2018 Ducati Multistrada

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 has had occasional issues of stalling while riding if I pull the clutch in while coasting to a stop. For example coming up to a light or stop sign, I would anticipate the stop and downshift and pull the clutch in, resulting In a stall. Yesterday while setting the cruise control at 40 MPH and cruising down the street, the bike just stalled and turned off while being on cruise control. I was able to restrat the bike when I stopped. I notified the dealership and will be taking it in on the 11th of May.

NHTSA ID

11463443

Incident

May 4, 2022

I WAS RIDING FOR AROUND 4 HOURS ON THE INTERSTATE. I CAME OFF THE INTERSTATE AND ONTO THE SURFACE STREETS. I WAS ENTERING A PARK WITH A DIRT ROAD AND PARKING LOT. I WENT TO APPLY THE REAR BRAKE FOR STOPPING ON DIRT. THE REAR BRAKE LEVER CYCLED THROUGH THE ENTIRE STROKE. I PUMPED THE REAR BRAKE LEVER AND NO PRESSURE WAS BUILT UP. I HAD TO USE THE FRONT BRAKE TO STOP ON THE DIRT. AFTER VISITING THE PARK ABOUT 20 MINUTES THE BIKE WAS RIDDEN TO A GAS STATION AND THE REAR BRAKE STILL FAILED TO WORK. THE BIKE WAS THEN RIDDEN TO A LOCAL HOTEL STILL WITH NO REAR BRAKE. THE NEXT MORNING I TESTED THE REAR BRAKE BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE DAY. THE REAR BRAKE HAD NORMAL PRESSURE AND A VERY SHORT LEVER STROKE AND WOULD STOP THE WHEEL (CENTER STAND). AFTER RIDING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR 2 HOURS I PULLED OFF FOR GAS AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. SINCE RETURNING HOME FROM MY TRIP I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING REPEATEDLY, BIKE COLD REAR BRAKE WORKS, BIKE HOT NO REAR BRAKE.

NHTSA ID

11195692

Incident

Mar 27, 2019

Mileage

2,000 mi

Tips & Tricks Revision 07 Summary. Applicability: Hypermotard 698-Possible coolant leakage from the water distributor. All Models-Precaution for the use of the Hand-Free fuel tank cap part no. 96681021AA – part no. 96680491A. All V4 models-Possible lubrication problem on primary idle wheel.

Tips & Tricks Revision 05 Summary. Applicability: All Models-Sygic Navigator App software bug for iOS Apple devices

Tips & Tricks Revision 04 Summary. Applicability: Multistrada-Possible erratic idling rpm and hard starting, and engine noise. Hypermotard-Possible hard starting issues.

Tips & Tricks Revision 03 Summary. Applicability: Multistrada-Racing exhaust applicability. Hypermotard-Possible oil seep, loose handlebar feel, gearchange lever pin, standard faring elements characteristics.

Tips & Tricks Revision 02 Summary. Applicability: Multistrada-Front fork wiring, rear shock, and fuel level and range indication. Hypermotard-Exhaust heat guard hardware pitting. Scrambler-Cosmetic headlight defect. All Models-pre-delivery operations, scheduled maintenance update.

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.