Front brake problem
 

I've read a few old posts about the issue of the front brake grabbing at slow speeds. It feels a bit like a warped disc but i don't think it is as you don't feel it at higher speeds and there is no pulseing thru the brake lever.

When i'm down to less than 10 miles an hour and virtually stopped it just feels like the front brake grabs a bit then releases a few times. I've scrubbed the discs and pads with brake cleaner just in case there is any contamination. Slight improvement but not much, may try changing the front pads, any ideas before i do that or take it back to the dealer:puzzled:

That'll be the ABS working !!!!!:):):):):):)

Seems like it might be warping?

Tim:frog:

Are they fully floating jobbies...if so maybe they are not floating as fully as they should!

Are the discs able to rattle around on the discs pins like they are supposed too? Maybe the discs need a good clean, paying particular attention to the disc pins.

[Edited on 26-11-2004 by Harv748]

Just re-read your original post... and noticed a) they are off a multistrada so probably not fully floating and b) that you have already given the discs a good clean!

I'm not really helping much am I!!!:rolleye:

Would filing the edges of the pads down slightly help here? Or am I talking BS?

seems to be common to the MS and put me off buying one - i remember there being alot of posts about this when they first came out also check on www.multistrada.net which is a good site dedicated to all things multistrada. from memory everyone tried different pad combos, even tyres and forks some done under warranty but i am not sure if there was a surefire conclusion why it happens.

Reading all the posts about this problem on multistrada.net there seems to be no definitive answer. One guy has dropped the forks down so only three lines are showing and is convinced its made a drastic improvement, I'd be inclined to try that first.

Seems a real odd ball one this. Find it quite disturbing the Ducati seem quite happy to let them out the factory with this problem and no real solution. It's got to be a pad/disc compatibility problem surely? Don't the Numptystroodles have the discs bolted directly to the rims? Could that be the problem, no "give"?

Had a new banjo bolt fitted to mine, which is supposed to be the fix, but haven't had chance to see if it has done the job. Wouldn't let that stop anyone buying one of these great bikes though:D

How on earth can a banjo change the way the brake feels? Bigger bore maybe? Nice easy solution if it works.

Fingers crossed for all you Numptystroodle owners.

it is a "known" Numpty issue that affects some but not others. My guess has always been that it is down to have race specification brakes on long travel forks and the fact that at times you can ride a numpty gently by trailing the brakes, - which is a big no-no on these brakes as the pads glaze. I say that as the only time I experienced it was when out riding slowly through dark country lanes, - i was not sure of any of the bends so I began trailing the front brake, - few miles later judder started, - cured it by grabbing one hell of a handful of brake to the point where the front wheel was starting to let go; no more judder. I think these brakes are meant to be used in true race bike style, - late braking and pull em hard, - which perhaps does not suit the unusual side of the numpty in that you can ride it in a slow lazy way if you feel like it.

Shaun,
Ive got just the same problem with the front brake on my Multistuka.Next time it goes for a service I'm going to get the new banjo bolts fitted.Me 'ole mate Sparkin found out about the mod and the guys at Italia Moto confirmed what he said.
Summat to do with the hole down the middle of the bolt not being big enough.Effects some of the other models too aparently.:)

Thanks folks for an interesting set of replies. Now i'm not renowned for my logic, however its strange that it didn't happen for the first 3500 miles so don't see how dropping the forks or changing banjo bolt will work. Its not glazed pads from gentle braking either.

I certainly wouldn't let it put me off buying a Multilooney.

Its done it for the last 3000+ miles all the way on holiday and back. Maybe i'll ask the dealer for a new Ohlins equipped MultiS as a warranty claim to solve the prob:lol:

Certainly will try the banjo when it goes for service and let you know if theres any improvement.

Well the bike has been in for a service and the banjo bolt mod which i was told by the dealer cures the problem in most cases.

Unfortunately not in my case, if anything its got worse, definately feels like a warped disc now, so i think its a warranty claim for the discs next.

Personally now wonder if its the way the non floating discs are mounted to the front wheel, but i'm no technical genies ar$e.

I suggested in my ealrier post that it may be a mounting thing, but having given it more thought, can't really see why. Let us know if/when you fix it will you?

check with your ducati dealer, I've heard the 2005 MTS spec pads & discs will be available to retrofit to earlier models with the shakes ... who knows, it may even work :o

mine is doing the same, ex demo 2000 miles. going to try lowering rebound first just to see if its packing down at the end of fork stroke as you compress forks from brake force. Has anyone dropped a wheel of another model in( if anything else fits) just to see ifits that weird wheel casting/disc fitting thats the problem. oh how i wish i had a datalogger kit.

Multistrada Grabby Front Brake
 

Gizmo, I had the same problem on a 2003 Multistrada, like lots of other owners. Mine was so bad it almost had me off one time. Steve at Moto Italia Lincoln sorted it out for me at the 600 mile first service and I never had any problem afterwards. He just did the usual brake check and changed the pads.

its going in week after next to have the 05 upspec kit fitted, i'm intending to ask them to look at brakes as well. i'm not convinced its the brakes though, more likely fork flex or rotors flexing

Have a look on multistrada.net , there has been much talk of new banjo bolts etc curing this problem. Mines been ok so far (8000 miles) Gizmo how much have you been quoted for the 05 upgrade?

i think its suspension related, only getting about 100mm of travel but its firming up towards that part of stroke, wondering if fork justs starts to lock as you brake hard then skips across road, its dangerous if you are banked over mid corner and try and use front brake.

upgrade was in with price of bike, they just didn't have the parts. Seat is a must, 120 miles and my ar*e knows about it, 999 is more comfy.

did the Brough/Middleton road today, supermoto it is not but still enjoyable other than touching down a bit. Might give you a shout next week Martin could maybe head up to Keilder.

I know what you mean about the seat! That why I was enquiring re cost I was quoted £132.43 just for riders seat. The touching down can be a little disconcerting especialy on right handers, that pesky exhaust shield is gonna have to go! I changed the suspension settings quite a lot when I first got the bike but cannot remember by how much? I do know I whacked the rear preload up a hell of a lot but I am a little heavier than you. Strangely I do not seem to have things touch down as often as when I first got the bike (moving UP from a 996S) maybe I ride it differently now to how I did at first.

I will be up for a run especially Kielder this week as I have been working like a madman recently and should have plenty of free time over the next week or so. I am flexible re days and times except Tuesday morning as I am fulfilling parental duties. Am a little battered at the moment as I took a bit of a tumble yesterday which was not bike related and have a black and blue patch on the right side of my back measuring 15inch by 4 inch. It was in fact a freak guitar related accident which is too ridiculous/embarresing to mention here, I will tell you bout it when I see you.

Look forward to Kielder, I may get some padded cycling shorts as its 400 miles of b roads round trip for me. Where you reckon to meet up?

Martin

ps what colour your Multistrada?

My MTS had the banjo bolt 'solution' and it has'nt made any differance whatsoever.
My bike only ever judders at very low speeds,and not all the time!It makes it very difficult to work out why it does it!
The judder only ever happens at the last 10-15 mph as I'm coming to a stop,and to be honest,I can live with that.

I have ridden into London a few times and filtering as brought this to my attention now, - as my theory is that you brake hard you do not notice it, but City riding is a pain with it as it makes the front feel quite uncertain as you go through small gaps.

Off to talk to dealer.

New discs under warranty cured my problem.

I changed the riders seat for a Sargent seat and its miles better. I couldn't have contemplated the John O Groats to Lands End with the standard instrument of torture fitted to the 04 bike, can't comment on the 05 seats though.

:eureka:The official "cure" for this problem is to change the banjo bolt for new one Pt. No. 69922861A. This one has a smaller hole in it.
Apparently the brake fluid can set up a pulse in the hose, a bit like when the water pipes "hammer" in your house. The smaller hole acts like a damper.
That, and possibly a set of new pads (Ducati originally listed a different part No. but these have now been discontinued) SHOULD cure the problem

The replacement banjo did'nt cure my brake judder,....mebbe I'll try some new pads.(Now out of warranty:( )
To be honest the judder happens so infrequently,I can live with it.

I must be one of the lucky few, i have read about this problem and heard it talked about many times, but have never suffered with any kind of brake judder:D:P Shall be upgrading my calipers to Brembo four pads next week any way:devil: just waiting for the new brake lines to come through the post. All supplied by Neil (Nelly) of Cornerspeed:D.............that should earn me a little extra discount:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: