Ducati 998 '03, 998, 748 '03, 748 User Manual

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DUCATI998/748

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 Holding
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!

Note

Ducati Motor Holding 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 Holding S.p.A.
reserves the right to make any changes required by the
future development of the above-mentioned products.

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
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 13
Left switch 14
Clutch lever 15
Cold start button 748/748S 16
Fast idle lever (998) 16
Right switch 17
Throttle twistgrip 17
Front brake lever 17
Rear brake pedal 18
Gear change pedal 18
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals 19

Main components and devices 20

Location 20
Tank filler plug 21
Seat catch and helmet hook 22
Side stand 24
Steering damper 25
Front fork adjusters 748/748S/998 25
Shock absorber adjusters (748/748S) 27
Shock absorber adjusters (998) 29
Changing motorcycle track alignement 30

Directions for use 31

Running-in recommendations 31
Pre-ride checks 33
Starting the engine 34
Moving off 36
Braking 37
Stopping the motorcycle 37
Parking 38
Refueling 38
Tool kit and accessories 39

Main maintenance operations 40

Removing the fairing 40
Cleaning and changing air filters 42
Checking the coolant level 44
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 45
Checking brake pads for wear 46
Lubricating cables and joints 46
Throttle cable adjustment 47
Charging the battery 47

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Adjusting headstock angle 49
Chain tension inspection 50
Chain lubrication 50
Replacing bulbs 51
Beam setting 54
Rear view mirror adjustment 55
Tubeless tyres 55
Checking engine oil level 57
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 58
Cleaning the motorcycle 59
Storing the bike away 60
Important notes 60

Technical data 61

Overall dimensions 61
Weights 61
Top-ups 62
Engine (748/748S) 63
Timing system (748/748S) 63
Engine (998) 64
Timing system (998) 64
Performance data 65
Spark plugs 65
Brakes 65
Transmission 66
Frame 67
Wheels 67
Tyres 67
Suspensions 68
Available colours 68
Electric system 69

For United States of America version only 75

Routine maintenance record 84

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GENERAL

Warranty

In your own interest, and in order to guarantee product
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.

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.

Symbols

Ducati Motor Holding 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 Holding 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.

Note

Additional information concerning the job being
carried out.

The terms right and left are referred to the motorcycle
viewed from the riding position.

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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 fuel on the engine or on
the exhaust pipe when refueling.
Do not smoke when refueling.
While refueling, you may inhale noxious fuel vapors.
Should any fuel 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.

Warning

The exhaust system might be hot, even after
engine is switched off; pay particular attention not to
touch exhaust system with any body part and do not park
the vehicle next to inflammable material (wood, leaves
etc.).

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
accessories should not exceed 375 Kg.

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 55 and that they are in good condition.

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Identification data

All Ducati motorcycles have two identification numbers,
for frame (fig. 1) and engine (fig. 2).

Frame number

Engine number

Note

These numbers identify the motorcycle model and

are required when ordering spare parts.

fig. 2

fig. 1

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CONTROLS

Warning

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. 3)

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.

fig. 3

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5a

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c

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3 7 4 2 6

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C

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Instrument panel (fig. 4)

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) Neutral light N (green).
Comes on when gearbox is in neutral.

4) Fuel warning light (yellow).
Comes on when there are about 4 liters fuel left in the
tank.

5) Turn indicator light (green).
Comes on and flashes when a turn indicator is on.

6) Oil pressure light (red).
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.
It may shortly come on when the engine is hot, however,
it should go out as the engine revs up.

Important

If this light (6) stays on, stop the engine or it may
suffer severe damage.

fig. 4

7) High beam light (blue).
Comes on when right high beam is on.

8) Water temperature indicator .
Indicates engine coolant temperature.

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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Keys (fig. 5)

Your Ducati was delivered with two universal keys for
ignition, steering lock, seat catch and fuel filler plug.

Note

The keys have a small plate (1) attached that
reports their identification number.

Note

Separate the two keys and keep the identification
plate (1) in a safe place.

fig. 5

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DUCATI

DUCATI

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Ignition switch and steering lock (fig. 6)

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.

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.

Warning

The 998 model is equipped with an energy-saving
CPU. If the key stays ON for a long period but the ignition
button is not pressed within 15 seconds, the CPU will
stop operating to avoid current absorption. Move the key
to OFF and then to ON again.

fig. 6

A

B

C

D

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Left switch

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 disable turn indicators, return switch to central
position and push in.

4) Button = warning horn.

5) Button = passing.

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2

3

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5

fig. 7

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2

3

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5

fig. 8

748/748S

998

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Clutch lever (fig. 9)

Lever (1) disengages the clutch. It features a dial adjuster
(2) for lever distance from the twistgrip on handlebar.
To set lever distance from twistgrip, push lever (1) fully
forward and turn the dial adjuster (2) to one of its four
positions. Remember that position no. 1 gives maximum
distance between lever and twistgrip, whereas lever and
twistgrip are closest when adjuster is set to position no.

4.
When you pull in the lever (1), 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.

Important

Using the clutch properly will avoid damage to
transmission parts and spare the engine.

fig. 9

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Cold start button (748/748S) (fig. 10)

This device is on throttle control. Push the button (1) to
enable control. In this way, the throttle control (2) will
lightly turn, thus increasing the engine rotation speed.
Use this device to start the engine from cold (page 34).

Important

Move the button (1) back to rest position once the
engine is warm. Turn the throttle twistgrip (2) clockwise
(slow down). Never use this device when the engine is
warm.

Fast idle lever (998) (fig. 11)
The fast idle lever (3) is used to start the engine from
cold and to increase the engine idle rotation speed after
starting. Control positions:
A - (vertical) Control not activated
B - Control fully activated
The lever may also be placed on intermediate positions
to match the progressive engine warming up (see page

34).

Important

Never use this device when the engine is warm.
Do not run with the fast idle control on.

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1

fig. 10

748/748S

3

A

B

fig. 11

998

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Right switch (fig. 12)

1) 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

Throttle twistgrip (fig. 12)
The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens the
throttles. When released, it will spring back to the initial
position (idling speed).

fig. 12

Front brake lever (fig. 12)
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 page 36 before

using these controls.

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2

3

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Rear brake pedal (fig. 13)

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

Gear change pedal (fig. 14)
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 1stgear and
to shift down. The N light will go out.
up = lift the pedal to engage the 2ndgear and then the 3rd,
4th, 5thand 6thgear. Each time you move the pedal you will
engage the next gear.

1

fig. 13

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N

2

3

4

5

6

fig. 14

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fig. 15

Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals

(fig. 15 and 16)
The gear change and rear brake pedals can be adjusted
to suit the preferred riding position of each rider.
To set the gear change pedal, lock linkage (1) and loosen
the check nuts (2) and (3).

Note

Nut (2) has a left-hand thread.

Fit an open-end wrench to the hexagon portion of linkage
(1). Rotate linkage until setting pedal in the desired
position.
Tighten both check nuts onto linkage.

To set the rear brake pedal,
loosen check nut (4).
Turn pedal travel adjusting screw (5) until pedal is in the
desired position.
Tighten check nut (4).
Work pedal by hand to make sure it has 1.5 - 2 mm free
play before brake begins to bite.
If not so, set the length of cylinder linkage as follows.
Loosen the check nut (6) on cylinder linkage.
Tighten linkage into fork (7) to increase play, or unscrew
linkage to reduce it.
Tighten check nut (6) and check pedal free play again.

fig. 16

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Location (fig. 17)

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.

fig. 17

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MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES

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Tank filler plug (fig. 18)

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

Note

The plug can only be closed with the key in.

Warning

Always make sure you have properly refitted (see
page 38) and closed the plug after each refueling.

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OPEN

DUCATI

fig. 18

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Seat catch and helmet hook

Opening (fig. 19 and fig. 20)
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. 20) and
refit the seat.

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 subframe from the left side
will enable to lock the seat.

fig. 19

0

1

0

1

1

2

fig. 20

A

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3

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Closing (fig. 21)
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
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.

fig. 21

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Side stand (fig. 22)

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.

Warning

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.

Note

It is possible to start the engine with side stand
down and the gearbox in neutral. When starting the bike
with a gear engaged, pull the clutch lever (in this case the
side stand must be up).

fig. 22

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1

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Front fork adjusters 748/748S/998

The front fork has rebound and compression damping
adjusters.

This adjustment is done using the outer adjusters:

1) (fig. 24) to adjust rebound damping;

2) (fig. 24) to adjust inner springs preload;

3) (fig. 25) 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.

Steering damper (fig. 23)
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 headstock angle is changed, the

steering damper must be repositioned (see page 49).

fig. 23

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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 hexagon
wrench.
Preload setting range (A, fig. 24) is from 25 to 10 mm.
Factory setting is 20 mm.

Important

Adjust both fork legs to same settings.

1

2

A

3

fig. 24

fig. 25