Constantly having to bleed clutch

[9911sKid]

What's happening that's causing me to have to bleed my clutch every 150
miles

 

[DCPanni]

Air is getting into the system. See if the banjo bolts need a slight tightening or perhaps the crush washers need replaced.

 

[DucatiKev]

It’s always the clutch slave cylinder

DucaBike, Oberon.. I’m sure there are others

 

[DCPanni]

My Aprilias were bad about it too. Then I looked real close and I saw the factory crush washers were very thin and seeped a bit. So I took them off and went to the auto store and got copper ones, thicker than the thin factory aluminum ones. I used the thick copper ones on both the slave and master cylinder and never had to bleed the clutch again.

 

[DucatiKev]

My Aprilias were bad about it too

It’s always the over the top fancy vehicles. BMW seems to like a cable to operate clutch

 

[Rogue]

It’s always the over the top fancy vehicles. BMW seems to like a cable to operate clutch

The BMW makes significantly less torque. Ducati received so many complaints from riders about the heavy clutch pull that comes with big torquey twins that they were forced to go hydraulic. Once you upgrade the master and slaves cylinders, I find the hydraulic to be superior. It doesn't quite provide the feel of a cable but it's always self adjusting to the proper friction levels against the plates. These clutches usually last longer for this reason. I can't count on two hands how many times I hopped on a bike with a cable clutch that wasn't adjusted properly.

 

[Khmer1199]

It's a common complaint that has often been traced back to the OEM clutch slave unit. Simply swapping out the slave for an aftermarket unit (Oberon, Ducabike, etc.) as suggested, will almost certainly resolve the issue. Until then, as air accumulates at the highest point of the clutch circuit, a quick bleed at the master cylinder bleeder valve will instantly restore lever feel. I had the same issue when I purchased my bike and chose to install an Oberon slave. The unit has worked flawlessly for years... good feel, consistent performance, and no bleeding required between fluid service intervals.

 

[DucatiKev]

no bleeding required between fluid service intervals.

What are your intervals? I’m interested in street miles for street bikes as compared to track-days for track bikes
it’s gotta go as soon as it starts looking toasty

have you tried Motul 5.1?

 

[Rogue]

I flush once a year on street bikes and once every other track day for track/race bikes. Motul RBF 660 fluid.

 

[DucatiKev]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMZQMKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3C7REb07Q8HCG

this stuff^ is like half the price as RBF660, do u think it’s good enough for the street or should I be splurging on RBF660 cause it’s a Ducati and it gets hot
Now the question is how long will my aftermarket Clutch Slave last? Cause the factory one didn’t even make it 4,000 miles

 

[9911sKid]

anyone know any suspension settings or if there's a motion pro setup for the 1199s

 

[Quattordici]

What's happening that's causing me to have to bleed my clutch every 150
miles

Hi! is it the popping feel when you engage your clutch from the stand-start? What is your concern? I have stock setup and never have to bled the system... maybe I should have, just had no idea I should

 

[Khmer1199]

What are your intervals? I’m interested in street miles for street bikes as compared to track-days for track bikes
it’s gotta go as soon as it starts looking toasty

have you tried Motul 5.1?

Although the manufacturer recommends replacing the fluid at 24 month intervals, I tear my bike (street driven) down annually and prepare it for the next riding season. The clutch fluid is always changed regardless of how clean it may appear. Bikes which are frequently tracked may require service more often. I've never tried Motul 5.1... I've never even seen it here. I can get my hands on Motul oil and Motul chain lube, but that's about does it for Motul products. I've been using Wurth DOT 4 in the clutch and brake circuits for years and it's performed well.