Thank you gentlemen for your replies and advice. I am truly overwhelmed with the response and the help that I have received. I took the bike out yesterday and judging by all of your comments it seems near normal. I guess it's because I have been riding my other bike a Suzuki GSX1400 which is brand new. The contrast is unbelievable!

I know some of you are thinking what an arse to be comparing these two bikes with each other but really the difference is astonishing.

Once again Thank you
Rob in Milton Keynes

**Steve GD** · 05 Apr 08, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbydso

Thank you gentlemen for your replies and advice. I am truly overwhelmed with the response and the help that I have received. I took the bike out yesterday and judging by all of your comments it seems near normal. I guess it's because I have been riding my other bike a Suzuki GSX1400 which is brand new. The contrast is unbelievable!

I know some of you are thinking what an arse to be comparing these two bikes with each other but really the difference is astonishing.

Once again Thank you
Rob in Milton Keynes

Nope...nobody is thinking that....we've all had pretty much the same experience. Have fun!!

**mike shannon** · 05 Apr 08, 11:11 AM

hi
get on that st2 and go for it when you pull up at lights look at all those folk looking at your duke
mike shannon st2

**Masher** · 05 Apr 08, 02:01 PM

WeeVeeTwin

That Utube clip is awesome really made me chuckle! Sounds so like my ST2, they sound so much nicer when youve got your lid on!

When I bought mine second hand from Parkinsons, Jim Parkinson was watching me when he started it up, must have seen my expresion because he said, before I could gather my thoughts,"dont worry they all sound like that"!

It is all part of owning a Ducati, pull up at the lights in a high street find neutral and grin at the looks from passers by!

Mash