Here's a thread with the same issue, that's recent. I don't think it's about over tightening, there are too many of the same problem and they mostly seem to be the right side. I haven't heard of a left side cracking yet. Front axle clamps - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum
That's because the bore is larger on that side, so is more sensitive to correct torque application. Also by using Loctite or similar, this acts as a lubricant and gives a higher clamping force for the same torque setting. Due to the lowering of the coefficient of friction.
Quite a few of the old Multi had broken yokes with a similar break pattern....put down to over tightening
You admit to not following the correct procedure, justify it by saying you did what anyone else would do in your situation and then blame the design. The crack may have been there for some time slowly propagating or it may have been from a single event. It is worrying though but not necessarily from a design perspective. It means we are dependent upon the guys doing work on our bikes to follow the correct procedures and if that means torquing to a set value on critical components then that is what they should be doing.
This is a relevant point that I was loathe to bring up for fear of worrying all non D.I.Y-ers. If I needed a front tyre on this bike I would be removing and refitting it myself for sure.
I'll be home tomorrow night and I'll have a look to see if the Marzocchi forks on my ABS model are any different in that area. I can't see there being much difference but it's worth a look. I've got a lot of faith in the guys that normally do tyres for me but if the Marzocchi forks look a bit weak I'll drop the wheels out myself rather than risk anything being damaged.
Are you *still* here? What's next, a standing picket outside Ducati dealers? AndyB - the 'zocchi forks don't seem to be suffering, chunky lower fittings.
I do think the design is flawed as it is clearly very easy (too easy) to break this critical component. I feel very lucky that I discovered it in the way I did and passed my findings to all those who may potentially have the same fault. This isn't a Ducati fault, but instead a fault of one of their partners, Ohlins. The "design" fault being that it appears that you can break the front spindle mounting with a short bondus driver and very minimal torque. Yes DIY's and tyre fitters need to be concerned. I've checked and both motorcycle tyre places near me (one a National chain) don't have a torque wrench under 50nM. The told me to bring it. I accept that in all probability we caused this to break, but it was way too easy. I still love Ohlins and Ducati, especially my Mutley...which is the best bike in the world (for me) and it's red....the fastest colour.
Seem to remember 1098 Ohlins having similar issues, I'm hoping it was cured on later bikes as I have 1198 Ohlins forks on my 916. The reason I got the Ohlins was due to a similar issue with aftermarket PVM fork bottoms which had only been fitted a couple of years, only had the wheel off 3-4 times and always torqued correctly. PVM didn't want to know about it although they offered to sell me a new set at a ridiculously expensive price - certainly put me off ever buying anything else of theirs...
You think that's bad....at least you can see it....mine broke underneath, you need to be directly under it to see the crack.
Never, it's only a few months old and came with a certificate...we've two (as I lost one then found it again). Take your point on calibration.
15Nm is almost finger-tight. I'd be holding the short end of a bondhus tool and just tweaking it down. I remember the 1098 Streetfighters having issues with cracking Ohlins.
