Monster S4R - Oil Leak

[JimmyTheDriver]

Hey fellas,

Have an 07 S4R with approx 1600 miles on it.  Walked up to it last night in a parking lot and noticed a pool of oil under the kickstand.  Looked around and couldent find a leak, but when I pulled in the cluch lever it squirted out what looks to be a drain plug, and the small reservoir near the clutch drained.  I ended up having the bike towed home late last night.

I assume this plug is the trans/clutch fluid and it is loose?  I can't turn it by hand, but I am sure that does not mean much.  I know that cars have a small crush washer that it replaced each time you take the drain plug off, could this be faulty?  Either way, I am not really sure, but don't want to move the bike until advised otherwise.  I do not have a bike trailor, so unless this is an easy fix for me, do I have it towed to a dealer?  Still have warranty left, as I bought it new this year.

I am fully competent with tools, but do not have a 20mm+ torx or whatever it is that fits.  Might have to track one down at a local dealer if thats all it takes.




Thanks!
Jim

[JimmyTheDriver]

Dealer states I may have a leak in the cluutch slave cylinder.  Sound familar?

Thanks!
Jimmy

[IdZer0]

That's not the drain plug, it's the clutch slave. If it squirts out when you pull the clutch it's probably hydraulic fluid, not oil coming out. You can probably see that the clutch reservoir level has dropped (left pee cup)

In any case I wouldn't ride it like that, if your clutch fails while you're riding you're in for whole lot of trouble.

PS: wipe of the clutch fluid from your bike, it's a little corrosive.

[IdZer0]

I don't think it's easily fixable. I'd think even if you just unbolt the slave cylinder you'll see it leaking, so unless you're prepared to change out the cylinder( an/or maybe the line) tow the bike to the dealer.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Hum.... sounds like a dealer fix.  Appreciate the info!  Will have my baby towed to the dealer.

-Jimmy

[64duc]

 your dealer is correct, but that is not a removable plug. your clutch slave will have to be replaced. Clutch fluid is DOT 4 automotive brake fluid. You can use DOT 3, 4 or 5.1 never DOT 5.

Won't hurt anything to ride to the dealer if you can, you just won't have a clutch for shifting or stopping.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Ahhh well. Damn shame, I wanted to get out this weekend.

Unfortunately the dealer is 45 mins away, most of which is 60+ MPH highway driving.  A tow is in order.

As always, appreciate the great info around here!

-Jimmy

[WhiteStripe]

FWIW should be pretty easy to crusie down the highway with no clutch - stop and go might be a bigger issue.

[DucHead]

If its not too late, I have an extra OEM slave cylinder with few miles.  PM me your address and I'll mail it to you...its an easy fix.

[Christian]

As pompetta said, it's a very easy DIY fix. If you can get your hands on a replacement slave cylinder and some fluid you can definitely ride this weekend. Only basic hand tools required

If you can get a car to the dealer, bomb down there and grab one if they have it in stock.

Here's a DIY thread that includes how to bleed the clutch:

http://www.ducatisuite.com/clutch.html

[2 Wheel Wanderer]

See if the dealer will come and get it, all they need is a truck with a bed. I'd think if its under warranty they should be able to bill DNA for picking it up, also it's just good customer service.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Appreciate all the replies!  Still under warranty, so Ducati just paid to have it towed to dealer.  They estimate 1-2 weeks to get the part from Ducati.

I hear you on it being an easy fix... wish I knew that before the tow service picked it up this morning.  Guess I will just miss a week or two of riding.

No worries.

-Jimmy