450 starting procedure

[Harvey]

I defiantly agree with Machten, you do have to approach it with complete conference. If the engine senses any trepidation, it will get you.
My 450 was 456cc, 11.5:1, with an aluminium flywheel, but if done with purpose it would start with one or two trys. Setting the lever up on the splines so that you can get a full swing, and following it through for the full spin helps a lot.
If all else fails then this advice can help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1YndLmbXQ

[amartina75]

Harvey I need to get some of that stuff

Bob, are you having a bad day??? I'm QUITE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND MY WORDING AND ITS INTENDED MEANING, I'M NOT SURE WHY YOU FEEL THE NEED
TO PICK APART WHAT I SAY WORD BY WORD. I WILL PHRASE THINGS HOWEVER I SEE FIT, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT.
IF I WANT TO CALL MY DUCATI A BIKE, I WILL, THERE IS NO "K" IN DUCATI BY THE WAY, I WOULD PREFER YOU START SAYING DUC INSTEAD OF DUKE
IF THATS NOT TOO MUCH TROUBLE

thanks for all the advice EVERYONE i appreciate it as always,
I will work on getting down the starting procedure you all have advised once i get the timing sorted.
Thanks,
Aaron

[graeme]

Aaron, when I first start a new 450 I like to set the static timing half a degree retarded so I don't get bitten.
I know what it feels like to be limping around after being kicked.
Then the next time you kick it you do so with a grimace.
Perhaps the kicking with the deco on would be ok for old pommy singles with a heavy flywheel, but not a 450.
They are all different in the way they start and idle and Kev and Craig do it similar to my 2.
But I break the clutch first if they have sat for more than a day,,,, clutch in and press the kickstart lever 'till the clutch frees up, or it may stall when you first select 1st gear.
Like everyone has said, be forceful or risk being bitten.
You will get the hang of it soon and then enjoy the pleasure it will give you.

Regards
Graeme

[joe46ho]

Here are 2 pix/excerpts from the owners manual, This wasnt some "crazy idea" that just materialized... Ducati actually recommended that the engine be started in this manner. That being said I am not claiming this to be the most efficient way to start the engine. Its very obvious to anyone who is mechanically inclined that you need compression to make an engine start/run, so obviously releasing the compression release lever at just the right time is critical and would take a LOT of practice. ALL the starting methods mentioned take practice... Personally, given the choice, I would rather wear my leg out trying to kick it over as fast as possible until I learned exactly what the best starting method was, than break my ankle... Been there done that (not on a Ducati though) But in my opinion they wrote the owners manual this way to avoid complaints from customers who hurt themselves trying to start their motorcycle...

Oh, and when i say "kick it over" I am of course refering to kickstarting the engine, NOT kicking the motorcycle off of the centerstand and onto the ground...