Well the last 24 hours were eventful.
I kept the F4 with my FNG as I will get the tensioner replaced. I had to go to work yesterday (past few days WFH), so decided to ride the Brutale 1090RR. I had not ridden it a few days, and on cold start, it was being a bit whiny. Rode the bike to work. All was well. 12 hours later, when it was time to go home, I went down to fire the bike. And nothing........
Bike turns on, fuel pump gets primed, instrument panel runs all checks and then the bike doesn't crank. What happened!! I cannot figure it out. Panic set in. The battery is brand new and lights + signals all turn on. I was stumped. I tried a few times but nothing.
Ran a few scenarios in my head and started hoping its possibly some connection gone loose, issue with fuel line, or some electrical fault. The battery can also be a problem but its remote. The bike was working 12 hours ago and now nothing. It was already late, so I kept it in the office, and asked a friend if I can crash at his place for the night. Told my parents, I won't be back home.
My FNG arranged for a tow truck, and it came today morning. Rode with the guy to my FNG. It was the ride of shame, with my Brutale at the back. I was really morose. In my heart I felt it was a major issue and now I have to shell out some serious $$$$.
My 24 /7 on call bike guru, aka, my older brother was consulted pronto.
Diagnosis in 5 minutes...
Me: These Italian bikes are so finicky. I am really stressed, haven't slept well.
My brother: Om shanti!! Its one of the joys of owning a tempestuous Italian. Seen this fault before. It's either the clutch switch or the starter relay. Check those. Clean them out, put in new fuses, add in dielectric grease and you are golden.
Me: Can't be that easy. This is a big problem. Why do I keep buying these bikes. MV makes poor quality bikes... (keep ranting)
My brother: Chill dude. All bikes have issues. I have told you the solution. Go tell the FNG to check those 2. My money is on the clutch switch. It's loose. You have to pull the clutch even in neutral to start the bike, so the ECU is not sensing the complete circuit is closed, hence it won't let the bike start.
Me: Let's see... I am doubtful, can't be that simple a solution. This will be a complex issue.
My brother: Sigh, whatever. Peace out.
(My tiredness manifests in this selfie)
The shame of seeing the bike on a tow truck
One hour later, I pull up at the FNG. Started the checks. I was a bit skeptical of what my brother told me, but asked the FNG to check the clutch switch.
Lo and behold, the connector points were rusted. He pulled out the points, cleaned them out, changed the fuses, and bike fired up. Halleujah!!!
The connector points had rusted.
Since I was there, I added engine ice, checked the battery, checked the wiring. All is well.
FNG diagnosis: Bro, you need to ride your bikes more. They don't like moisture and sitting. The more you ride, the better they are.
What pleasant words to hire from the bike doctor. I am guilty. Lockdown, summer, monsoon, it has all added up to inertia and lethargy for me. I will shake it off and go out for a long ride. I take back the statement that MVs are finicky. They are rock solid bikes that need massive TLC. Now I need to go home, take a shower and sleep. And say thanks to my brother.
Will start work on the F4 this weekend. For those of you following this thread, owning an Italian bike is harder work than marriage. At least that's how I feel.
Total damage: Rs 5,000 (1,500 for towing; 3,500 for engine ice. Bike check complimentary. Still cheaper than a dinner date
)
This is a bit of a sidetrack as the thread is for my F4. The Brutale has the same engine so the maintenance and the TLC will be similar to the F4.