Bleeding the Brakes on a 2017 Ducati SuperSport

Shop parts for a 2017 Ducati SuperSport Motorcycle.

The 2017 Ducati SuperSport uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, and this model is equipped with ABS. A proper bleed refreshes the old fluid and removes trapped air so the lever and pedal feel firm and consistent. Because the SuperSport has ABS, a normal bleed through the caliper bleeders is generally the right approach for routine fluid service. If air has entered the ABS unit itself—for example, because the reservoir ran dry or the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected—the system may need a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool, and the bike should go to a shop rather than being bled at home.

When a Bleed Is Due

Bleed the brakes when the front lever feels spongy or soft, when it pulls closer to the grip than it used to, when the rear pedal feels vague, or when the fluid in either reservoir looks dark or cloudy. A bleed is also due after any work that opened the hydraulic system, such as installing new brake lines, servicing a caliper, or repairing the master cylinder. Even without symptoms, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can contribute to brake fade under hard use. Many riders refresh the fluid on a regular schedule for that reason alone. On the SuperSport, treat the front and rear systems as separate hydraulic circuits and bleed both.

Gather the Right Supplies

  • 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
  • A length of clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder
  • A catch bottle for used fluid
  • Rags or shop towels
  • A syringe or turkey baster for removing old fluid from the reservoir
  • A screwdriver or driver that fits the reservoir cap screws

A one-way check-valve bleeder or a vacuum bleeder can make the job easier for one person, but the manual lever-and-bleeder method works fine with a little patience. Keep the fresh fluid capped until you are ready to pour, and do not reuse fluid that has been sitting open or drained from the system.

Set Up Safely and Protect the Bike

Support the SuperSport securely upright on a stand so it cannot tip while you are working the lever or pedal. For the front brake, turn the handlebars so the front reservoir sits level before you open it. Cover painted surfaces, plastics, and the instrument area with rags, because most brake fluids damage paint and plastic on contact. If any fluid spills, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Keep the reservoir cap and diaphragm clean and set them aside where they will not pick up grit.

Bleed the Front Brake

  1. Open the front reservoir and use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
  2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap, leaving room for the diaphragm and cap to be reinstalled later.
  3. Attach the clear tubing to the front caliper 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. Fit the box-end wrench onto the bleeder. Squeeze and hold the front lever firmly.
  5. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn and let fluid and air escape through the tube. Close the bleeder before releasing the lever.
  6. Release the lever slowly, then repeat the squeeze-hold-open-close-release sequence. Keep checking the reservoir and topping it off so it never draws air.
  7. Continue until fresh, clean fluid comes through the tube with no bubbles. If your bike has two front calipers, treat them as separate bleed points and bleed one at a time. As a general practice, start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder.

Bleed the Rear Brake

  1. Locate the rear reservoir and keep the bike upright so it sits level. Remove most of the old fluid without letting the reservoir run dry.
  2. Refill with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap.
  3. Connect the clear tubing to the rear caliper bleeder and route it into the catch bottle.
  4. Press and hold the rear pedal, open the bleeder about a quarter turn, and let fluid and air out. Close the bleeder before releasing the pedal.
  5. Repeat the press-hold-open-close-release sequence, topping off the reservoir as needed, until the fluid runs clean and bubble-free.

Finish, Inspect, and Test

When both circuits are bled, tighten each bleeder snugly without overtightening. Fill each reservoir to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragm and cap, and clean up any spilled fluid. Check for leaks at the bleeder valves and at the banjo fittings. Before riding, the front lever and rear pedal 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. Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area before riding normally.

If the Lever or Pedal Will Not Firm Up

If the lever or pedal will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, if it firms only after pumping, if bubbles keep appearing, or if fluid is leaking from the master cylinder or caliper, stop and diagnose the problem rather than continuing to bleed. Persistent air can point to a loose fitting, a worn seal, or a bleed method that is letting air back in. On an ABS-equipped SuperSport, any situation where air may have entered the ABS unit itself is best handled by a shop with the appropriate diagnostic equipment. A firm, reliable brake feel is the confirmation that the job was done correctly.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2017 Ducati SuperSport Motorcycle.

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Shop Brake Pads for a 2017 Ducati SuperSport Motorcycle.

Shop Stands for a 2017 Ducati SuperSport Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2017 Ducati SuperSport 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.