Multistrada 1200 Rear Brake Bleeding Guide

Addressing Multistrada 1200 Rear Brake Performance Issues

For owners of the Ducati Multistrada 1200, particularly those experiencing issues with the rear brake's performance, there's been a significant development in understanding and rectifying the problem. Discussions across various Multistrada forums have highlighted a common concern: an excessive amount of travel in the rear brake pedal, leading to a perceived lack of stopping power. This confusion has extended to both owners and Ducati dealerships, prompting Ducati to issue revised instructions for the rear brake system bleeding procedure. This article delves into the details of these updates and the recommended steps to ensure your Multistrada 1200's rear brake operates as it should.

Ducati's Response: A System Upgrade

In August 2011, Ducati introduced a more permanent solution to the persistent rear brake performance issues. This solution involves the replacement of several key components within the rear brake system. While there wasn't an official recall, Ducati dealers were advised to offer this 'upgrade' to owners who reported a sub-par rear brake experience. It's understood that newer models coming off the production line would eventually incorporate these revised parts as standard.

Service Bulletin SVC-11-014: REAR BRAKE SYSTEM UPDATE

Issued by Ducati North America (DNA) on August 9th, 2011, Service Bulletin SVC-11-014 specifically addressed the 'Excessive travel of rear brake pedal' for all Multistrada 1200 versions. The bulletin outlined the technical problem and its solution through the replacement of specific parts. Two kits were identified:

• Part No. 69926271A (for bikes WITHOUT ABS): This kit includes a new rear brake master cylinder with an oversized compensation hole and an oil tank fitting inclined at 50°. It also comes with a 310 mm EPDM hose for connecting the master cylinder to the oil tank, and a hose connecting the master cylinder to the brake caliper.
• Part No. 69926281A (for bikes WITH ABS): Similar to the non-ABS kit, this includes the revised master cylinder and hoses, but also incorporates hoses connecting the ABS control unit to the master cylinder and the brake caliper.

It's important to note that these details are from a DNA bulletin, and similar directives would have been issued to Ducati dealerships worldwide.

The Revised Rear Brake Bleeding Procedure

Ducati's updated instructions, dated May 26th, 2011, provided a specific procedure for bleeding the rear braking circuit. Key considerations and steps include:

Essential Tools and Fluids

Before commencing, ensure you have the necessary tools and the recommended brake fluid: Castrol Response Super DOT 4. It is crucial to use a new 250cc container of this specific fluid.

Key Steps for Bleeding

1. Caliper Preparation: The rear brake caliper needs to be dismounted from its carrier. Crucially, it must be rotated so that the caliper bleed nipple is positioned at the highest point of the caliper. The caliper should be raised as high as possible within the hydraulic circuit.
2. Accessing the Reservoir: To gain better access to the rear brake oil reservoir, it's recommended to disassemble the rider's right-hand footrest. This involves loosening specific screws.
3. Reservoir Cap: Loosen and remove the cap of the rear brake oil reservoir.

The Bleeding Process (Step-by-Step)

• Positioning the Caliper: Carefully manoeuvre the rear brake caliper towards the master cylinder side, passing it through the spokes of the rear wheel rim. Maintain its highest possible position throughout the bleeding process, ensuring the bleed screw faces upwards.
• Shim Insertion: Insert a shim, equivalent to the disc thickness, between the rear brake caliper pads.
• Connecting Bleeding Valve: Attach a bleeding valve to a transparent tube, with the other end placed into a suitable container. Now, follow these steps for bleeding:

1. Actuate the brake pedal to pressurize the circuit.
2. Maintain pressure on the pedal.
3. Slightly loosen the bleeding valve (by approximately 1/4 turn) to allow oil to escape, ensuring the pedal is pushed down completely.
4. Tighten the bleeding valve.
5. Release the brake lever and top up the reservoir, ensuring the oil level is maintained between the MIN and MAX markers. It's vital to prevent air from entering the system by keeping the fluid level above the MIN mark. Repeat these operations (steps 1-5) until the entire 250cc container of brake fluid is used.

• Torquing the Bleed Valve: Once bleeding is complete, tighten the bleeding valve to a torque of 12 Nm ± 10% (equivalent to 12-16 Nm).
• Cleaning and Sealing: Clean the bleeding screw hole with blotting paper to remove any residual fluid and replace the rubber cap.

Post-Bleeding Adjustments and Reassembly

• Lever Alignment: After bleeding, ensure the rear brake lever pin and the master cylinder are aligned. If not, loosen the relevant screws, align them, and then adjust the brake lever stroke. The goal is to achieve approximately 1 mm of clearance between the cap and the pumping element.
• Piston Retraction: Push the caliper pistons back to retract them. Set the reservoir fluid level to MAX. Remove the caliper shim.
• Lubrication: Apply SHELL Retinax HDX2 grease to the caliper mounting screws.
• Caliper Reinstallation: Reinstall the rear brake caliper onto the brake disc, ensuring it is aligned with the caliper holder plate. Tighten the mounting screws to 25 Nm ± 5%.
• Speed Sensor Installation (ABS models): For ABS-equipped bikes, install the speed sensor onto the caliper holder plate with the air gap spacers, tightening the screws to 10 Nm ± 10%. The crucial air gap between the sensor and the disc tightening screws should be between 0.6 ÷ 2.2 mm.
• Initial Checks: Repeatedly actuate the brake lever until the pads contact the disc. Verify the fluid level in the reservoir remains between MIN and MAX, topping up if necessary. Clean and dry the reservoir cap membrane before replacing it.
• Final Reassembly: Screw the reservoir cap back on. Reassemble the cable clip and tighten its screw to 5 Nm ± 10%. Apply a medium-strength threadlocker (Loctite 243) to the footrest mounting screws and reinstall the rider's footrest, tightening the screws to 24 Nm ± 10%.

Final Testing and ABS Specifics

• Road Test: Test the bike on the road. Repeatedly apply the rear brake. Check that the brake lever stroke has not increased. If it has, repeat the bleeding procedure.
• ABS Activation (ABS Models): For Multistrada 1200 models with ABS, after the bleeding procedure, ride the bike at approximately 50 km/h. Apply the rear brake repeatedly until the ABS system has been activated at least 10 times. After this, re-check the rear brake lever stroke. If it has increased, the bleeding procedure needs to be repeated.

Important Disclaimer

It is crucial to remember that Ducati strongly recommends that this procedure is carried out by an authorized Ducati dealer or service centre. Any incorrect procedure carried out on your motorcycle's braking system can have severe consequences for your safety. If you are not confident in performing these steps, it is best to entrust this task to professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why was my Multistrada 1200 rear brake feeling spongy?
  A: This was a common issue attributed to excessive rear brake pedal travel, often due to air in the hydraulic system or specific component design. Ducati issued revised procedures and parts to address this.
• Q: Do I need to replace parts if I haven't had issues with my rear brake?
  A: Ducati recommended the upgrade for owners experiencing the issue. If your brake is performing well, it may not be necessary, but it's always good practice to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
• Q: Can I use a different brand of brake fluid?
  A: Ducati specifically recommends Castrol Response Super DOT 4. Using a different fluid may compromise performance and safety.
• Q: Is the bleeding procedure different for ABS and non-ABS models?
  A: While the core bleeding steps are similar, there are additional steps and checks involved for ABS models, particularly concerning ABS unit activation after bleeding.
• Q: How often should I check my brake fluid?
  A: It's advisable to check your brake fluid levels regularly as part of your routine motorcycle maintenance, and to bleed the system if you notice any degradation in performance. By understanding and correctly implementing these revised procedures, Multistrada 1200 owners can help ensure their rear brake system performs optimally, providing the confidence and stopping power expected from their Ducati.

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