Bikes got under 100 miles and I thought I'd lube the chain. On a paddock stand it's not possible for me to lube the chain by rotating the wheel by hand. Rotates fine in gear, but I'd prefer to do it by hand. Rear brake doesn't feel like it's dragging. Ideas?
Don't understand. Are you saying that with the bike on a stand and in neutral with the engine switched off the back wheel will not rotate? It should, easily. Sure it's in neutral?
TBF I have a stand that, with a tall tyre, touches the floor enough to be a problem. I had to change the stand fittings to sort it
It does sound as if the brake is dragging, if not then there are lots of other possibilities such as internal gearbox issues and clearance problems with spacers around the sprocket area. As it's done so few miles I'd be taking it straight back to the dealer to see what they think. If it's something daft that perhaps should have been obvious to you then just put it down to experience. Even if the brake is dragging it's a good enough reason to get it repaired under warranty. I must admit, that if I ever could afford to buy a brand new bike I'd be checking the chain tension and lube quite quickly. Well lubricated chains just don't look shiny enough in showrooms I'm afraid. Nasher.
I'll look at removing the pads when I get chance. Haven't done many miles because I've been getting over a shoulder op.
Are you turning the wheel when in gear by hand? If you are, is this easier than when in neutral? Is that what you are saying? Or, is it that you are running it on the strand and therefore the bike is spinning the rear in gear? What stands re you using? Cup type under swingarm or fork on bobbins? Cup type could be touching something and causing drag. The rear will take decent physical effor to move by hand anyway, even if nothing is wrong.
If it's on a Ducati paddock stand then make sure the rear sprocket nuts are not fouling on the stand, do not be tempted to put the bike in gear to rotate the chain with the engine running (because lost fingers). If the rear brake is causing the dragging and you can't tell then IMO you shouldn't be working on your own bike unsupervised until you've learned a few things about it. Brakes are mission-critical and you should be 100% with them. Get a buddy with a bit more experience to pop the rear caliper off and have a look at it to check the pads, their freedom of movement, cleanliness and operation of the piston. good luck!
Guys I've been riding and maintaining bikes for over 40 years. The bike is in neutral on a paddock stand using bobbins and is very difficult to rotate rear wheel. I don't think the rear brake is binding, but it could be.
