Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Rear Brake why are they a bit pants?

[Martinp]

Is it a case of they all do that sir or something else.

Its a 02 748 with 6k, I've not bleed the brake or changed the pads and as far as I know the pads not contamintated? There just well pants imho.

[weeksy2]

yup, they all do that....

don't bother with it... use your feet, it works better

[Fordie]

There's been a few reports of rear brake "disappointments" all i can say is the more you use it the better it works. I ride a 996 I can by using only the rear brake drop down from 90 to 40 fairly quickly before tipping it into a bend. Im sure, that because its a taboo not to use the rear brake ( beat's me why) people refuse to use it ,then find it dont work cause the pads are cover in muluk . Take out the pads give em agood abrasive rub over , bleed the cylinders if posible, then go out and try using only the rear brake . Im sure Brembo would not cock up and fit a rear brake that was not designed to work efficiantly. 4D

[Ray]

You can make 'em better for while by bleeding or new pads if they are well down but they slowly deteriorate again over time.

All sorts of theories for this from master cylinder/fluid reservoir too near the exhaust, shite from the chain getting on the disc/pads, the caliper is upside down by design so difficult to bleed properly etc, etc.

Ray.

[Martinp]

Ho Hum then, I think i'll just use the funny dinner plate things on the front wheel or me feet.

[NormanBurrows]

Mine's the same but responds to a good cleaning (pads and pistons) and deglazing by dragging the brake for a hundred yards or so with the throttle on.

I suspect Ducati didn't want it too strong because, when you're hard on the brakes with all the weight over the front, the slightest touch on the rear pedal will have you backing it in like Nicky Hayden.

Safe riding.

[rcgbob44]

I was going to fit one of the rather tasty 4 poy rear calipers on my 998 till I saw how much they cost, I think I`ll try a pad change first of all, but yes there all crap.

[m1keyp]

If you plan on bleeding them regularly the swap the nipples for speed bleeders.

http://www.speedbleeder.com/

Delivered from the states in days and brilliant!

[zhed44]

Originally Posted by Fordie

There's been a few reports of rear brake "disappointments" all i can say is the more you use it the better it works.

^^^^ wot he said.

i use the rear all the time and although the fluid looks like coca-cola it has given me many miles of trouble free, enjoyable and safe motorcycling

[Martinp]

Nearly shot into the back of a car tonight so will be stripping down at the tomorrow on my split.