Hi - bike passed mot yesterday, but noticed a wet smear on side fairing which I'd never see before (looked like a massive bug splat). Technician though could be brake fluid leak and said to keep an eye on it. No further fluid when got bike home, so put a cloth under just in case and job done. No further fluid this a.m. but then had closer look and there is wet around the area - not much, but can see it on the "pin hole", the silver(ish) bolt to the right of the pin holdand the end where the black lever pushes against the "nipple" looking thing. Have put a pic up to try to clarify my crappy explanation. Any thoughts re where the leak is / what needs fixing or replacing. Would this job need to be done by a ducati tec, or is this something any competent mechanic can do?
pull the lever in and tie it back with a tie wrap to keep it under pressure and look for any leaks.also check the side fairing.brake fluid will damage the finish.
No. And the mechanic didn't think it felt like brake fluid. Although there appears to be slight wetness if I pump the brake lever, we are talking tiny amounts, so the fairly sizeable "run" on the top fairing yesterday (2 -2.5 inches long) seems strange??!! But....what else could it be. Is it ok to keep using the bike and keep a close eye on the brake? Thanks for assistance.
it could come from anything?.keep an eye on the brake fluid level.a small amout of 'weep' on the pin is normal.thats why they use chrome on them(not only to stop rust)the chrome takes in VERY small bits of oil to keep the seals lubed.i can't see a problem using the bike mate.
what bike Doctor? none the wiser after looking at pic. Only a very long shot but generally m/c's good as gold re: leaks - had it sat in the sun plus was reservoir topped up too high? i.e. could have been forced to vent out from reservoir breather due to expansion.
Hi. Bike is 2006 749. Was yesterday morning so deffo not hot, but I guess venting is possible, esp given the amount (almost looked like it had been "burped" out lol!! Where is the breather pipe exit? Thanks for responding.
that's why I asked about bike or needed picture - trying to remember what yours looks like but every hydaulic reservoir has a discreet air breather usually within the cap to cater for fluctuating temperatures that could otherwise pressurize the system. If you think this could be the cause then easy to check if blocked or overfilled - just remove cap very carefully with kitchen towel at the ready and examine the cap to find breather 'circuit' or slot. So you haven't topped it up lately obviously?
Hello again. Not washed the bike recently (although it is in near show condition lol) so deffo not soapy water etc. I've not topped up brake fluid, but bike had a lot of work done and thorough check @ start of year by Carl Harrison's so would think its ok. Plus have ridden the bike previously (only for a few hours tbh since the service due to poo weather) and this didn't happen then. Just checked again and nothing showing! All rather strange:frown:
If I had gone out today or yesterday, I would have suffered what would be like a continuous shotgun blast of bl**dy Mayflies (or whatever those black things are with a bit hanging down........No, not a Victor aircraft with the refuelling basket trailing).......bl**dy things are everywhere in large clouds. AL
Didn't notice anything major on the bug front when I was out, but will monitor the brake and see what happens. No leak or weeping that I could see this a.m. when I checked. A few low flying victors would be a treat though.
