Ducati Monster 796 Problems: 8 Known Issues (Explained)

Ducati Monster bikes are the leading brand when it comes to naked bikes.

However, some problems arise with using the Ducati Monster 796.

We have researched the Ducati Monster 796 in a bid to find the problems that are related to this model.

1) Failed Wiring Loom

This is, unfortunately, one of the most common electrical problems to Ducati Monster models.

The wiring on a motorcycle is meant to be kept relatively simple but effective. Although the Monster 796 is a complex machine, it has a problem with its installation.

You could purchase your Monster 796 bike and, in not less than two months, start noticing electrical issues. More often than not, these malfunctions may be caused by the use of inferior materials or miscalculation.

When the wiring loom of the Ducati Monster 796 fails, the motorbike is capable of going off at any point in time.  Also, some functions, like the charging system, tend to be defunct.

The most prominent symptom of a failed wiring loom is melted or broken wires. When the cables are connected, there will likely be the action of heat in the system, and wires not properly connected will surely burn or melt.

Hence, when you get your Monster 796, ensure that you take it to a trusted auto mechanic. This is to vet the wiring loom and properly work on it to avoid issues that may arise.

If you are handy with electricals, you can also enhance the bike to enable you to get the most out of your Ducati Monster 796.

2) Faulty Regulator Rectifier

Regulators rectifiers are the heart of a motorcycle. They are responsible for converting the AC to DC to charge the battery.

Just as its name implies, they regulate the voltage and stop it from being too high to avoid frying the bike’s system.

Even though they are essential in the electrical makeup, they are vulnerable and need to be replaced at the first sign of trouble.

Sometimes, when you use the Ducati Monster 796 for a few months, the regulator starts malfunctioning.

The first symptom noticed is your bike’s inability to charge, followed by overheating. In most cases, the inbuilt regulator may be old or on its way out.

To prevent a total system breakdown, ensure that you change the regulator as soon as possible.

3) Leaking Clutch Slave Cylinder

The master cylinder is a device that generates hydraulic pressure from the force usually applied from the driver’s leg.

The slave cylinder is at the end of the hydraulic system and is controlled by the master cylinder.

The alliance between the Master cylinder and the slave cylinder results in deploying the clutch.

The slave cylinder, which has received pressure from the Master cylinder, will extend a rod to push a lever to deploy the clutch.

Rubber seals are used to tighten the hydraulic system. Like most rubber components, when exposed to moisture and temperature changes, it begins to wear and tear. At this point, the hydraulic fluid begins to leak.

Detecting a leaking clutch slave cylinder is oftentimes difficult.  However, one thing that will aid you is checking the level of the hydraulic fluid.

When you notice a massive drop in hydraulic fluids’ level, then the clutch slave cylinder is leaking.

A leaking clutch slave cylinder can lead to slipping clutches and broken transmissions in transit. Ducati Monster 796 has a general problem of leaking clutch slave cylinder that may be noticed a few months after purchasing it.

Hence, why it is essential to do a regular check-up of the bike, this is to avoid being disappointed on the road.

4) Leaking Oil Pressure Sensor

The oil found in automobiles is mainly responsible for cleaning, cooling, and lubricating.

For the oil in the engine of a bike to work, it has to be put under immense pressure.

As the oil is pressurized, it works on lubricating the moving parts in the engine and providing enough heat for the bike system.

The pressure also keeps the oil from being pushed aside by the mechanical force in the engine.

The oil passes through the oil pressure sensor, which checks if the oil is acceptable by the engine and its amount. It then sends signals to the driver via the oil pressure gauge.

Ducati Monster 796 is prone to oil leaks and a faulty oil pressure sensor. One way to tell when you have this problem is when the oil pressure gauge is repeatedly blinking.

When you notice this, it is best to do a thorough check-up of your bike to avoid further complications with the engine.

The oil leak in the Ducati Monster 796 can lead to internal failure of the engine; hence, wrong reading on the oil pressure switch.

When this happens, you will be unable to read the engine’s level in the engine as the switch may go off or activate the warning light unnecessarily.

To avoid being blindsided by this issue, here are some things you could do:

1. Always check the oil level in the engine despite the oil pressure gauge as a faulty system may give a wrong reading.
2. Ensure that the oil you use in your Ducati Monster 796 is of good quality or, better still, recommended by the manufacturer.
3. As soon as you buy your Monster 796, please take it to a trusted motorcycle mechanic.
   • Consequently, to give you a thorough run-through of the system to get the most out of your bike.

5) Leaking/Broken Head Gasket

In a motorcycle engine, the most stressed component is the head gasket.

This has to do significantly with its ability to seal oil, engine compression, and coolant separate from each other and outside.

Unfortunately, Ducati Monster 796 is no exception when it comes to issues that affect the engine. More often, Ducati has had to recall bikes from users with regards to problems with the engine.

When the head gasket blows, its impact is always immense because it handles so many activities at once.

Here are some of the ways a head gasket fails:

1. The head gasket may fail between the outer part of the engine and the water passage.
   • As soon as this happens, the coolant leaks outside until the level of the coolant diminish.
   • This is the least accessible problem to notice until late unless you see the coolant dropping on the road while riding.
2. If the head gasket fails between an oil gallery and the cylinder, compression will infiltrate the oil system and may hinder the lubrication of some bearings in the engine.
   • As a result, you will notice a reduction of engine oil and blue smoke coming out of the exhaust.
3. Engine oil and coolant may end up mixing if the head gasket fails between a water passage and an oil gallery.
   • The result of this is a contaminated oil (usually milky white) and a failed cooling system.
4. Failure of the head gasket across the fire rings can lead to a compression leak between cylinders.
   • Hence, compression is lost, and gases from the exhaust are retracted.
   • This may, therefore, result in loss of power and misfires.
5. A leak between the outer engine and the cylinder will cause loss of compression, hence, loss of power or noise when the engine is idling.
6. When the gasket fails between the outer engine and the oil gallery, there is a resultant oil leak.
   • This is easy to notice and should be worked on quickly as it may worsen.
7. The head gasket may fail between a water passage and the cylinder, leading to exhaust passing into the cooling system.
   • This will cause overheating and a pressurized cooling system.
   • Furthermore, the coolant that seeps into the cylinder will get burnt and may lead to complications in the catalytic convertor.

Other symptoms of a failed gasket you may notice include overheating, power loss, oil contamination, external leaks, and white smoke.

Also read our article on 6 Most-Common Problems With the Ducati Monster 696

Other minor issues associated with the Monster 796 include:

6) Poor seating

Riders tend to slide toward the fuel tank while riding.

7) Excess vibration

You will be unable to use your mirror while riding on the freeway.

8) Maintenance timeframe

Ducati profers a 12,000 miles/2 years maintenance timeline for a belt change and 6,000 miles for valve maintenance.

Conclusion:

The Ducati Monster 796 is powered by a desmodromic engine and has a six-speed gearbox.

This mid-range bike is ideal for new riders and those who are more experienced riders not ready to handle a bigger-sized machine.

Despite the problems, this bike is still worth your investment. However, when you purchase this bike, ensure that you send it for a thorough check-up with a trusted motorcycle technician.

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.