m796 clutch slipping when bike is hot

[gitter]

The clutch only slips when the bike is hot. Other than that it grabs perfectly fine. I ran the same oil last summer and it was fine. I changed levers to the Pazzos over the winter and when the weather started getting hot (90+) thats the first time it ever started slipping. Which would make me think that it has something to do with the levers.

But if the screw is backed all the way out and the level is where it needs to be (with the cap off its right at the top of the letters (MIN)) I dont know what else to check as far as the lever / fluid side of it.

[Howie]

http://www.ducatisuite.com/leverchange.html
Scroll down.  This is an alternative method of getting the correct free play.  If the free play is correct, your next logical, cheap fix is to try a heavier oil.  Last year is last year.  A few less miles on the clutch, plus the extra wear and tear from this year's slipping.  Keep riding with a slipping clutch and you will need a new clutch.

[gitter]

Picked up oil today. Went with this



From what I read it's fine but can someone clarify if jaso-ma2 rated oil is ok to use? (Instead of jaso-ma)

Thanks

[Howie]

In terms of eliminating clutch slippage MA2 is better than MA1, so yes. 

[gitter]

Fantastic. I'll get it swapped out and report back.

Another question, I know when I drain the oil, I'm not going to get everything (all the 10-40) out. Is this going to be an issue with switching to 10-50 or will I not even notice?

[Howie]

Guess you will have about 20W-49.  Don't worry about it.

[cyberswine]

FWIW my 796 is still having some clutch issues.  In another thread I previously reported the issue was solved by changing oil type but  I spoke too soon because once everything became really hot excessive noise (no slip) returned.  Reason I'm posting is that I took it to the only dealership I can easily reach and the tech I had look at it agreed it was a "little noisy" but had no interest in attempting a fix and suggested any work would not be covered under the few weeks of warranty remaining  due to "normal wear and tear" blah blah.  I also have Pazzo levers but I seem to have both set up perfectly without the issue the OP is experiencing with free play.  Now I'm sort of waiting for something bad to happen..

[Raux]

take it into the shop anyway and have it documented.

not sure about Ducati but some manufacturers will cover a warranty item that occurred before the end of the warranty but was not diagnosed until after.

[scaramanga]

cyberswine,
when you get a chance you should update your  thread with your latest developments.
Theres a lot of experienced helpful people that will help you find your problem BEFORE something bad happens.
also readers will not be misled by a non fix.

[gitter]

changed my oil today. Went for a short spin after. Couldnt get the clutch to slip but its only 75deg and I only got the temp gauge up to three ticks. But so far so good. I'll report back once we get some hotter weather here and I can test the bike in the same conditions it was slipping in before.

Out of curiosity, the clutch started slipping after the bike had been sitting (once at a stop light and once when I was getting gas) for about 4 or 5 min. Would the fact that the clutch started slipping after the bike was stationary be indicative of using too thin of an oil? I realize that there is a checklist for my issue ( thank you guys btw for the help) this was just more out of curiosity.

[Speeddog]

How old was the container of brake fluid you used for filling and bleeding?

[gitter]

Now that you mention it it's dot4 and it's about 3 years old...yes feel free to judge me...I should probably get new fluid

[Speeddog]

Try getting some new fluid, and doing another flush and bleed.

Pretty cheap experiment.

[gitter]

sounds like it could be worth a shot. What happens when the fluid gets old? Clutch just doesnt function like it should?

[Speeddog]

Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which turns to steam when it gets hot enough, causing odd clutch or brake function.