Grabby Clutch?

ducati851 · May 26, 2023

My dealer investigated the issue and found my '23 Streetfighter V4S's clutch plates to be almost completely dry. They indicated that the Ducati Technical Rep said that some bikes unfortunately left the factory without the plates being bathed in oil, and that this is my problem causing the bike to judder. I had thought it could be a clutch oil pressure issue, ie. either too low a setting, or a blocked/partially-blocked oil passage.
They soaked the plates in oil and now report the problem has been fixed. I'll be riding it tomorrow and hopefully this has been the solution.
I had them install an Oberon clutch slave just for good measure.

DCPanni · May 26, 2023

My 2023 V4S is grabby too with a high engagement point. Does better after it’s hot. When I’m at a light stopped, I will sometimes rock the bike side to side to get more oil on the clutch plates. Did the same thing with my 2005 ZX10.

SuperDomestique · May 26, 2023

DCPanni said:
My 2023 V4S is grabby too with a high engagement point. Does better after it’s hot. When I’m at a light stopped, I will sometimes rock the bike side to side to get more oil on the clutch plates. Did the same thing with my 2005 ZX10.

I’ve found the same w my 22 PV4. When riding in colder weather (45-50°F) the clutch engagement is more variable. Improves when the weather warms. My thinking is that oil viscosity at lower temps increases the pressure the plates need to start friction. Basically cold oil is more difficult to squeeze out from between the plates.

Mcv4 · May 28, 2023

I'll make some more assessments next time I'm out on the bike.

ducati851 · May 30, 2023

'Clutch now works as intended, and while the Oberon slave does make the level pressure feel slightly lighter, the initial bite at 1/8 release-point is still not the best. Releasing after that point has the clutch engagement being perfectly smooth.
The real test will be if the clutch issue doesn't return after the bike has sat on the side stand for several days.
More updates to follow....

Grabby Clutch?

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