Optimate (or similar)

I had a bike that had a reg/rec fault and since then use Optimate all the time to keep the battery in top condition no matter what bike I have. I've noticed with my Scrambler - don't know if it's with all Scramblers or peculiar to Ducatis, that it seems sluggish on starting, even with the Optimate connected. Ie it will turn over a couple of times before firing. Hasn't let me down, but my other bikes fired up immediately?

Mine does that slow, slow, fire kind of start up too. I've come to the conclusion that it's probably normal ... unless anybody on the forum knows different. [nailbiting]

It's normal for all Ducatis. They are slow to turn over on the starter but usually fire up ok.

All V twins turn over slowly.

El Toro said:

All V twins turn over slowly.

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My last two bikes were v twins and they didn't turn over this slowly .. both fired up well

I keep mine on the optimate, Mines not sluggish on startup, Ask them to check your battery out on Friday Littleowl,
I had a replacement battery on my Diavel after two weeks, It was faulty

JET said:

Mine does that slow, slow, fire kind of start up too. I've come to the conclusion that it's probably normal ... unless anybody on the forum knows different. [nailbiting]

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Pistons like pudding bowls will have something to do with it.

Mine cranks over slowly too but always starts fine, probably just the starter motor gearing. Worry about it if it doesn't start.

My bike came from the dealer with a free trickle charger and the corresponding plug wired onto the bike. Haven't used it yet but did joke with the salesman at the time if it was an advertisement for Ducati electrics.

I've used optimates for years and the Scramblers no exception. Whether you NEED one or not depends on how often you get out on the bike.

Jerry

Buzzwagon said:

I've used optimates for years and the Scramblers no exception. Whether you NEED one or not depends on how often you get out on the bike.

Jerry

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I was buying batteries for newish bikes, one was for a ten month old Bandit. I started using Optimates' around 2007 and I've not bought a battery since. I have five of them dotted around.

I am away on a trip now, on another bike...but I read in the Owner's Manual that there is a connection for a specific Ducati charger (part # varies by country). According to manual, using any other charger may damage battery/electrics & void warranty.

Doc59 said:

Mine cranks over slowly too but always starts fine, probably just the starter motor gearing. Worry about it if it doesn't start.

My bike came from the dealer with a free trickle charger and the corresponding plug wired onto the bike. Haven't used it yet but did joke with the salesman at the time if it was an advertisement for Ducati electrics.

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Same here however I plug it after every ride. The built in trickle charger connector is such a handy feature.

Ogre said:

I am away on a trip now, on another bike...but I read in the Owner's Manual that there is a connection for a specific Ducati charger (part # varies by country). According to manual, using any other charger may damage battery/electrics & void warranty.

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Not to my knowledge or maybe if it's been wired up wrong. But then again I'm not trying to sell my own brand.

Ogre said:

I am away on a trip now, on another bike...but I read in the Owner's Manual that there is a connection for a specific Ducati charger (part # varies by country). According to manual, using any other charger may damage battery/electrics & void warranty.

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They would tell you that, they want you to buy their's.

El Toro said:

Has anyone had an Optimate lead connected to their battery yet? Does it need one?

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Make sure you check and clean the earth connection on the frame/engine.

ELVISTO said:

I keep mine on the optimate, Mines not sluggish on startup, Ask them to check your battery out on Friday Littleowl,
I had a replacement battery on my Diavel after two weeks, It was faulty

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They checked the battery, said it was fine - so prob just a Ducati thing. The man did say that engines are getting bigger with more accessories but the battery stays the same size, there will probably be a tipover point some time! He said to keep an eye on it and if any probs they would change it under warranty.

Doc59 wrote,

"My bike came from the dealer with a free trickle charger and the corresponding plug wired onto the bike. Haven't used it yet but did joke with the salesman at the time if it was an advertisement for Ducati electrics."

My bike came from a different dealer here in Aus, also fitted with a trickle charger, the same as Doc's I think from looking at the fitting (plug) and not a Ducati branded one, I wouldn't worry about fitting an aftermarket one.