How To Bleed 2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera Motorcycle Brakes

Bleeding the Brakes on a 2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera

Why and When to Bleed the Brakes on Your 1299 Superleggera

The 2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera is a track-focused superbike with hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear, and it is equipped with an ABS system. That hardware delivers immense stopping power, but only when the hydraulic circuit is free of air and filled with clean fluid. Bleeding the brakes removes air that makes the lever or pedal feel spongy, and it replaces old, moisture-contaminated fluid with fresh fluid.

Bleed the brakes when the front lever or rear pedal feels soft, when the lever pulls closer to the grip than it used to, when the reservoir fluid looks dark or cloudy, or after any work that opened the hydraulic system—such as new brake lines, caliper service, or master cylinder work. Even without symptoms, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can cause brake fade under hard use. Many riders refresh the fluid on a regular schedule as preventive maintenance.

Tools and Supplies for the Job

Gather everything before you start so you are not searching for a tool with the reservoir open. You will need:

• Fresh brake fluid of the type marked on the master cylinder reservoir cap, from a sealed container.
• A box-end wrench that fits the bleeder valve snugly. A box-end wrench grips the flats better and reduces the risk of rounding the bleeder.
• A length of clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder valve. Clear tubing lets you see fluid and air bubbles as they come out.
• A catch bottle to hold the old fluid.
• Rags or shop towels, plus a syringe or turkey baster for removing old fluid from the reservoir.
• A screwdriver that fits the reservoir cap screws.
• Optional but helpful: a one-way check-valve bleeder or a vacuum bleeder. These can make the job easier for one person because they reduce the need to coordinate the lever and bleeder valve.

Preparing the Bike and Protecting Sensitive Surfaces

Support the 1299 Superleggera securely upright on a stand. Turn the handlebars so the front master cylinder reservoir sits level before you open it; a tilted reservoir can spill fluid. Cover painted surfaces, plastic bodywork, and the instrument area with rags or shop towels. Most brake fluids damage paint and plastic on contact, and a drip from the reservoir or bleeder can ruin a finish quickly. If a spill happens, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting fluid on your skin.

Step-by-Step Bleeding Procedure

The 1299 Superleggera has separate hydraulic circuits for the front and rear brakes. Bleed the front first, then the rear. If your bike has two front calipers, bleed each one in turn. As a general practice, start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder—typically the one with the longer brake line run—because that is where air and old fluid are most likely to collect.

1. Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm. Use a syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir. Do not let the reservoir run dry at any point during the job.
2. Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid up to the upper level marking.
3. Attach the clear tubing to the bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle. Make sure the tubing fits snugly so air cannot be drawn in around it.
4. For the front brake, squeeze and hold the lever firmly. For the rear brake, press and hold the pedal.
5. Open the bleeder valve about a quarter turn. Fluid and air will flow out through the tubing. Watch the tubing for bubbles.
6. Close the bleeder valve before you release the lever or pedal. This is critical: if you release the lever while the bleeder is open, air can be drawn back into the system.
7. Release the lever or pedal. Check the reservoir level and top it off with fresh fluid as needed.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 until fresh, clean, bubble-free fluid comes through the tubing. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout so it never runs low enough to draw air in.
9. If your bike has two front calipers, repeat the entire process on the second caliper.
10. For the rear brake, repeat the same steps using the rear pedal and the rear bleeder valve.

Finishing Up: Tightening, Filling, and Leak Checks

When clean fluid is flowing and no bubbles remain, tighten the bleeder valve snugly. Do not overtighten it; you can damage the valve or the caliper. Fill the reservoir to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragm and cap, and wipe away any spilled fluid. Check for leaks at the bleeder valve and at the banjo fittings on the master cylinder and caliper. A dry fitting after a few minutes of pressure is a good sign.

Testing the Brakes Before You Ride

Before you ride, squeeze the front lever and press the rear pedal. Both should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and they should not slowly sink under steady pressure. Spin each wheel to confirm the brakes are not dragging; a dragging brake will feel like resistance and may heat up quickly. Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area, such as an empty parking lot, before riding normally. The 1299 Superleggera is a powerful machine, so make sure the brakes are fully sorted before you ask them to perform.

Troubleshooting and When to See a Shop

If the lever or pedal will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, or if it firms up only after pumping, there is likely still air in the system. Persistent bubbles at the bleeder can also indicate that air is being drawn in somewhere, such as a loose bleeder or a fitting that is not sealing. Fluid leaking from the master cylinder or caliper is another sign that the job should go to a professional.

Because your 1299 Superleggera has ABS, there is an important limitation to home bleeding. A standard bleed through the caliper bleeders is generally fine for refreshing fluid and removing air from the calipers and lines. However, if air has entered the ABS unit itself—for example, if the reservoir ran dry during the job, or if the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected—the system may require a dealer-level procedure or a diagnostic tool to cycle the ABS pump and purge the air. Do not attempt to bleed the ABS unit yourself. If you suspect air in the ABS unit, or if you are not confident in your results, take the bike to a qualified shop.

Related Shopping Categories

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Shop Brake Tools for a 2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera Motorcycle.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.