This is a very common Ducati issue and easily remedied. If you check other Duc forums you will find a lot of threads about it. Simply apply one VERY small drop of a good lightweight lubricant (I use MPT-12 Multi-Purpose Molybdenum/PTFE Lubricant and Penetrant) to each "button" on both discs after you wash your bike and your problem is solved. I always let the bike sit overnight before riding to allow the lube migrate around the buttons before riding. The lube will not sling onto the disc surface if you use only one very small droplet per button.
Front Brake Rotor Warp?
Hello!
I have about 2500 kms on the bike now and the last 500kms the front brake is grabbing/pulsing like the rotors are warped.
Anyone else getting this and I assume after 2500kms this SHOULDN'T be the case?
I also do not ride hard!
I have about 2500 kms on the bike now and the last 500kms the front brake is grabbing/pulsing like the rotors are warped.
Anyone else getting this and I assume after 2500kms this SHOULDN'T be the case?
I also do not ride hard!
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On a low mileage bike, this is usually caused by brake material building up on the rotors, or excessive dust in the calipers and pads (blow them out with an air compressor). This happens when you do a lot of city driving, heat up the brakes, then hold them tight at a traffic light, effectively transferring the material to the rotor in that particular spot. Lubing the buttons might help (if they are loose enough to actually float), but that's just masking the issue, you still have the buildup on the rotors.
If blowing out your calipers with an air compressor doesn't resolve the issue, try scrubbing the rotors clean with a Scotchbrite pad and brake parts cleaner to remove the film from the rotor, easiest done if the bike is on fork stands and the pads removed. Clean both rotors, inside and out, and then if you want to be thorough, scuff the pads with the Scotchbrite pad also. Following this you need to re-bed the pads. Bedding pads is actually transferring a thin film of the pad material evenly across the entire rotor (instead of the lumps that we are trying to cure) and is done through a series of ever harder stops from faster speeds. Do 2-3 hard "threshold" stops (braking as hard as you can without activating ABS) from 20 mph, then another set from 40 mph, and finally a set from 60+. Each time, once you come to a stop you should let go of your front brake lever and keep the bike stationary with the rear brake, and if possible, rocking the bike forward and backward slightly so that the pads aren't keeping heat in one particular spot of the rotors. The goal is even distribution. You will probably feel the difference in braking quality after the first 4-5 stops from 20 and 40.
This is a helpful article discussing bedding in brakes. It's directed at cars, but applies equally well for motorcycles.
Stock Brake System Bed-in
On older bikes with high mileage, like over 20,000 miles, you might have some localized hardening of the rotors due to the same cause - holding the front brake at a stop while the rotors are extremely hot. This hardening will cause the rotors to wear unevenly; less wear where it's hardened, and more wear where it isn't, giving you lumpy rotors. Once this happens there's really not much to do but replace the rotors. At 2500 Kilometers, it's not likely that this is the issue with your bike.
If blowing out your calipers with an air compressor doesn't resolve the issue, try scrubbing the rotors clean with a Scotchbrite pad and brake parts cleaner to remove the film from the rotor, easiest done if the bike is on fork stands and the pads removed. Clean both rotors, inside and out, and then if you want to be thorough, scuff the pads with the Scotchbrite pad also. Following this you need to re-bed the pads. Bedding pads is actually transferring a thin film of the pad material evenly across the entire rotor (instead of the lumps that we are trying to cure) and is done through a series of ever harder stops from faster speeds. Do 2-3 hard "threshold" stops (braking as hard as you can without activating ABS) from 20 mph, then another set from 40 mph, and finally a set from 60+. Each time, once you come to a stop you should let go of your front brake lever and keep the bike stationary with the rear brake, and if possible, rocking the bike forward and backward slightly so that the pads aren't keeping heat in one particular spot of the rotors. The goal is even distribution. You will probably feel the difference in braking quality after the first 4-5 stops from 20 and 40.
This is a helpful article discussing bedding in brakes. It's directed at cars, but applies equally well for motorcycles.
Stock Brake System Bed-in
On older bikes with high mileage, like over 20,000 miles, you might have some localized hardening of the rotors due to the same cause - holding the front brake at a stop while the rotors are extremely hot. This hardening will cause the rotors to wear unevenly; less wear where it's hardened, and more wear where it isn't, giving you lumpy rotors. Once this happens there's really not much to do but replace the rotors. At 2500 Kilometers, it's not likely that this is the issue with your bike.
Ok.. so just did a trip 2000 km trip. When I was in Montreal I went to Ducati service because it started even at high speed. He looked at it and said the disks seemed to be floating ok. He said probably had dust or dirt in the pads the needed to be burned out. So he told me to get the bike up to a good speed and then just grab a bit of break to heat the brakes up a bit and then pull hard and repeat that 3 - 4 times. I did that but nothing has changed. The front brake is still pulsing and now even at speed.
Why don't you simply try a very small droplet of moly based lube on each button on the discs? Allow the bike to sit overnight so the lube has a chance to migrate around the buttons. I believe you'll find the issue has disappeared. Search other Ducati forums...you'll find the same issue (and solution) prevalent throughout.Ok.. so just did a trip 2000 km trip. When I was in Montreal I went to Ducati service because it started even at high speed. He looked at it and said the disks seemed to be floating ok. He said probably had dust or dirt in the pads the needed to be burned out. So he told me to get the bike up to a good speed and then just grab a bit of break to heat the brakes up a bit and then pull hard and repeat that 3 - 4 times. I did that but nothing has changed. The front brake is still pulsing and now even at speed.
I like this tip and should be part of routine maintenance, however 2500km is a very worrying concern. Last thing you need is the brake locking up at corner entry.Why don't you simply try a very small droplet of moly based lube on each button on the discs? Allow the bike to sit overnight so the lube has a chance to migrate around the buttons. I believe you'll find the issue has disappeared. Search other Ducati forums...you'll find the same issue (and solution) prevalent throughout.
So dry lubed the rotor buttons and did a run... no change. Still the same problem. SOOOO friggin frustrating! New bike and I'd rather ride my 2004 BMW. ha ha Guess I'll call the dealer again and see if they will look at it and figure something out.
PS: When I check the rotors out, they all seem to move freely at the rotor points. Nothing seems to be sticking.
PS: When I check the rotors out, they all seem to move freely at the rotor points. Nothing seems to be sticking.
Take the pads out and give them a rub with some coarse grit paper. We are at last resort stuff here but give it go.So dry lubed the rotor buttons and did a run... no change. Still the same problem. SOOOO friggin frustrating! New bike and I'd rather ride my 2004 BMW. ha ha Guess I'll call the dealer again and see if they will look at it and figure something out.
PS: When I check the rotors out, they all seem to move freely at the rotor points. Nothing seems to be sticking.
It might be a silly question (stands back awaiting a flaming) but is it the abs kicking in, or does it happen with light braking. Just a thought.
I might try deglazing the rotors first... then pads until I can get the bike into service.
DucColin - It does it at light braking coming to a stop. That's how it started. The ABS rail is clean too.
DucColin - It does it at light braking coming to a stop. That's how it started. The ABS rail is clean too.
This is answer - you have to clean the pads. Pad need to be broken in or this is pretty common result.Take the pads out and give them a rub with some coarse grit paper. We are at last resort stuff here but give it go.
So... brakes are pulsing AGAIN. Ugh! I just had my 15000km service and even the tech noticed. He said is had 2 SS's with the same issue. One bike they tried 5 sets of rotors and finally Ducati paid for some aftermarket.
He said he's been having issues with these bikes and the newer Monster Evo.
I think they are going to try another set of rotors again. He said it happens every 2500kms to 5000kms. Which is about right on track for me. I got about 5000kms on this set without the pulsing.
He said he's been having issues with these bikes and the newer Monster Evo.
I think they are going to try another set of rotors again. He said it happens every 2500kms to 5000kms. Which is about right on track for me. I got about 5000kms on this set without the pulsing.
Had the same issue...pulsing at slow braking just before stop. Dealer deglazed it for me, it lost some bite after that. Been riding a few miles and cant tell whether its pulsing again or not. Im at 4000+ miles
Not had the issue but when talking with my dealer said they have seen it on SSS and Monster. Stated to me it was definitely the rotors warping - prob another cheap Chinese part from Ducati. Its interesting that say on the Monster the rotor is I believe 4.5mm thick but the aftermarket Brembo upgrade for it and our bike rotor is 5.5mm I believe.
My solution to another crap ducati issue is to replace them all with Galfer wave rotors and Galfer sintered HH pads.
My solution to another crap ducati issue is to replace them all with Galfer wave rotors and Galfer sintered HH pads.
I realise it will be difficult to do but can anyone that gets this problem do a video recording for us. Obviously we all understand the meaning of warped but a vid would be really useful. Perhaps a front paddock stand and a few vigorous spins of the wheel. Please!
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