Although I’ve not read any first hand experience from owners on here, it has been mentioned that people on other internet sources are saying clutch wear on the RS is high. Both the RS and the V4 Streetfighter have a larger diameter version of the similar clutch in the current Panigale V4R and yes, track based V4R’s eat clutch plates. After all, it’s an aluminium basket that has steel pressure plates. You just need to factor in clutch wear in the ownership costs, depending on mileage, £300 for a set of plates every 3000 to 6000 miles if you ride hard, maybe up to 7,000 to 10,000 miles if you are more mechanically sympathetic. It's early days yet and I doubt many owners have put big miles on their bikes so reliable information seems a bit sketchy. Andy
As you say all down to how you ride. I've done 4k on RS without a problem. I haven't tracked it but don't hang around. And mate just sold his 4 year, 7k mile streetfighter v4SP without a hitch
Cheers for the replies Apparently it's all down to the open clutch cover and water getting in. Being quoted silly money to replace it all
I’m on 13,000 miles and the bike is on its 3rd clutch Not sure who is getting them changed for £300? Plate kit is £450, the nut is £50 and at least an hour labour? Worse when the basket wears. I love the bike but the biggest concern for me is you can’t go to far or might not get back.
As I've mentioned - its water that's got in and done the damage. Not being too mechanically minded was unaware of the need to keep the whole clutch dry or ensure it's dried properly if it gets wet on a ride out. Needs a whole new assembly - been quoted just shy of £2400
Assuming it's standard and you're just using it on the roads, that sounds like it's not 'fit for purpose' to me, in terms of the Consumer Rights Act. If it's non-standard / race kit, then you don't have a chance, though. If Honda recall their Hornets for excessive oil usage, I'd have thought Ducati should be looking at this, if enough owners complain.
My thoughts are that the dealer has fitted the ducati performance open clutch cover that's available on the configurator and as a direct result the water damage has occurred - whether that's the dealers responsibility to inform me that if the clutch gets wet it needs to be stripped and dried or as a layman I should know that is the dilemma
A quick search suggests if it's a 'Performance' item it's illegal for road use: https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/accessories/ACC012416 Possibly not your exact cover, but hover over the three icons below 'Dry clutch cover.' to see the exclusions. Still, at £2.5k it's worth an open and frank discussion with the dealer.
Ouch I have the open cover on mine as well - and I am heading to Wales for the weekend. I have just got a full cover to go on it, but won’t get to fit it till I get back. I know this gets a lot of sneering, but I only ride on the road and I’m thinking of going to a wet clutch. I love the RS and that would make it about perfect for me. Next clutch change I will cost it up.
STM fitment, EVR racing clutch plate set from Moto Rapido, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18388770...6MSQ0D&hash=item2ad08fbd87:g:p34AAOSwiHFdLuS5, £269. Andy
Cheers Andy, hope you don’t mind a few questions. I guess you change yours yourself, is it a fairly simple task? Do you have a locking spanner to hold the clutch? I was told that Ducati change the nut after every use (£50) what’s your experience - do you re-use it OK? And I guess the real question do these plates last OK? Same or better than standard ones - I only ride on the road, not track?
I’ve never established in my mind the benefits of a dry clutch on a road bike. Don’t get me wrong, they look and sound cool, but this thread is putting me off the idea of an RS.
I have to say that the thought of ‘trading up’ for an RS seems crazy if you have to replace the clutch every 10 mins!
Based on last year’s riding, a clutch might last me a little longer than 10 minutes! Promise to do better this year…
It’s more of a fit for function issue , a pal of mine has had this issue with his SP paniglae for a few years , they replaced the first couple every 2k miles ish and they no longer do it for free despite the bike still being under warranty. He’s on his third one and done around 8k miles. Sounds like a right shitshow to me
I think there’s more to it than that. Whilst not disputing his experience it’s very much in the minority. I’d wager that >99% of the bikes out there with the same clutch are perfectly ok. However, iirc Ducati changed the recommended inspection times and dropped them down to every oil service (15,000km/9,375mile) as wear will be faster than on a wet clutch and will vary between riders depending whether they’re commuting, track only, long rides few gear changes etc etc etc.
I've done 10k miles on my 24 plate, with no issues, so far. Really can't understand why all the supposed problems are happening !!!!
