Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: zLoki on May 28, 2010, 10:29:06 AM

Title: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: zLoki on May 28, 2010, 10:29:06 AM
Hey guys - What's the life expectancy on the 696 clutch? 

I've got 19k miles on mine and it's been acting funny.  Making some strange noises that sound kinda like it's a dry clutch!  Also takes it's sweet time to actually get into gear under heavy acceleration in the top gears, like it's slipping into gear but I've already let out the clutch.

Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: Monster Dave on May 28, 2010, 10:58:18 AM
How's your fluid level?
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: stopintime on May 28, 2010, 11:47:26 AM
My S2R 800 APTC wet clutch had the same symptoms, more or less.
Had the clutch pack replaced at 22k miles and now it's fine.
The steel discs had visible burn marks, so at least I know that they were toast.

Less than two hour labor plus ~$250 for the clutch pack and springs.

It should be able to handle more than 20k miles, but I guess that sometimes it doesn't...
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: zLoki on May 28, 2010, 05:52:48 PM
Fluid levels are good, checked regularly and recently changed oil.

20k seems a bit low, figured it would last a lot more than that.  I'm having it looked at next week, we'll see if it's the same.  Thx
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: Howie on May 29, 2010, 05:02:31 AM
Clutches, like brakes, are a wear item.  Lifespan will depend on riding style/conditions, an APC clutch even more since it has "slipper" capability.

Before condemning the clutch, check the free play at the lever.  Free play should be 1.5 - 2 mm, less can cause slipping.
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: DAYS OF GLORY PAST on May 29, 2010, 05:17:20 PM
 Mine is in the shop for the vertical tensioner that they thought  was a clutch noise at first. 12700 mi. also my clutch has intermittently slipped at 80-90 mph shifts always and they never find a problem.I think it because it happens after a canyon ride then on to the freeway and they ride 15 min. out of the shop and back and are they really going to risk a ticket on the freeway trying to recreate a 90mph shift. [bang]
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: bicunica on May 29, 2010, 07:30:39 PM
Keep us posted.
When mine was slipping was due to not enough play at the leveler. I am using pazzo racing set. After I adjusted it all seemed fine. Gook luck to you.
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: zLoki on July 07, 2010, 11:49:20 AM
So it turned out to not be the clutch.  The rollers for one of the timing belts was falling apart, which accounted for e metallic sound I was hearing.  This caused the belt to fray.  I was super lucky, I ran like this for over two months and it never broke.  Had the rollers replaced under warrantee and the folks at Newport did a great job (even if they kept my baby for over two weeks).
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: Raux on July 07, 2010, 11:57:44 AM
interesting that 2 of you have roller issues. wonder if they are using too tight of a belt tension. what was the mileage on these bikes? How many services? had they had the belts tensions check by a shop or  would this be straight from the factory this way?
Title: Re: M696 Clutch Life Expectancy
Post by: zLoki on July 07, 2010, 03:35:29 PM
I think Ducati may have something there, maybe that's why they fixed it under warrantee, after it had expired (just a couple of days), with no arguments. 

The sound started at about 16k miles but was not really noticeable until about 18k.  I noticed it started one day after she had been resting for long weekend.  It finally got loud enough at about 19k and I took her in at 19.5k.

I've had all the regular maintenance at the right times, mostly from Newport Ducati.  Of note, I did run without covers for about 200 miles once about a year ago.  Otherwise, she's been well taken care of and this has been the first real issue of note.