696 Clutch Slippage?

[Jimmy Ducati]

I have just over 5k miles on my 696 and it has just
started to shift intermittently very strange. The best
way to describe it is slipping, or taking longer to fully
release than normal. It usually occurs after I have been
riding for a while. I will go from 4th to 5th at say 6k rpm
and I know the shift completed, but there is no positive
clunk into gear, it almost feels like an automatic transmission
shift when you use paddle shifting. It is very odd sensation.
Today while sitting at a light I released the clutch in 1st gear
and it would not move at full power. It was at 1/3 power.
I pulled over and checked to see if I was in gear. I was.
I adjusted my Pazzo levers from almost full in, to full out
and pumped the lever a few times and it was back to normal.
I checked out the hose and noticed some brown discoloration
at the upper most junction where the rubber coated hose goes
into the metal banjo fitting I think it's called.
Might I have a air/fluid leak which is causing a problem?
If a picture will help I can take one.

Thanks for any input?

[ducpainter]

The discoloration of the fluid is normal and not your problem.

The clutch is slipping.

You mentioned Pazzo levers. Did you adjust the bleed down screw? If it is in too far as the fluid in the hydraulic unit expands it will cause the clutch to slip.

[stopintime]

I followed this when I installed new levers http://www.ducatisuite.com/leverchange.html

Look at the bottom of the page for what Ducpainter is talking about (I think). Too little will allow too much freeplay - too much will mean that the brakes are always a little "on", and/or the clutch will slip.

Warning: be VERY careful when you pump the levers with the covers off - they will squirt - I tried

[ducpainter]

I followed this when I installed new levers http://www.ducatisuite.com/leverchange.html

Look at the bottom of the page for what Ducpainter is talking about (I think). Too little will allow too much freeplay - too much will mean that the brakes are always a little "on", and/or the clutch will slip.

Warning: be VERY careful when you pump the levers with the covers off - they will squirt - I tried

That is exactly what I'm talking about.   

Here's a picture...it's #4

[Howie]

You would be looking for 1-1.5mm at the lever.  If it still slips, bring it to the dealer.  Though clutch wear is not covered by warranty, defects are, like weak springs or a malfunctioning slipper mechanism.