Ducati 748 '99, 996 '99 User Manual

DUCATI748/996

Owner’s manual

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Hearty welcome among Ducati fans! Please accept our
best compliments for choosing a Ducati motorcycle. We
think you will ride your Ducati motorcycle for long
journeys as well as short daily trips. Ducati Motor s.p.a
wishes you smooth and enjoyable riding.
We are steadily doing our best to improve our “Technical
Assistance” service. For this reason, we recommend you
to strictly follow the indications given in this manual,
especially for motorcycle running-in. In this way, your
Ducati motorbike will surely give you unforgettable
emotions.
For any servicing or suggestions you might need, please
contact our authorized service centres.

Enjoy your ride!

Ducati Motor S.p.A. declines any liability whatsoever for
any mistakes incurred in drawing up this manual. The
information contained herein is valid at the time of going
to print. Ducati Motor S.p.A. reserves the right to make
any changes required by the future development of the
above-mentioned products.

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For your safety, as well as to preserve the warranty,
reliability and worth of your motorcycle, use original
Ducati spare parts only.

Warning

This manual forms an integral part of the
motorcycle and - if a transfer of title occurs - must always
be handed over to the new owner.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

General 6

Warranty 6

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Symbols 6
Useful information for safe riding 7
Carrying the max load allowed 8
Identification data 9

Controls 10

Position of motorcycle controls 10
Instrument panel 11
Keys 12
Ignition switch and steering lock 12
Left switch 13
Clutch lever 14
Cold start button 14
Right switch 15
Throttle twistgrip 15
Front brake lever 15
Rear brake pedal 16
Gear change pedal 16

Main components and devices 17

Location 17

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Tank filler plug 18
Seat catch and helmet hook 19
Side stand 21
Steering damper 22
Front fork adjusters 22
Rear shock absorber adjusters 24
Changing motorcycle track alignement 25

Directions for use 26

Running-in recommendations 26
Pre-ride checks 28
Starting the engine 29
Moving off 31
Braking 31
Stopping the motorcycle 32
Parking 32
Refueling 33

Maintenance 34

Tool kit and accessories 34
Routine maintenance 35

Main maintenance operations 38

Removing the fairing 38
Cleaning and changing air filters 40
Checking the coolant level 41
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 42
Checking brake pads for wear 43
Lubricating cables and joints 43
Throttle cable adjustment 44
Checking battery electrolyte level 44

Charging the battery 45
Adjusting headstock angle 46
Chain tension inspection 47
Chain lubrication 47
Replacing bulbs 48
Beam setting 51
Tubeless Tyres 52
Checking engine oil level 53
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 54
Cleaning the motorcycle 55
Storing the bike away 56
Important notes 56

Technical data 57

Overall dimensions 57
Weights 57
Top-ups 58
Engine 59
Timing system 59
Performance data 60
Spark plugs 60
Brakes 60
Transmission 61
Frame 62
Wheels 62
Tyres 63
Suspensions 63
Electric system 64

For United States of America version only 68

Routine maintenance record 78

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GENERAL

Warranty

In your own interest, and in order to guarantee product

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reliability, you are strongly advised to refer to a Ducati
Dealer or Authorized Workshop for any servicing
requiring particular technical expertise. Our highly skilled
staff have access to the implements required to perform
any servicing job at best, using Ducati original spare parts
only as the best guarantee for full interchangeability,
smooth running and long life.

Symbols

Ducati Motor S.p.A. advises you to read this manual
carefully so as to become familiar with your motorcycle.
In case of any doubts, please call a Ducati Dealer or
Authorized Workshop. The information contained herein
will prove useful on your trips - and Ducati Motor S.p.A.
wishes you smooth, enjoyable riding - and will help you
keep the performance of your motorcycle unchanged for
a long time.

Warning

Failure to comply with these instructions may put

you at risk and lead to severe injury or death.

Important

Possibility of damaging the motorcycle and/or its

components.

All Ducati motorcycles come with a “Warranty Card”.
However, warranty does not apply to the motorcycles
used in competitions. No motorcycle part may be
tampered with, altered, or replaced with parts other than
original Ducati spare parts during the warranty period, or
the warranty will be automatically invalidated.

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Note

Additional information concerning the job being

carried out.

The terms right and left are referred to the motorcycle

viewed from the riding position.

Useful information for safe riding

Warning

Read this section before riding your motorcycle.

Accidents are frequently due to inexperience. Always
make sure you have your licence with you when riding;
you need a valid licence to be entitled to ride your
motorcycle.
Do not lend your motorcycle to inexperienced riders or
who do not hold a valid licence.
Both rider and pillion passenger must always wear a

safety helmet.
Wear proper clothing, with no loose items or accessories
that may become tangled in the controls or limit your
zone of vision.
Never start or run the engine indoors. Exhaust gases are
poisonous and may lead to loss of consciousness or even
death within a short time.
Both rider and pillion passenger should keep their feet on
the footpegs when the motorcycle is in motion.
Always hold the handlebars firmly with both hands so
you will be ready for sudden changes of direction or in
the road surface. The pillion passenger should always
hold on to the suitable belt on the rear seat with both
hands.
Ride within the law and observe national and local rules.
Always respect speed limits where these are posted.
However, always adjust your speed to the visibility, road
and traffic conditions you are riding in.
Always signal your intention to turn or pull to the next

lane in good time using the suitable turn indicators.
Be sure you are clearly visible and do not ride within the
blind spot of vehicles ahead.
Be very careful when tackling road junctions, or when
riding in the areas near exits from private grounds, car
parks or on slip roads to access motorways.
Always turn off the engine when refueling.
Be extremely careful not to spill gasoline on the engine
or on the exhaust pipe when refueling.
Do not smoke when refueling.
While refueling, you may inhale noxious gasoline vapors.
Should any gasoline drops be spilled on your skin or
clothing, immediately wash with soap and water and
change your clothing.
Always remove the key when you leave your motorcycle
unattended.
The engine, exhaust pipes, and mufflers stay hot for a
long time.
Park your motorcycle where no one is likely to hit it and
use the side stand.
Never park on uneven or soft ground or your motorcycle
may fall over.

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Carrying the maximum load allowed

Your motorcycle is designed for long-distance riding,
carrying the maximum load allowed in full safety.
Even weight distribution is critical to preserving safety
features and avoiding trouble when performing sudden
manoeuvres or riding on bumpy roads.

Information about carrying capacity

The total weight of the motorcycle in running order
including rider, pillion passenger, luggage and additional

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accessories should not exceed 375 Kg/827 lb.

Arrange your luggage or heavy accessories in the lowest
possible position and close to motorcycle centre.
Be sure to secure the luggage to the supports provided
on the motorcycle as firmly as possible. Improperly
secured luggage may affect stability.
Never fix bulky or heavy objects to the handlebar or to
the front mud guard as this would affect stability and
cause danger.
Do not insert any objects you may need to carry into the
gaps of the frame as these may foul moving parts.
Make sure the tyres are inflated to the proper pressure
indicated at page 52 and that they are in good condition.

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Identification data

All Ducati motorcycles have two identification numbers,
for frame (fig. 1.1) and engine (fig. 1.2).

Frame number

Engine number

Note

These numbers identify the motorcycle model and

are required when ordering spare parts.

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fig. 1.1

fig. 1.2

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CONTROLS

9

3

4

1 5 8

6

7

2

10

Warning

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This section details the position and function of all
the controls you need to drive your motorcycle. Be sure
to read this information carefully before you use the
controls.

Position of motorcycle controls (fig. 2)

1) Instrument panel.

2) Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock.

3) Left switch.

4) Clutch lever.

5) Cold start button.

6) Right switch.

7) Throttle twistgrip.

8) Front brake lever.

9) Gear change pedal.

10) Rear brake pedal.

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fig. 2

Instrument panel (fig. 3)

5a

1

c

b

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3 7 4 2 6

1) Speedometer (km/h or mph).

Gives road speed.
a) Odometer (km or miles).
Gives total distance covered.
b) Trip meter (km or miles).
Gives distance covered since last resetting.
c) Trip meter resetting knob.
Turn to reset trip meter to “0000”.

2) Engine revolution meter (rpm)
Indicates engine rpm.

3) Green light N.
Comes on when gearbox is in neutral.

4) Yellow light .
Comes on when there are about 4 liters (1.05 US Gall.)
fuel left in the tank.

5) Green light .
Comes on and flashes when a turn indicator is on.

6) Red light .
Comes on when engine oil pressure is too low. It comes
on when the ignition is switched to ON and normally
goes out a few seconds after engine starts.

suffer severe damage.

7) Blue light .
Comes on when right high beam is on.

8) Water temperature indicator .
Indicates engine coolant temperature.

Important

If this light (6) stays on, stop the engine or it may

Important

Stop riding if the temperature reaches the max.

value, otherwise the engine might damage.

When parking light is on, the instrument panel is lighted.

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fig. 3

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Keys (fig. 4)
Your Ducati was delivered with two universal keys for
ignition, steering lock and seat catch and a key
identification plate.

Note

Separate the two keys and keep the identification
plate in a safe place.

Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock

(fig. 5)
It is located in front of the fuel tank and has four
positions:
A) ON: lights and engine enabled;
B) OFF: lights and engine disabled;
C) LOCK: steering locked;
D) P: parking light and steering lock.

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fig. 4

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Note

To move the key to the last two positions, press it
down before turning it. Switching to (B), (C) and (D), you
will be able to take the key out.

A

B

C

D

fig. 5

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2

3

1

5

Left switch (fig. 6)

1) Switch, light switch, 3 positions:
Down = light off;
Centre = front and rear parking light, number plate
light and panel lights on;
Up = headlamp, front and rear parking light, number
plate light and panel lights on.

Note

This device is not fitted on the Australia and Japan

versions.

2) Dip switch, light dip switch, two positions:
position = low beam on;
position = high beam on.

3) Switch = 3-position turn indicator:
centre position = off;
position = left turn;
position = right turn.
To cancel turn indicators, return switch to central position
and push in.

4) Button = warning horn.

5) Button = high-beam flasher.

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fig. 6

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Clutch lever (fig. 7)

1

2

Lever (1) disengages the clutch. The clutch lever is
provided with a dial adjuster (2) for lever distance
adjustment from the hand grip on handlebar. When
operated, you will disengage the engine from the
gearbox and therefore from the driving wheel. Using the
clutch properly is essential to smooth riding, especially
when moving off.

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Important

Using the clutch properly will avoid damage to

transmission parts and spare the engine.

Cold start button (fig. 8)
This device is on throttle control. Push the button (3) to
enable control. In this way, the throttle control (4) will
lightly turn, thus increasing the engine rotation speed.
Use this device to start the engine from cold (page 29).

Important

Move the button (3) back to rest position once the
engine is warm. Turn the throttle twistgrip (4) clockwise
(slow down). Never use this device when the engine is
warm.

4

3

fig. 8fig. 7

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Right switch (fig. 9)

4

3

1

2

5

G) Switch for ENGINE STOP, two positions:
position (RUN) = run.
position (OFF) = stop.

Warning

This switch is mainly intended for use in emergency
cases when you need to stop the engine quickly. After
stopping the engine, return the switch to the
position to enable starting.

Important

Stopping the engine using switch (1) after riding
with the lights on and leaving the ignition key in the ON
position, may run the battery flat as the lights will remain
on.

2) Button = engine start

Front brake lev

Pull in the lever (4) towards the twistgrip to operate the
front brake. The system is hydraulically operated and you
just need to pull the lever gently.
The brake lever is provided with a dial adjuster (5) for
lever distance adjustment from twistgrip on handlebar.

Warning

Please read the instructions on pages 28 and 29

before using these controls.

er (fig. 9)

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Throttle twistgrip (fig. 9)

The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens the
throttles. When released, it will spring back to the initial
position (idling speed).

fig. 9

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Rear brake pedal (fig. 10)

1

Push down on the pedal (1) with your foot to operate the
rear brake.
The system is hydraulically operated.

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Gear change pedal (fig. 11)

The gear change pedal is at rest when in the central
position N, is moved up and down to change gears and
then returns to the central position.
down = push down on the pedal to engage 1st gear and
to shift down. The N light will go out.
up = lift the pedal to engage the 2nd gear and then the
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear. Each time you move the pedal
you will engage the next gear.

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fig. 10

fig. 11

MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES

Location (fig. 12)

1) Tank filler plug.

2) Seat catch.

3) Side stand.

4) Hook for helmet fastening cable.

5) Steering damper.

6) Rear view mirrors.

7) Front fork adjusters.

8) Rear shock absorber adjusters.

9) Motorcycle track alignment linkage.

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fig. 12

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Tank filler plug (fig. 13)

1/4

0

OPEN

1

Opening

Lift the protection lid (1) and fit the ignition key into the
lock. Turn the key clockwise 1/4 turn to unlock.
Lift the plug.

Closing

Refit the plug with the key in it and push it down into its
seat. Turn the key anticlockwise to its initial position and

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take it out. Close the lock protection lid (1).

Note

The plug can only be closed with the key in. In turn,
the key can only be taken out after the plug has been
closed.

Warning

Always make sure you have properly refitted (see
page 33) and closed the plug after each refueling.

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fig. 13

Seat catch and helmet hook

0

1

0

1

1

2

Opening (fig. 14.1 and fig. 14.3)
Fit the ignition key into the lock (1) and turn the key
clockwise.
Pull gently the tail guard (2) outwards and lift it until it
rests onto the fuel tank.
On the rear end of the compartment underneath the seat,
there is the helmet fastening cable. Insert the cable (A)
into the helmet and insert the ends of the cable into the
hook. Leave the helmet hanging outside (fig. 14.2) and
refit the seat.

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Warning

This system is intended to lock your helmet safely
when you park your motorcycle. Never leave the helmet
hanging from the hook when riding or it may get in the
way and make you lose control of the motorcycle.
Inserting the cable under the frame from the left side will
enable to lock the seat.

fig. 14.1

fig. 14.2

19

3

4

PUSH

2

1

1

1

0

0

Closing
Single-seat (fig. 14.3)

Arrange all parts properly inside the compartment under
the seat.
Lower the tail guard to its horizontal position. Press on
the rear end (2) of the seat until you hear the catch click.
Double-seat (fig. 14.4)
Pull gently the tail guard outwards and lower it to its
horizontal position. Press on the passenger pillion to
allow the clips (3) – integral with the fairing - to catch the

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pins (4) – integral with the frame, until you hear the catch
click.
Pull the tail guard gently up to make sure it is firmly
secured to the frame.

996S

fig. 14.3

996/748

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fig. 14.4

Side stand (fig. 15)

1

2

Important

Before lowering the side stand, make sure that the
bearing surface is hard and flat.

Do not park on soft or pebbled ground or on asphalt melt
by the sun heat and similar or the motorcycle may fall
over.
When parking in downhill road tracts, always park the
motorcycle with its rear wheel facing downhill.
To pull down the side stand, hold the motorcycle
handlebars with both hands and push down on the thrust
arm (1) with your foot until it is fully extended. Tilt the
motorcycle until the side stand is resting on the ground.

Important

Do not sit on the motorcycle when it is supported
on the side stand.

To move the side stand to its rest position (horizontal
position), tilt the motorcycle to the right and, at the same
time, lift the thrust arm (1) with your foot.

Note

Check for proper operation of the stand mechanism
(two springs, one into the other) and the safety sensor (2)
at regular intervals.

Warning

The motorcycle can be started only if the side stand
is in “rest” position as it is equipped with a safety device
preventing engine start if the stand is down.

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fig. 15

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Steering damper (fig. 16)
The steering damper is before the tank and is secured to
the frame and the steering head.
It gives improved steering accuracy and stability, thus
also improving motorcycle road behavior under any riding
conditions.

Important

In case the steering damper position is changed,

the steering damper must be adjusted (see page 46).

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Front fork adjusters

The front fork has rebound and compression damping
adjusters.

This adjustment is done using the outer adjusters:

1) (fig. 17.1) to adjust rebound damping;

2) (fig. 17.1) to adjust inner springs preload;

3) (fig. 17.2) to adjust compression damping.

Put and secure the motorcycle in vertical position.
Turn the adjuster (1) on fork leg top with a flat
screwdriver to adjust rebound damping.
To reach the adjuster (3), insert a screwdriver into the
passing hole on the wheel spindle at fork leg axis.
As you turn the adjusting screws (1 and 3), you will hear
them click. Each click identifies a setting.Turn the screw
all the way in to set the hardest damping (position 0).
This will be your starting point. Now turn the screw
anticlockwise and listen for the clicks that identify setting
positions no. “1”, “2” and so on.

fig. 16

1

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STANDARD factory setting is as follows:
compression: 12 clicks;
rebound: 11 clicks.
Max. setting range for softest damping adjustment is 14
clicks (both for rebound and compression).
To change the preload of the spring inside each fork leg,
turn the hex. adjusting nut (2) with a 22-mm (0.87-in.)
hexagon wrench.
Preload setting range (A, fig. 17.1) is from 25 to 10
mm/0.98 to 0.39 in.
Factory setting is 20 mm/0.79 in.

Important

Adjust both fork legs to same settings.

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fig. 17.1

3

fig. 17.2

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Shock absorber adjusters (fig. 18)
The shock absorber has outer adjusters that enable you
to adjust your motorcycle to the load.
The adjuster (1) located on the left side, on the
connection holding the shock absorber to the swingarm,
controls rebound damping.
The adjuster (2) on the shock absorber expansion
reservoir controls compression damping.
Turn the adjusters (1 and 2) clockwise to increase
damping, anticlockwise to reduce it.

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STANDARD setting for 996, 996S, 748S:
turn the adjusters (1and 2) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken them 1 turn.
STANDARD setting for 748:
turn the adjusters (1and 2) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken them 12 clicks.
Two ring nuts (3), located on the top section of the shock
absorber are used to adjust the outer spring preload.
To change spring preload, slacken the upper ring nut.
Then tighten or slacken the lower ring nut to increase
or decrease spring preload as required.

Warning

Use a specific pin wrench only to turn the preload
adjusting nut. Be careful when turning the nut to avoid
hurting your hand hitting motorcycle parts. The pin may
slip out of the nut recess while carrying out such
operation.
The shock absorber is filled with gas under pressure and
may cause severe damage if taken apart by unskilled
persons.

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When carrying a passenger and a load, set the rear shock
absorber spring to maximum preload to improve
motorcycle handling and keep safe clearance from the
ground. You may find that rebound damping needs
readjusting.

fig. 18