How To Bleed 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle Brakes

Bleeding the Hydraulic Brakes on Your 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

Why and When to Bleed the Brakes on a Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends, and it is equipped with ABS. That means you have a front master cylinder feeding two front calipers and a rear master cylinder feeding a single rear caliper, with an ABS unit in the system. Bleeding is the process of pushing fresh fluid through the lines and calipers while expelling air and old, moisture-contaminated fluid. You should bleed the brakes when the lever or pedal feels spongy, when the lever pulls closer to the grip than it used to, when the fluid in the reservoir looks dark or cloudy, or after any work that opened the hydraulic system—new 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, so many riders refresh it on a regular schedule. This article covers a standard bleed through the caliper bleeders. If air has entered the ABS unit itself—for example, if the reservoir ran dry or the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected—the system may require a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool, and the bike should go to a shop.

Tools and Supplies for a Clean, Safe Bleed

Gather everything before you open the reservoir so you are not scrambling with brake fluid exposed to air and paint. 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
• A length of clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder
• A catch bottle for old 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 helper. Because brake fluid damages paint and plastic on contact, keep rags handy and wipe up any spill immediately, then rinse the area with water.

Preparing the Bike and Protecting Sensitive Surfaces

Support the Multistrada 1260 S securely upright on a stand. For the front brake, turn the handlebars so the front reservoir sits level before you open it. Cover the painted surfaces, plastics, and the instrument area with rags, because most brake fluids damage paint and plastic on contact. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting fluid on your skin. Have your catch bottle positioned so the clear tubing runs upward from the bleeder before looping down to the bottle—this helps you see bubbles and keeps air from being drawn back in.

Step-by-Step Brake Bleeding Procedure

This model has two front calipers, so you will bleed each one in turn. Start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder in terms of hydraulic path—generally the left caliper first, then the right—but the most important rule is to bleed one caliper completely before moving to the other. The rear brake is bled separately at its own caliper. Follow these steps for each brake circuit:

1. Open the reservoir and use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid without letting the reservoir run dry. Set the old fluid aside in a sealed container for proper disposal.
2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid from the sealed container, leaving room for the diaphragm.
3. Attach the clear tubing to the bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle.
4. Squeeze and hold the lever (or press and hold the pedal) to build pressure. Keep it held.
5. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn to let fluid and air out. You will see the lever or pedal move toward the end of its travel.
6. Close the bleeder before releasing the lever or pedal. This prevents air from being drawn back into the caliper.
7. Release the lever or pedal slowly. Check the reservoir level and top off with fresh fluid as needed.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 until fresh, clean, bubble-free fluid comes through the tube. Keep topping off the reservoir throughout so it never runs low enough to draw air in.
9. When the caliper is done, tighten the bleeder snugly without overtightening, then move to the other front caliper and repeat the entire process.
10. For the rear brake, repeat the same sequence at the rear caliper using the pedal instead of the lever.

Finishing the Job and Checking for Leaks

Once both circuits are bled, tighten each bleeder snugly without overtightening. Fill the reservoir to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragm and cap, and clean any spilled fluid from the bike. Check for leaks at the bleeder and at the banjo fittings on the master cylinder and calipers. A dry fitting after several firm lever or pedal applications is a good sign. If you see weeping fluid, tighten the fitting gently and recheck—do not overtighten.

Testing the Brakes Before You Ride

The lever and pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and 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 feels soft or inconsistent, do not ride—revisit the bleeding procedure or seek professional help.

Troubleshooting and When to Take It to a Shop

If the lever will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, if it firms up only after pumping, if you see persistent air bubbles, or if fluid is leaking from the master cylinder or caliper, stop and diagnose the problem. Any situation where air may have entered the ABS unit—such as a reservoir that ran dry or disconnected lines—requires a dealer-level procedure or diagnostic tool. The same applies if you are not confident following the correct sequence on a system with additional bleed points. When in doubt, have the bike serviced by a qualified technician. Brakes are a safety-critical system, and a proper bleed is worth the time and care.

Related Shopping Categories

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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.