Monster 821, gets modified clutch spring!!

mentalist · Jul 11, 2014

Hi, I read the latest report and tecnical data on the new monster,
It gets a revised clutch (anti-judder) spring, to stop the grabbing and jerky movement that is inherent on the motard/strada range.
I wonder if this can be retrofitted to the Strada. Going to speak to my dealer about it.

2015 Ducati Monster 821 First Ride Review | Sport Rider

"The youngest of those two bikes, and the bike that we've tested here, the 821, is essentially a Monster 1200 outfitted with the same 821cc Testastretta 11Âº engine used in the Ducati Hypermotard and Hyperstrada. Changes to the powerplant include a larger airbox, new ECU settings, shell main bearings, and a judder spring in the clutch that's intended to smooth clutch engagement (the Hypermotard is famous for having one of the worst clutches in Ducati history and making it a challenge to just to leave a stop smoothly). An exhaust now comes fitted with slash cut mufflers that arguably sound better than the 1200's system, but otherwise the engine and associated hardware are identical; as a result of the larger airbox, the Monster makes roughly two more horsepower than the Hyper"”112 hp @ 9,250 rpm versus 110 hp @ 9,250 rpm on the supermoto model. Torque output remains 65.8 foot-pounds at 7,750 rpm."

Dryer · Jul 11, 2014

I would definitely be interested to check it out.

Have any of you guys experienced anything as bad as indicated in the article -> "the Hypermotard is famous for having one of the worst clutches in Ducati history and making it a challenge to just to leave a stop smoothly." I've never had a problem in this way so this comment sounds way over the top to me.

BlueSwede · Jul 11, 2014

Sounds off the mark. Makes me wonder if we already have an upgraded spring and action. My clutch is light, smooth, not grabby, and it's very easy to modulate. For me, it's the first time going back to a clutch cable in decades. Cable action and clutch feel/control have come a long way...

appliance821 · Jul 11, 2014

Everything's a compromise - lighter wheels give increased agility but less stability. I think one of the reasons why a bike with such a short wheelbase is so stable on the highways is the wheels and those big honking brake discs.

gatdammit · Jul 11, 2014

About the clutch...My bike was in the shop a couple weeks ago for tires and some minor tweeks. They did 2 things I didn't ask for: cleaned/lubed the chain and adjusted the clutch to what I assume is factory spec. I'm new to this shop so maybe they just do these to all service orders, but I hated both and here's why:

1. I know I've dicked with the clutch and it's far from spec. But, I had it in a very comfortable spot and launches were smooth and I had it set so I just breathed on it with a very fast/aggressive shift through the upper gears. I looked like a noob leaving the shop with the alien clutch and new tires. I was actually frightened I was going to cause an accident my launches were so ugly.

2. They used way too much lube on the chain and it sprayed all up the left side of the bike and my pant leg. That stuff doesn't come out of khaki riding pants and it's really bad when you don't know it's there and touch or sit on things. I'm dealing with lots of stains.

I'm going to mark the clutch and probably try and find my old setting. I know I never will...

st2cmack · Jul 11, 2014

Coming off of an ST2 whose clutch was well sorted, the one on the HS made me, and still does sometimes, feel downright incompetent. I'd be seriously interested in the anti-judder spring. I have dicked with the clutch adjustment and it is marginally better but nowhere near where it should be.

As for dealers, it seems a bit of a crapshoot as to their competence. So far I've ben lucky and they have not done anything "extra."

I think a lot of the bikes stability comes from what I think is a honking long swingarm for the size of the bike. The wheelbase on the HS is actually a couple of inches longer than my old ST2.

HyParkStrada · Jul 11, 2014

Adjustable Levers

Clutch was annoying for me too. The friction zone was at the farthest point of the lever travel, away from the bars. Took some practice to master, but I still didn't like the ineffeciency of the motion.

Then, I ordered some Pazzo adjustable levers. Problem solved.

Found my setting, adjusted the cable accordingly, and done.

Now, I have a nice, natural friction zone that is early in the motion of releasing the clutch.

st2cmack · Jul 11, 2014

Good call on the Pazzo's, I'll have to look into them. Thanks

HyParkStrada · Jul 11, 2014

There's less expensive levers than the Pazzos, but I had to have White ones, so I went with the Pazzos.

They are really awesome.

Very easy, quick adjusters.

FYI: Pazzo white powder coat and Ducati Pearl white are def 2 different colors, if you're a perfectionist.

gatdammit · Jul 11, 2014

The levers are covered by handguards. You really care about that 0.5" that hangs down below?

You know what, that sounded *******-y. I'm just more of a black off-set guy. Too much white accent and people will be looking for 24" rims and a custom white leather seat.

weilrennwagen · Jul 11, 2014

I never had any complaints about the clutch. No idea what they're talking about! In fact it's one of the most consistent and easy to use clutches I've ever used.

zippy49 · Jul 14, 2014

HyParkStrada said:
There's less expensive levers than the Pazzos, but I had to have White ones, so I went with the Pazzos.

I have had no trouble with my Strada's clutch. The only time it acts strange is if I don't slip it properly - it does not like to be 'dumped.' And I don't generally do drag race starts or wheelies on the street. At least, not on purpose!

Where has anyone seen less expensive levers than the Pazzos for the 821's cable-operated clutch? The $30 Chinese copies I got for the wifey's SV650 were of a quality that matched the price.

Danothill · Aug 1, 2014

It seems like mine felt great until its first oil change. Now it's very touchy and grabby. Can't remember what they put in it but I know it was different from the factory oil. Next time I'll inquire before I just let them do it.

vincentgurle · Aug 1, 2014

Any news on retrofitting those new clutch parts to the HS? I'm really interested in doing so if possible.

uspspro · Aug 23, 2014

So I looked into this, and it's not the clutch springs that have been changed.

What they did was add set a Belleville washer style spring to the clutch disc set.
info: Belleville washer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Unfortunately, Ducati only sells the disc set as an entire set. The part numbers that are different between the Hyper and the new Monster 821 are:

- Clutch disc set
- The clutch pressure plate (they call a disc)
- Plate holder hub (rear)

Actually, the pressure plate for the Hyper has been superseded with the one in the Monster. So maybe those with late 2014 bikes has the newer plate... However, without the Belleville "anti-shudder" springs, which come with the disc set, there will be no change in functionality.

All of the other parts (springs, outer basket, front plate holder, etc...) are the same.

Unfortunately, to buy those parts would cost around $1000 USD

Perhaps just the disc set would do it (around $400+), but that's not clear....

Monster 821 clutch:

Hyper clutch:

gatdammit · Aug 23, 2014

a new set for those 2 damn washers...********.

zippy49 · Aug 25, 2014

gatdammit said:
a new set for those 2 damn washers...********.

+1 on that - I will call my dealer to ask them to harass Ducati for a kit with just the parts we would need. They could do it if enough owners complain.

uspspro · Aug 25, 2014

The other 2 parts might be slightly different to allow for the additional
Thickness.

nekura · Sep 8, 2014

This seems like a no-brainer to introduce with the 2015's... other than just changing colors on the SP.

vincentgurle · Sep 19, 2014

Agreed. I hope that they can sell a kit for those two parts. That would be swell.

Monster 821, gets modified clutch spring!!

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