Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > Big clutch problems !!!

[Green1]

I purchased a 999r 4 months ago , during a track outing at donington the clutch began to deteriorate,I rang the supplier they informed me it was because I was summiting it to track day use. Great! Since then I had the slave cylinder replaced under warranty , now its gone again after a few road rides,only 10mm bit left ca'nt engage nautral. Anyone had similar probs / solutions?

[nelly]

Providing the slave cylinder isn't leaking, then it sounds like you've got air in there and need to bleed it.
They can be awkward, but not impossible. Take your time and it should come back to life.

[KeefyB]

Dunno what it is about 999 clutches,but they seem to need bleeding regulary.My theory is a problem with the master cylinder.There never seems enough fluid in there while the bike is on the side stand.Yet once the bike is upright the fluid level is on the max mark.Maybe air is getting in there?........who knows?!
As Nelly says,you may need to bleed the clutch.The easiest way is to do it from the master cylinder.Make sure the bike is upright,ie on a paddock stand,and remove the master cylinder cap.Inside you will see a 6mm headed bolt.Undo this slightly and GENTLY pump the lever.You should see air bubbles coming out.Once the bubbles stop,hold the lever in and tighten the bleed bolt.Refit the cap and test the clutch.Should work ok.

[Loz]

Wow. Thanks for posting that info, KB!

I love this club.

[Green1]

After further mind blowing conversation and long silence pauses with the supplier, he informed me that under track conditions the clutch and fluid becomes to hot and expands the seals? causing air to enter the system. Yes and???

[Loz]

I see ... the 999R was designed never to go on the track ...



Oh look! A flypast!

[Green1]

Master cylinder replacement ? possible design fault.....who knows

[KeefyB]

Have a look at this pic of Lanzi's 749 race bike,gorgeous aint it?!Look closely at the clutch master cylinder.That looks very much like the standard item to me.I cant recall Lanzi having a problem with it.


I would take it back again or get a 2nd opinion.

[yellowisfriedegg]

My 749R has been subjected to some quite enthusiastic road riding , a track day , and a bit of sitting in traffic , the clutch has been fine , no problems

[chillo]

never had any probs with my 999r! it get used properly and its on its second set of plates after under 3k the only problem is that they dont last long enough!