Went for a ride today. First time I've ever ridden a Multistrada. First impressions 1) Its quick, fecking quick! Road it in Touring Mode but still felt the front wheel lifting once or twice. I'm going to have to be very careful I don't pick up points riding this thing 2) Lights are brilliant, first bike I've ever had where I haven't felt the need to upgrade them somehow. 3) Its light, much lighter than the VFR or the Sprint 1050 I rode before that. in fact it didn't feel a lot heavier than the street triple when I was backing it out of the shed. 4) Back brake is awful! The lever doesn't feel particularly well placed and it doesn't seem to apply much braking to the rear wheel Is this normal or are there things I can do to improve it? 5) It handles really really well, I didn't push her much but all the same I think I could have a lot of fun riding this Overall very very happy with her, just need to sort out the back brake
Ducati back brakes are notorious, if you do a search I'm pretty sure some have seen a benefit in bleeding the rear brake BUT by taking the caliper off the mounts, leaving it still attached to the hose but raising it above the resevoir then bleed a few times A short video but he explains the issue but then tries to sell expensive brake fluid so either watch the whole thing or go straight too 4:55 and it shows you what I mean
Fit a banjo bolt with a bleed nipple to the abs pump end of the rear brake hoses and bleed from there. If that doesn't improve things try a brembo series oro disc and sintered HH pads. I can bring the abs on with my rear brake after doing the above.
Just use that lovely engine braking and use the "back brake" for low speed junctions, etc. I have the bleed nipples added under the seat to the ABS unit but not sure it makes too much difference.
Any chance you could post a picture of this set up if you have one? Not something I have ever attempted and would like to see in situ if not too much trouble?
Great advice and method detailed on Andy's site: http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/indexf78c.html?fa=contentGeneric.qgntgwplktwyjcps&pageId=6220603
Yep, that's the setup (thanks kirky) This gets rid of any residual air in the system so you get a firmer pedal. That may not entirely give you what your after though. I then tried HH pads which helped, but the biggest difference was the series oro replacement disc. I replaced the front calipers on my 2012 bike too, for M4 ones. Makes a big difference, details are posted on here including the list of all parts needed.
Watch the clearance under your seat if you install bleed nipples. Mine fouled the plastic seat base: drilled a hole to give it room.
