Bleeding the Brakes on a 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP

Shop parts for a 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP Motorcycle.

The 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP uses hydraulic disc brakes at both ends and is equipped with ABS. A normal fluid refresh and air purge can usually be handled at the caliper bleeders, provided the ABS unit itself has not taken in air. If the reservoir has run dry, the ABS unit or its lines have been opened, or the lever never firms up, stop and let a shop perform the ABS-specific work. The steps below cover a conventional bleed of the front and rear hydraulic circuits on this motorcycle.

When the Monster 937 SP Asks for a Bleed

A spongy lever, a pedal that feels soft or travels farther than it used to, or a lever that pulls closer to the grip are classic signs that air is in the system. Dark, cloudy, or contaminated fluid in the reservoir is another reason to act. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can contribute to fade under hard use, so many riders refresh it on a regular schedule even when the brakes still feel normal. Bleeding is also necessary after any work that opened the hydraulic system, such as new lines, caliper service, or master cylinder work.

Tools and Supplies for a Clean, Controlled Job

  • 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
  • Clear tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder valve
  • 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

A one-way check-valve bleeder or a vacuum bleeder can make the job easier to perform alone, but neither is required. Keep the catch bottle low and stable so the tubing stays routed away from painted parts and the front wheel.

Positioning the Bike and Protecting Sensitive Surfaces

Support the 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP securely upright on a stand. Turn the handlebars so the front reservoir sits level before you open it. Cover the painted surfaces, plastic panels, and the instrument area with rags, because most brake fluids damage paint and plastic on contact. If a spill happens, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area with water. Do not let fluid sit on the reservoir or surrounding bodywork while you work.

Bleeding the Front Brake Circuit

  1. Remove the front reservoir cap and diaphragm. Use the syringe or turkey baster to remove most of the old fluid from the reservoir, but do not let the reservoir run dry. Refill with fresh fluid to the level marking.
  2. Attach the clear tubing to the front caliper bleeder valve and route the other end into the catch bottle. Position the box-end wrench on the bleeder.
  3. Squeeze the front lever firmly and hold it. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn and watch the tubing for fluid and air bubbles.
  4. Close the bleeder before releasing the lever. Releasing the lever with the bleeder open can draw air back into the caliper.
  5. Release the lever slowly, then repeat the squeeze, hold, open, close, and release sequence. Keep topping off the reservoir throughout so it never runs low enough to pull air into the system.
  6. Continue until fresh, clean fluid with no bubbles comes through the tubing. If your bike has two front calipers, bleed each one in turn rather than trying to rush both at once. As a general practice, start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder.
  7. When the front lever feels firm and consistent, tighten the bleeder snugly without overtightening it.

Bleeding the Rear Brake Circuit

  1. Check that the rear reservoir is clean and topped off with fresh fluid of the type marked on the cap. Remove old fluid if it is dark or cloudy, but do not let the reservoir empty.
  2. Fit the clear tubing over the rear caliper bleeder valve and route it into the catch bottle. Place the box-end wrench on the bleeder.
  3. Press the rear pedal firmly and hold it. Open the bleeder about a quarter turn to let fluid and air escape.
  4. Close the bleeder before releasing the pedal. Then release the pedal slowly and repeat the press-and-hold sequence.
  5. Watch the tubing and keep adding fresh fluid to the rear reservoir as the level drops. Continue until the fluid runs clean and bubble-free.
  6. Finish by tightening the rear bleeder snugly without overtightening, then check that the pedal feels firm and does not sink under steady pressure.

Finishing Up and Checking Your Work

Fill the front and rear reservoirs to the correct level marking, reinstall the diaphragms and caps, and clean any spilled fluid from the bike. Check for leaks at the bleeder valves and at the banjo fittings. A dry bleeder that is merely snug is better than one that has been over-tightened. Before riding, squeeze the front lever and press the rear pedal several times. Both should feel firm and consistent, not spongy, and neither should slowly sink while held 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.

Troubleshooting and When to See a Shop

If the lever or pedal will not firm up after several careful bleeding attempts, if it firms only after pumping, or if bubbles keep appearing in the tubing, stop and diagnose before riding. Fluid leaking from the master cylinder or caliper also means the bike should not be ridden until the leak is corrected. On an ABS-equipped Monster 937 SP, air that has entered the ABS unit itself may not respond to a standard caliper bleed. If the reservoir ran dry, the ABS unit or its lines were disconnected, or the lever remains soft after repeated attempts, take the motorcycle to a shop for the appropriate ABS service rather than continuing to guess at the problem.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Fluid for a 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP Motorcycle.

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Shop Brake Tools for a 2025 Ducati Monster 937 SP 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.