2018 Ducati Monster 821

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on twenty-two (22) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for soft rear brakes caused by air seeping into the rear brake lines of model year (MY) 2012-2020 Ducati Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport, Panigale, Scrambler and Diavel motorcycles.The consumers were alleging that the rear brakes would not properly function unless the rear brake pedal was applied several times or that there was a total loss of rear braking during normal applications, increasing the risk of a crash. In a March 2020 meeting, Ducati indicated that they were aware of certain models in which air may enter the motorcycles' rear braking system through the brake lines, due to exposure to heat from the exhaust system. Although this condition compromises rear braking performance, Ducati stated that they did not consider this to be a safety defect because the front and rear brake systems are hydraulically independent from each other, and a motorcycle's front brake system performs most of the stopping. Additionally, they believed that routine brake fluid replacement would resolve consumers' concerns, however complainants and dealership service technicians reported that, in some cases, after a dealer serviced the rear brake system, the rear brake pedal would feel soft and spongy again (indicating compromised brake performance) less than a year later--well before the recommended two-year brake fluid service interval. As a precaution, Ducati issued a series of technical service bulletins (TSBs) to replace the brake lines with redesigned ones, rerouting them away from the exhaust system.ODI's position is that all of the brakes on a motorcycle are considered necessary for safety. Analysis of the data identified that neither the entire model line nor the entire model year range of motorcycles covered by the investigation were affected, but rather certain sub-models or narrower model year ranges of motorcycles incorporated brake lines with a higher exposure to the heat from the exhaust system. Because of the unique routing of each model's brake line, some motorcycles are more susceptible to the condition than others. As these specific models and model years were most likely to exhibit an increased risk of a crash from the lengthened stopping distance, Ducati converted the previously issued TSBs into a safety recall.After receiving a total of 94 VOQs, ODI is closing this PE with Ducati's safety recall 21V-315. With the recall action taken by Ducati, this investigation is closed. However, the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist on other models or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP SINCE IT WAS NEW (PURCHASED MAY 2018), WITH THE CLUTCH ACTIVATED AND BIKE STILL ROLLING. I HAVE ALL DEALER SERVICE RECORDS AND VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THIS ISSUE. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ON DUCATI FORUMS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE, AND DUCATI NA WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE. I DEALT WITH THIS FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS UNTIL THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO DUCATI AS PART OF A LEMON LAW BUYBACK. THE STALLING IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS MUCH MORE PREVALENT AND SERIOUS THAN DUCATI WOULD LIKE TO ADMIT. VIDEOS UPLOADED: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/PLAYLIST?LIST=PL6HHV6G1WWZH_6BKODVXE-YXKLQX7I3XS

NHTSA ID

11338814

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

Mileage

565 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DUCATI MONSTER 821. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AND THE REAR BRAKE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT USED THE FRONT BRAKE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO MONTEREY PENINSULA POWER SPORTS LOCATED AT (1020 AUTO CENTER PKWY, SEASIDE, CA 93955 (831) 899-7433). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY REPRESENTATIVE WITH DUCATI THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE MOTORCYCLE NOT BEING RIDDEN FREQUENTLY. THE BRAKE LINES WERE BLED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.

NHTSA ID

11317213

Incident

Mar 3, 2020

Mileage

900 mi

ON 03/14/2019 WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE DURING THE DAY I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM WHILE NAVIGATING A TURN. I HAD BEEN ON THE BIKE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WITH NO INDICATION ANYTHING WAS WRONG. IT WAS VERY SUDDEN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. UPON A VISUAL INSPECTION I NOTED THERE WAS NO FLUID LEAKING, FLUID LEVEL WAS FULL, BRAKE PADS ARE GOOD, AND NO ABS MALFUNCTION WAS INDICATED ON THE BIKES DISPLAY. IF NOT FOR MY RIDING EXPERIENCE I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CRASHED. WEATHER WAS SUNNY AROUND 70 DEGREES SPEED IN TURN UNDER 15 MPH BRAKING PRESSURE WAS NORMAL (NOT PANIC BRAKING)

NHTSA ID

11186983

Incident

Mar 14, 2019

Mileage

1,800 mi

Procedure for Assessing Front Fork Oil Leaks. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the assessment criteria for identifying front fork-related defects. The purpose is prevent technicians from mistaking oozing oil or assembly grease, for legitimate defects. The bulletin further provides examples and pictures for clarification.

Rear Brake System Update Summary. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels bulletin SRV-SRB-23-060 published on 12/19/2023. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of new rear brake hoses intended to address wear of the brake lever stroke, resulting from routine use, over time.

Rear Brake System Update Summary. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels bulletin SRV-SRB-23-053 published on 10/17/2023. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of new rear brake hoses intended to address wear of the brake lever stroke, resulting from routine use, over time.

Guided Diagnosis for Front Brake System Bleeding. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletin SRV-SRB-20-014 published on 4/17/2020. It provides dealers and service managers with needed information to correctly bleed the front brake system of the various Ducati models. This bulletin further refers the reader to an attached diagnosis guide. The referenced guide/annex is available to NHTSA upon request.

Finial Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions. Applicability: All Models and Model Years (except XDiavel). This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletins: SRV-SRB-18-030 published on 05/11/2018, SRV-SRB-19-046 published on 12/31/2019, SRV-SRB-20-050 published on 11/24/2020. It provides dealers and service managers additional final drive chain care to ensure optimum performance and longevity for the chain. this includes cleaning, lubricating, inspecting and tension guidelines.

Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine_Rev.01. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin instructs dealers and service managers on authorized procedures for identifying and isolating coolant and engine oil leaks. The use of a prescribed leak trace powder is stressed. This bulletin includes service instructions.