Monster 900 with Clutch Problem

**Paul** · 09 Jun 05, 04:29 PM

Hey all, I just purchased my first Ducati a few weeks ago after lusting over owning a Monster ever since I was in school!! I am so stoked with the bike and totally look forward to meeting fellow enthusiasts, new freindships and riding partners, and learning more about the bike

My new baby, is a '96 m900 with 5700 miles on it - my new problem is with the clutch!! I rode about 150 miles last Monday and to the best of my knowledge everything seemed fine, Wed I go to ride the bike to work and the clutch pulled extremly soft, so I pulled the coffin cover and checked; there was no fluid, hmmmmmm, there was no spots on the ground below the bike, so I filled it up, put the cover back on and gave the lever a few squeezes and noticed fresh fluid as I ran my finger along the bottom side of the clutch cover/engine casings and a few spots on my garage floor - I'm not sure where the fluid is comming from, either from between the cases or further up.

Since I'm a newbie, I'm not too sure how to explain further without adding confusion (cause I'm keeping my finger crossed that this is something minor and that with a few hours work I can be riding again!!) so please feel free to ask more questions and drop any recomendations as how to correct this.

(I thought I better register cos you seem a bit deparate for visitors

)

Ride on,
Paul

**Cynic** · 09 Jun 05, 11:52 PM

If it's leaking around the engine area, sounds like it could be your slave cylinder. It's a round looking part that sticks out just to the left of your front sprocket cover. Check and see if that's where it's coming from.

The OEM ducati slave cylinders are prone to leaking. You can solve your problem by purchasing an aftermarket (evoluzione or yoyodyne) slave cylinder. It should solve your problem AND reduce your clutch pull by about 30%.

ALSO, check the area around the banjo fitting on the slave cylinder, if it's dry, it's not leaking there. Check with your dealer, some of the slave cylinders were covered under warranty, you may be able to get a 'goodwill' fix from 'em. If not, you can upgrade to any one of several aftermarket slave cylinders that offer reduced lever effort. I've got nearly 2 years/17k miles on a Yoyodyne slave, works perfectly.

**Paul** · 10 Jun 05, 12:09 AM

That was a quick reply, thanks!! Just had a look, it definitely appears to be leaking from around my slave cylinder - how difficult is this to replace? I wouldn't mind taking it to a local Duc shop, but over the phone I was told it would be about two weeks till I would get the bike back - I can't wait that long, I've owned the bike for 2 weeks!!! Any tips before I try to replace it / tear into my bike??

I have somewhat of a mechanical background. I've worked on a few Honda engines and spent the last 8 years restoring/rebuilding classic Vespas and Lammys.

In appreciation,
Paul

**Cynic** · 10 Jun 05, 12:21 AM

You'll be fine doing the clutch slave swap yourself, especially if you've ever bled brakes cause it's the same exact process.

Check this American link to, it explains what's involved very well: http://www.ducatisuite.com/clutch.html

Also, seeing as you're almost at 6,000 miles you're due for the 6k check up. If it hasn't been done already.

Cyn

**Paul** · 15 Jun 05, 01:47 PM

Cynic, thank you for all the information. When I made my last post you must have been online at the same time. Parts now ordered and some garage time awaits me. Paul (That American site is great for servicing information)

**Jimmy996** · 04 Sep 07, 07:46 AM

would the quad seal available on ebay solve the problem? I have a leak on the missus M900, just slightly and don't really want to spend out if i don't have too, she has a remote system like on my 996 and it already easy to operate so no real need to upgrade.

Ducati Clutch Slave Quad Seal , no more leaks *unique* on eBay Ducati, Motorcycle Parts, Motorcycle Parts Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (item 250160673016 end time 08-Sep-07 18:41:35 BST)

What do you guys think???

**zimbo** · 04 Sep 07, 04:25 PM

The slave cylinder seal is a common problem, but is very easy to fix.
The best fix is to replace the slave cylinder with the later 748 type, but you need a slightly longer 748 push rod to go with it.
Or, fit an aftermarket light action slave cylinder, makes the clutch pull lighter as well.