Ducati Recalls Monster and Hypermotard Models for Fuel Line Flaws

Ducati is issuing a recall on its entire 2012 Monster and Hypermotard lineups due to internal cracking of fuel lines.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ducati‘s quality control department discovered micro-cracking on the four-layer extruded fuel lines. The cracks occured on the inner surface of the line that comes in contact with fuel. As a result, fuel may seep from the connection between the fuel lines and fuel pump flange on the affected units.

The problem was first identified in November 2011 when fuel leaks discovered on five units during final warm-up testing. Analysis determined the fuel lines were the cause of the leak. Ducati determined the problem was caused by the incorrect drying of raw materials during the extrusion process. The fuel line part supplier, Dytech Dynamic Fluid Technologies, confirmed the defect.

The recall affects the 2012 Ducati Monster 696, Monster 796 and Monster 1100 EVO, the 2012 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO and Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Corse, as well as the 2011 Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP. A total of 913 units are included in the recall campaign.

Ducati dealers will replace the fuel lines on affected units.

[Source: NHTSA Campaign ID 12V053000]

By Dennis Chung