Guys,my '66 plate 1200 DVT's clutch fluid has turned black,I had the fluid changed at 5000 miles (although Dealer didn't really want to,Its just got hot I was told!)now 2000 miles further it's turned black again. Clutch works ok with no leaks,I will be onto Dealers soon but what's your experience/opinions on this?
Prob the rubber seal in the reservoir turning it black, brake fluid is corrosive so it will attack the rubber seal and dye the fluid black.
My clutch stopped working on a trip to Spa last year, the Ducati dealer nr Spa replaced the fluid (very black) all good thereafter. The bike DVT on a 15 plate was just over two years old, Ducati did refund my cost of repair. Just bought a 17 Pikes Peak and have just had dealer replace brake and clutch fluid plus fit oberon, just in case. Was told clutch fluid should be changed ever 3 years !!
Yes brake fluid also. Granted, it doesn’t go off as quick as the clutch fluid though. I’ve had 2 new ducs in 5 years so perhaps they do something different on modern bikes ?
On my old '10 S, I found that fitting the Oberon slave, slowed the darkening process significantly (also fitted the reservoir cap as the OE was pitted as #%^*).
Thanks for all the replies and advice Guys, It's nice to know I'm not alone, obviously black is the new clear!
It is normal on all Multis and probably on all Ducs. Mine was getting darker and last weekend I did flush it and put new fluid. It is quite easy to do, and as it sistem got purged, I notice that the cluch action is ligther and nicer to use. Its a 15 minute job, really easy to do. Learn it and do it every 6 ou 12 months
Yes had this on my 15 DVT, clutch lever started making squeaking noise, flushed it through and problem solved. Clutch was much lighter after. Did rear brake as well that was black. Front brake not quite as bad. Simple job, well worth doing if it’s changed colour.
I’d start at the bottom first then do the top and Zip tie the lever overnight. Prob doesn’t make any difference Anyway.
