So my bike is at the dealers today for some warranty work and I told them that the clutch fluid has suddenly started disappearing (half a reservoir in about 100 miles). They said they couldn't see anything wrong, but then asked about if I kept it in gear at the lights and that a push rod can rotate and make the clutch fluid too hot and it evaporates? There is a newer slave cylinder that has a pin on the rod apparently. Rather concerned as I'm off to the Alps next week and want to get this resolved before I go. Does this make sense to anyone?
Sounds weird to me - and the explanation offered sounds off unless you've just changed the way you use the clutch otherwise why would it just happen now? Maybe you should carry some fluid and keep an eye on it, but if it carries on I would be wondering where it is going - i.e. do you have a duff seal somewhere in the system...
OK, spoken with them again. They are now replacing the slave cylinder (and rod) FOC for me (Ducati will pay for parts), and they are paying for the labour as they pissed me off a bit! I'll try and find out some more detail when I pick it up later. Apparently it's a known fault if the bike is ridden in heavy, hot, stop start conditions in cities with the clutch pulled in rather than going into neutral whilst waiting.
I've not lost any clutch fluid but I've twice had to do a quick bleed after leaving the bike in the hot sun for a day or two while on tour abroad. I just "burped" a bit of air from the bleed nipple at the master cylinder end. Luckily I had added a 11mm spanner to the standard tool kit.
Never an issue in 2 years of stop-start daily commute into the middle of Oxford. However, I can see that if the rod is rotating it could prematurely knacker the seal if that is directly attached.
Sounds like a fob off to me Chris, glad you got it sorted because I'm not pushing you all way to the EMM!!
The slave cylinder is the usual suspect. The leaking fluid being confused with chain lube run off. If a dry clutch, then it is worthwhile replacing the bearing in the clutch pressure plate.
Interesting that the Oberon website lists a modified part with anti-rotation slot: And a bit more digging on here: Clutch slave cylinder | Ducati Forum "Hi Bob, had clutch slave cylinder leaking on my MTS1200, it had covered 15000 miles and just out of two year warranty, Ducati not interested so I bought a new one. It comes with a modified clutch rod and a small plastic guide bush. The new rod has a pin through it and the bush prevents it from spinning, so I can only deduce that the original spins when loaded which either heats up the slave cylinder through friction or turns the slave cylinder piston neither good for long life."
Interesting ... yes just noticed last week on a 3K mile euro trip clutch fluid was getting lower than I remember when setting off. I spotted about 1800 miles into trip but then no change for the last 1200 or so. Just about done 15K miles I did notice the free travel had shortened a little and if feels a bit lighter to operate. Don't know if its me over analysing the issue and a bit of paranoia thinking it may fail whilst miles from home or not though! Was going to have it checked out whilst in for the 15K service.
I know this is an old thread, but my 6 month old Multistrada has just run out of clutch fluid with no visible leaks. It's got me & the dealer scratching our heads. What's worrying me is could the fluid have got through the slave cylinder seal & into the engine, contaminating the oil? My mileage is currently only 2800miles.
The new slave cylinder with the anti rotation device on the shaft fixed the issue on mine (1200S) Not sure if yours is a DVT or the older model?
I was always taught that it's always a good idea to put any engine into neutral at lights. The clutch release bearing will take a right hammering otherwise.
Disappearing clutch oil is strange but this last weekend I had a disappearing clutch reservoir cover! I don't know how that could have 'rattled' free but it was there on the Saturday before a rideout to sportsbikeshop in Kirton and then gone on the Sunday. Could have bought a lovely Rizoma replacement for £50 or just get a Ducati one for £8. Ducati won. But seriously, how did that come off? Are they prone to vibrating loose?
I've asked my self that for years. I went to a bike event at raceways on my R1 a few years back and I could have sworn I had 4 indicator lenses when I pulled up, then on my way home I noticed I had none, they must have all rattled off on the ride back.
