Clutch bleeding 2010 Monster 1100S

[BlackdogGS]

I've noticed the clutch loosing its feel.  Even stalled out from a start a few times because the clutch felt different from usual.  I decided to bleed the clutch to begin with.  I don't have a mini vac so I'm doing it by pumping the clutch.  I can't seem to get the air out.  Every time I pump the clutch and release the bleeder I get foam, not a solid flow of fluid.  Am I doing something wrong or is it time for a mini vac?   It should be possible to do it the old fashion way right? 

[StephenC]

I just did mine, with no vacuum. If you are getting foam it would imply a leak somewhere. Are all your bleed hoses are on tight? Which point are you bleeding from, the master or slave?  Have you checked the bleed nipple is closed on the one you are not using?

The process:

1. Open a new bottle of Dot 4 brake fluid (not what's left from last time).
2. Put some rags around the reservoir (to catch drips, which will damage paint) and take the lid off.
3. Suck out most of the old fluid from the reservoir (I used a syringe) but make sure you don't drain it to the hole in the bottom.
4. Top up the reservoir with new fluid - keep an eye on it from now on and always keep it fairly full.
5. It's best to bleed the master first so attach the bleed hose to the bleed nipple up there first.
6. Open the nipple with a spanner (I can't remember what size - 8 or 10mm I think).
7. Pull in the lever and, keeping it pulled in, close the bleed nipple.
8. Release the lever.
9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 until fresh fluid is coming through, with no bubbles.
10. Tighten the nipple and remove the hose, being careful to avoid drips.
11. Do the same thing with the nipple down at the clutch slave (just in front of the front sprocket), using the clutch lever in the same way as before.
12. Top up the reservoir and replace the lid.
13. Check that no fluid leaks from any of the places you fiddled with, when you pull the lever.
14. Enjoy (or go on and do the brakes while you have a new bottle of fluid open!)

I hope that helps. I would add photos but am on the road, sorry.

[BlackdogGS]

Thanks Stephen, that's exactly how I did it and all I get is foam out of the slave.   I probably was at it for 10 minutes or so.  I'll try it again later.  I just replaced the brake fluid in my BMW no problem. 

I might have to get a rebuild kit for the master, I'm not sure.  I though this job would be a piece of cake.

[Speeddog]

I do the procedure pretty much like StephenC said, but I pull the lever before opening the bleeder.
If you're just getting foam, probably the slave cylinder is bad.

Make sure the bearing in the pressure plate is good, and that the needle bearing in the end of the trans input shaft is good.

If either of those is bad, the pushrod will spin with the trans shaft or pressure plate, and will drill through the piston in the slave cylinder.
At which point it doesn't work properly.

[BlackdogGS]

I can't bleed the master either.  This bike has less than 6,000 miles on it.  It has a Rizoma slave that was installed when new.  Any leads on a good source for kits?  I'm 3 hours from a dealer so I'll buy on line.   Thanks

[BlackdogGS]

Does the master and slave use standard "O" rings or do I need a Ducati kit?

[Speeddog]

No rebuild kit available for masters AFAIK.

Rizoma may offer a rebuild kit for the slave cylinder.

My money is on the slave cylinder being bad.

[BlackdogGS]

I bought a mini vac and found that the slave bleeder won't completely close.  When it's tight I still get air bubbles.  I need a new bleeder and the fitting the bleeder screws into.  Everything above the top copper washer.  Any of you have anything like this laying around? 

I do have enough air out of the system that I think I could ride it.

[StephenC]

I bought a new bleed nipple, for my brake master, directly from my Ducati dealer.  There are a few websites where you can order OEM parts: ProItalia (USA) and StarTwin (Holland) are examples I have used.  They have the parts list on their websites, you just have to look through for the right page.  They seem to be fairly universal parts so you might find one from another motorbike would work - you could try a local wreckers.  You might want to change the copper washer, while you are at it.  I can only vouch for the brake master but it was a simple change - you clamped the lever in and undid the broken part (with a rag to hand to catch splashes) and put the new one in.  Then you bleed the line well.  I think somebody posted this earlier, but have you been able to check that there is not a leak behind the slave, into the clutch?  I'm not sure of the exact process for doing that but I'm sure somebody in the know will chip in.

[BlackdogGS]

I'll call Speeddog tomorrow and see if he's got one.  If not I'll get it at the local shop which is 3 hours away.