I have been having problems with the clutch on the new Multi, basically as you let the clutch lever out till the clutch bites ant then apply some revs to pull away it bogs down, then you have to try and add more revs which results in the bike being difficult to control ( sort of ), I have put some new levers on because of it hoping any adjustment would potentially sort it out but no. I let my mate have a go yesterday to see what he thought, and he thought it was awful as well. On the move there is obviously no problem but trying to pull away from junctions especially if you want to get out quickly because of traffic it is very unnerving to say the least. is this anything anybody else has encountered ?
Air in the system. Recommend you bleed the system and replace the fluid whilst you're at it. If you can, replace the slave cylinder as well, makes a noticeable difference.
I have a similar issue on my 1198. It resulted from me disconnecting the EXV valve and made it rich on tickover. Combined with a snatchy slipper clutch it makes pulling off a pain.
Are you sure it's the clutch that's the problem? My new one seems to have a complete lack of power below 2000rpm, particularly noticeable in 100hp mode. (Also, try gently blipping the throttle in 100hp mode, and see if it stalls.) My dealer has the same issue with their demo bike, and they've seen the same with another customer's. Ducati UK have had some data from my bike to compare to one they've got, haven't heard back about it yet. Suggestions are that something like a Fat Duc O2 manipulator would solve the problem, but I don't see why I should have to pay to solve a niggle like that on a bike that costs so much.
Sounds about right. If you look at the APS-TPS graph here, it shows that the urban and touring modes use similar profiles at low revs. ... of course, it's entirely possible that I'm misunderstanding the issue. :-S
I noticed yesterday that my gearbox (20k miles) is becoming a bit reluctant to change down easily, as if the clutch is dragging or the chain is shot/out of adjustment. No problems pulling away or changing up. The lever position is fine as it bites about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way out and the brand new chain is adjusted spot on. The fluid though is very dark. Anyone experienced this and will a simple fluid change solve it or does it sound like a slave cylinder job? If so, what is the best one to go for?
+1 - I've experience something similar a couple of times after leaving the bike out in hot sun all day. Stalled the bike two or three times while trying to pull away. The bite point of the clutch had changed and was too close to the bars for proper control. As this has been while on tour, I bleed the clutch at the master cylinder, just a single "burp" solved the problem. I changed the fluid and bleed the system when I got home.
Definetly sounds like air in the system, very easy to do, by the clutch lever there is a bleed nipple, you need a 12mm spanner, just undo and very gently squeeze the lever until the fluid comes out. Tighten the nut still holding the lever. Remember don't squeeze quickly otherwise you will get fluid spurting out. It happened to me last week in south of France ! It was 38 degrees, so this might have something to do with it.
Agree with the above. Bleed the clutch and put in good new fluid from a sealed container (recommend RBF600 £16 from Fleabay). Do this first as it's easy. Bleed at the lever end FIRST. Consider an uprated slave 25% is fine, 33% would be overkill unless you're an office worker. All Ducati's suffer with leaking slave cylinders as far as I know. If still bad check the chain...at 20K you should be looking at changing the sprockets and chain by now. Get a quality chain with GOLD or similar plated side plates. The OEM is Sh1T as it rusts like a 1970's Capri. Don't get fatducs on a new Multi (2013 model) as they don't work. They are a 80% fix/patch on the 2010-2012 model. Get it re-mapped by CJS Racing...best money you'll ever spend.
+1 for bleeding the clutch before trying anything else. Fixed my hard to find neutral when cold (clutch was dragging) and some false neutrals. The loss of little air from the system makes a big difference.
A racing firm used to make clutch slave cylinders for the Multistrada as well as fitting other Dukes - can anyone remember who it was - I'm wracking my brain here to no effect....
CNC racing...discounts on here. Get the lower power increase (the slightly harder pull), the other one may not allow enough travel on a wet clutch and you don't need it (unless you are a Northern pansy <Sheffield is in the middle>).
I don't think it's got anything to do with air in the system. The symptoms you describe are replicated in mine, IMHO it's definitely something to do with the mapping/ignition/AFR/ride by wire. My plan is a proper CJS remap, that'll fix it!
