Ducati North America is recalling certain 2025 Panigale V4 motorcycles due to a potential rear brake issue. Under certain conditions, the rear brake hose could be susceptible to heat damage. If the rear brake hose becomes heat damaged, it may cease properly functioning, which could lead to a loss of rear brake functionality and increase the risk of a crash.
Since the 2025 Panigale V4 line does not make use of any type of linked brake system, Ducati notes that the front brakes remain unaffected, and should still function as expected even if the rear brake issue should arise. However, the rear brake issue is a potential safety concern, so in the interest of safety, Ducati is conducting this product recall.
As of January 16, 2025, which is the date that Ducati filed its official safety recall report with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the OEM says that it's received zero reports of injuries, accidents, or property damage related to this issue.
Approximately 592 motorcycles could be affected, which represents one percent of the population according to Ducati's records. Warning signs include visual observation, as well as a loss of rear brake performance during pre-ride inspection (which Ducati notes is specified in the Owner's Manual). However, if any damage goes undetected, rear brake hose failure could result in a loss of brake fluid, which could in turn result in a loss of rear brake performance while riding.
Ducati North America is notifying its dealer network of the issue between January 24 and January 31, 2025. Owner notification letters will follow between February 18 and February 28, 2025. The official Ducati North America Safety Recall Campaign bulletin number for this issue is SRV-RCL-25-001. As for the 2025 Panigale production line, Ducati has implemented this remedy starting on January 10, 2025, so bikes produced after that date should not have the problem for which this recall was issued.
According to the service bulletin, the recall service that Ducati dealers will perform free of charge for owners of affected bikes involves changing the position of the heat reflective sheathing on the rear brake hose. The service bulletin is 15 pages long, and involves installation of a high-heat resistant gray zip tie as part of the process.
Ducati's official documentation says that this repair should take about 30 minutes to complete, and advises owners to contact their local authorized Ducati dealer to arrange for recall service. Furthermore, it says that "you may continue to use your motorcycle to reach your Ducati authorized dealer, but if a loss of rear brake function is detected, only use the front brake for slowing and stopping the vehicle."
