Black clutch fluid
 

It was exactly the same on my 996 almost from the first day I got it, I also found it was leaking slightly at the clutch slave cylinder so I replaced the seal and rubber bellows. Since doing that the fluid has remained clear for about 2 months now.

Cheers
Martin

yep changed mine recentley and exactly the same again - black

my 748s was recalled by ducati because of this,but i don't know if it solved the the problem because i've sold it now . it was a 2001 model.

all other dukes i have owned have had the fluid go black, but on my 996R it has stayed clear as a bell, which pleases me.

Fluid
 

Replaced the clutch fluid last night, today after 70 miles it is once again black. Not really bothered it is not leaking anywhere and my Mille from 10 miles has been the same? Shoddy Italian sealing?

the only difference on the 996R is that pro twins have used a different hose to normal, they get it from Fords, not sure if this the result of clear fluid.

So does it make any difference weather the fluid is black or clear??

none that i know off, seeing as it happens to so many bikes, it cant be bad. just unsightly.