How To Bleed 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon Motorcycle Brakes

Bleeding the Brakes on a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon

The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends and is equipped with ABS. That means the front lever and the rear pedal both act on fluid-filled circuits, and both need attention when you bleed the system. The rear brake is hydraulic, not a mechanical drum, so it is bled rather than adjusted. The ABS hardware does not change the basic caliper-bleed procedure for a routine fluid refresh, but it does raise the stakes if the reservoir has run dry or the ABS unit or its lines have been opened.

What This Job Covers on the Scrambler Icon

Bleeding is two jobs in one: flushing old fluid out of the system and purging air that has entered it. On this bike, that applies to the front brake circuit and the rear brake circuit. This is not the time to replace pads, rotors, calipers, or lines unless you are already doing that work and bleeding afterward as the final step. If you have just installed new lines, serviced a caliper, or worked on the master cylinder, bleeding is mandatory before the bike is ridden.

Symptoms That Call for a Bleed

A spongy or soft lever, a pedal that feels vague, or a lever that pulls closer to the grip than it used to are classic signs of air in the system. Dark or cloudy fluid in the reservoir is another reason to flush. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under hard use, so many riders refresh it on a regular schedule even when the brakes still feel normal. Any work that opened the hydraulic system is also a trigger to bleed.

Tools and Supplies to Stage First

• 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 the 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
• Optional: a one-way check-valve bleeder or vacuum bleeder to make one-person work easier

Setting Up Safely

Support the Scrambler Icon securely upright on a stand so it cannot tip while you are working. 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 fluid spills, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Keep the reservoir cap and diaphragm clean and set them where they will not pick up grit.

The Bleeding Procedure, Front and Rear

1. With the bike stable, clean around the reservoir cap so dirt cannot fall in. Remove the cap and diaphragm, then use the syringe or baster to draw most of the old fluid out of the reservoir. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
2. Refill the reservoir with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap. Keep the container sealed until you pour, and do not reuse fluid that has been sitting open.
3. Slip the clear tubing over the bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle. Fit the box-end wrench onto the bleeder so you can open and close it cleanly.
4. For the front brake, squeeze the lever and hold it steady. For the rear brake, press the pedal and hold it. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn and let fluid and air travel out through the tube. Close the bleeder before you release the lever or pedal.
5. Release the lever or pedal, check the reservoir level, and top it off. Repeat the squeeze-hold-open-close-release sequence. Never release the lever or pedal while the bleeder is open, or air can be drawn back in.
6. Watch the tubing as you work. Continue until fresh, clean fluid comes through with no bubbles. If your Scrambler Icon has more than one front caliper, bleed each one in turn, starting with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. Then repeat the same process at the rear caliper.
7. Keep topping off the reservoir throughout the job so it never runs low enough to draw air into the system. Work on one circuit at a time and finish it before moving to the other.

Finishing the Job and Checking for Leaks

When the fluid runs clean and bubble-free, close the bleeder snugly without overtightening it. 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. A small weep at the bleeder is a sign it is not seated cleanly; a leak at a banjo fitting means that connection needs attention before the bike is ridden.

Testing Before Riding

The lever and 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 changes feel after the test, stop and investigate rather than assuming it will settle in.

Troubleshooting and When to See a Shop

If the lever will not firm up after several bleeding attempts, if it firms up only after pumping, if bubbles keep appearing, or if fluid is leaking from the master cylinder or caliper, stop and diagnose the problem. A reservoir that has run dry, or an ABS unit or its lines that have been disconnected, can allow air into the ABS hardware itself. A standard bleed through the caliper bleeders may not remove that air. In that situation, the Scrambler Icon should go to a shop with the equipment and procedure to bleed the ABS system correctly.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Pads for a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon Motorcycle.

Shop Stands for a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon Motorcycle.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Icon 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.