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Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
159
Hi Guys

Just joined the forum and after years of riding inline fours I finally took the plunge and bought myself a 2003 Tuono just to see what it was like.

Wow, it's a world away from what I'am used to, its gonna take a while I think....
Been riding it on the odd dry day recently but I have stumbled across a slight concern but it may be nothing, I was starting the bike the other day and the starter motor made an alarming clunk, almost like it caught on something but then it turned over normally and started a few seconds later, any ideas ?

Anyway Guys I'll post some pics as soon as I get time, ta ta for Now

NickyBoy
 
Welcome to the forum!

Can't help on the starter query I'm afraid, but I'm sure someone will be along in a bit who can.
 
Welcome matey. Get some pics up asap but be warned .... no weeds and all fences to be squared off in the pics or you may feel the wrath of a certain Mr Ramsey

Could be the sprag clutch. Don`t take my word for it but someone else will be on with more info. You can also try the AF1 sight.
 
Hi NickyBoy.
Welcome and I hope it ain't yer sprag clutch.
 
hi mate my gen 1 does that now and again,like you said it catches then starts fine, im not too worried though as ive had it for 2 years in january , i have had starting issues in the past but it seems fine now, still makes that noise now and again..but then again it always has..
 
hi mate my gen 1 does that now and again,like you said it catches then starts fine, im not too worried though as ive had it for 2 years in january , i have had starting issues in the past but it seems fine now, still makes that noise now and again..but then again it always has..

It sounds like a common problem from what I've read on here but I'am hoping like yourself I won't have any BIG problems...

Thank You Sir
 
NikyBoy. I had the thing explained to me but didn't quite get it. It's the type of starting device used on the T's. I've read that if your battery isn't up to scratch it can damage the sprag and to fix it requires a lot of engine work = expense. Hope it's the same as windy's and you don't get any problems with it.
 
sounds like the sprag clutch (starter clutch)
they can actualy be repaired 99% of the time and dont generaly need replacing
any competent dealer or mechanic can do it as long as they ghave the correct tools
usualy takes approx 2 hours from start to finish plus a generator gasket ,oil and filter as well
if you do it yourself dont forget to use the correct loctite on the crankshaft taper and flywheel nut because they do cone off if you dont (belive me i have seen too many that have when they wernt done)
and dont worry its a comon fault on big v twins not just aprilias !!
 
Thanks very much guys for your help and suggestions, I was talking to a friend of mine and he recommended a place in london called Southern Cross Motorcycles, apparently they are good with Aprilia's, is this the case ??
He also told me the same thing Aldo did, a GOOD battery is ESSENTIAL, I've already taken a look at the battery that came with the bike and its seen better days so I might upgrade very soon, I've heard that Yuasa make some good ones for the Aprilia Tuono so I will go and do some research and see what I find.

NickyBoy
 
Battery - try the Yuasa YTX14-BS it's taller but fits.

Southern Cross are feckin brilliant, only people comparable are Aprilia Performance.

The low end poke and effort required to spin over a V-Twin means if the sprag clutch isn't fully engaged trying to start the motor, or when it fires up it gets chewed. Make sure you press the starter button fully home and don't let go until it fires. (or you rest it between tries) Over time if you don't it wears the sprag.

Get it on an optimate when it's in the garage.
 
Fit like loon...an welcome tae the Zone. Get stuck in.
A fresh or fully charged battery is def the first thing tae dae afore ye spend loads o dosh oan possibly an unnecessary repair. Mine has done it occassionally as weel and whit BF says aboot startin routine is spot on, its a heavy motor tae turn ower an a dour battery wilnae throw the starter roond hard enough tae throw the sprag fully hame.
 
the taller battery means you need to change the retainer slightly, longer bolt with a longer spacer, but the bigger oomph in the battery is well worth it.
 
I've looked at some of the Yuasa Battery's and the YTX14-BS seems to be the one I'am after, Cheers BF, but will that screw and plastic holder stretch far enough - it looks tight ??
I am gonna have to get out of the habit of only pressing the fire button for a few nano seconds like I used to on my straight four pretty damn quick like you say Rico, Thanks for the advice.
Just one little question though if anyone can help ?? - Is the alternator on the early Tuono powerful enough to charge the Yuasa battery mentioned above, I've had a look at some specs on the early Tuono but can't find any information on the alternator output ?? - Any help would be great, Cheers.

NickyBoy
 
the taller battery means you need to change the retainer slightly, longer bolt with a longer spacer, but the bigger oomph in the battery is well worth it.

Thanks garry, I was typing the above text when your reply popped up, Cheers.

NickyBoy
 
I've looked at some of the Yuasa Battery's and the YTX14-BS seems to be the one I'am after, Cheers BF, but will that screw and plastic holder stretch far enough - it looks tight ??
I am gonna have to get out of the habit of only pressing the fire button for a few nano seconds like I used to on my straight four pretty damn quick like you say Rico, Thanks for the advice.
Just one little question though if anyone can help ?? - Is the alternator on the early Tuono powerful enough to charge the Yuasa battery mentioned above, I've had a look at some specs on the early Tuono but can't find any information on the alternator output ?? - Any help would be great, Cheers.

NickyBoy

The alternator can cope - but there are wiring issues with charging on Tuoldos. Check that the earths are good, and check the brown coloured triple connectors between the alternator and the reg/rec, LHS of bike on rear subframe. If these are poor you lose a lot of charging power. Huge amount of info on this on the AF1 site in the Falco section posted by Firebolter.

Only other recommendation if you are having issues it to replace the starter relay. There is an uprated 100 amp Aprilia one or a Yamaha one #4KD-81940-00-00 worth a look.
 
The alternator can cope - but there are wiring issues with charging on Tuoldos. Check that the earths are good, and check the brown coloured triple connectors between the alternator and the reg/rec, LHS of bike on rear subframe. If these are poor you lose a lot of charging power. Huge amount of info on this on the AF1 site in the Falco section posted by Firebolter.

Only other recommendation if you are having issues it to replace the starter relay. There is an uprated 100 amp Aprilia one or a Yamaha one #4KD-81940-00-00 worth a look.

Thanks very much for your help BF, I went out into my garage this morning just to have another quick look over the bike and the starter relay - (Which I'am assuming is the little cylinder just behind the battery with the massive gauge wires coming out of it) - and its all new and shiny with brand new wires, so the previous owner may have had some similar issues as me ??
 
Sounds like you are right - get it on an optimate if you haven't already.
You are right about the starter button, it's not a Jap I4, so it needs a good solid press on the button.
 

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