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Hearty welcome among Ducati fans! Please accept out
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 are 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.
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.
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 the motorcycle is resold - 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 12
Left switch 13
Clutch lever 14
Cold start lever 15
Right switch 15
Throttle twistgrip 16
Front brake lever 16
Rear brake pedal 17
Gear change pedal 17
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals 18
Main components and devices 19
Location 19
Tank filler plug 20
Seat catch and helmet pin 21
Side stand 22
Shock absorber adjusters 23
Front fork adjusters 24
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
Refueling 32
Parking 33
Tool kit and accessories 34
Main maintenance operations 35
Lifting the fuel tank 35
Changing air filter 36
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 37
Checking brake pads for wear 38
Lubricating cables and joints 39
Throttle cable adjustment 40
Charging the battery 41
Chain tensioning 42
Chain lubrication 43
Replacing bulbs 43
Headlamp alignment 46
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Tyres 47
Checking engine oil level 49
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 50
Cleaning the motorcycle 51
Storing the bike away 52
Important notes 52
Technical data 53
Overall dimensions 53
Weights 53
Top-ups 54
Engine 55
Timing system 55
Performance data 56
Spark plugs 56
Brakes 57
Transmission 58
Frame 59
Wheels 59
Tyres 59
Suspensions 60
Electric system 60
Monster versions 66
600/750 66
Metallic (600/750/900 i.e.) 66
Cromo 900 i.e. 66
Dark 600/750/900 i.e. 66
900S 66
Windproof cover 900S 67
For United States of America version only 68
Routine maintenance record 77
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GENERAL
Warranty
In your own interest, and in order to guarantee product
reliability, you are strongly advised to refer to our
authorized Dealers and workshops for any servicing
requiring particular technical expertise. Our highly skilled
staff have access to the implements required to perform
any servicing job at best, and use 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 or competitive trials. 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 right will be
automatically invalidated.
Symbols
Ducati Motor S.p.A. advises you to read this booklet
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. The text is supplemented with schematic
illustrations for quick reference and better understanding
of the subjects concerned.
This manual contains some special remarks:
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 handlebar 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 handles under the 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
vapours. 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 these
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 370 Kg.
Try to 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
(see page 47) 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
should always be indicated when ordering spare parts.
fig. 1.1 fig. 1.2
fig. 1.2
900
600/750
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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. 2)
1) Instrument panel.
2) Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock.
3) Left switch.
4) Clutch lever.
5) Fast-idle lever.
6) Right switch.
7) Throttle twistgrip.
8) Front brake lever.
9) Gear change pedal.
10) Rear brake pedal.
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Instrument panel (fig. 3)
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) Green light N.
Comes on when gearbox is in neutral.
3) Yellow light .
Comes on when there are about 3.5 liters fuel left in the
tank.
4) Green light .
Comes on and flashes when a turn indicator is on.
5) Red light .
Comes on when engine oil pressure is too low. It briefly
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 stays on, stop the engine or it may suffer
severe damage.
6) Blue light .
Comes on when high beam is on.
7) Revolution counter.
Shows the engine rotation speed/minute.
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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 on;
B) OFF: lights and engine off;
C) LOCK: steering lock;
D) P: parking lights 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.
fig. 4 fig. 5
Keys (fig. 4)
Your Ducati was delivered with two universal keys for
ignition, steering lock and seat catch and a key
identification plate (1).
Note
Separate the two keys and keep the identification
plate in a safe place .
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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.
fig. 6
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Clutch lever (fig. 7)
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.
Warning
Set clutch lever when motorcycle is stopped.
Important
Using the clutch properly will avoid damage to
transmission parts and spare the engine.
fig. 7
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fig. 8
Cold start lever (fig. 8)
Use this device to start the engine from cold. It will
increase the engine idling speed after starting.
Lever positions:
A) (vertical) = closed
B) fully open.
The lever can be opened and closed gradually to adjust
speed until engine is fully warm (see page 29).
Important
Never use the cold start lever when the engine is
warm or leave it open when riding.
Right switch (fig. 9)
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
Riding with the lights on, stopping the engine using
switch (1) and leaving the ignition key in the ON
position, may run the battery flat as the lights will remain
on.
2) Button = engine start.
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Throttle twistgrip (fig. 9)
The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens carburettor
shutter (600/750) or the throttles (900). When released, it
will spring back to the initial position (idling speed).
Front brake lever (fig. 9)
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.
On 900 models, the control lever is provided with a dial
adjuster (5) for lever distance adjustment from twistgrip
on handlebar.
Warning
Please read the instructions on pages 29 and 30
before using these controls.
fig. 9
fig. 11.1
Gear change pedal (fig. 11.1)
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 (6thgear: 900 only).
Each time you move the pedal you will engage the next
gear.
Rear brake pedal (fig. 10)
Push down on the pedal (1) to apply the rear brake.
The system is hydraulically operated.
fig. 10
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fig. 11.3
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals
(fig. 11.2)
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.
Rotate linkage (1) 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.
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MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES
Location (fig. 12)
1) Tank filler plug.
2) Seat catch.
3) Hook for helmet fastening cable.
4) Passenger grab handle.
5) Side stand.
6) Rear view mirrors.
7) Shock absorber adjusters.
8) Front fork adjusters (900S).
9) Fuel tank lifting rod.
11) Seat cover (DARK excluded).
12) Fuel tank clip.
fig. 12
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Tank filler plug (fig. 13)
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. 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 32) and closed the plug after each refueling.
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Seat catch and helmet pin
Opening
Fit the ignition key into the lock. Turn the key clockwise
to detach seat from frame. Pull the seat backwards to
slide it off its front holders.
On the rear end of the compartment underneath the
seat, there is the helmet fastening cable (1) (see page
34). Insert the cable into the helmet, slide the end of the
cable onto the pin (2). Leave helmet hanging outside and
refit the seat.
Warning
This system is intended to lock your helmet safely
when you park your motorcycle. Never leave the helmet
hanging outside when riding or it may get in the way and
make you lose control of the motorcycle.
Closing
Make sure that all parts are arranged and secured
properly inside the compartment under the seat. Slide
the front ends of the seat bottom underneath the frame
U-tube and push down on the rear end of the seat until
you hear the catch click. Make sure the seat is firmly
secured to the frame and take the key out of the lock.
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Side stand (fig. 15)
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
handlebar with both hands and push down on the stand
(1) with your feet 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 stand (1) with your feet.
fig. 15
Note
Check for proper operation of the stand mechanism
(two springs, one into the other) and the safety sensor
(2).
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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Shock absorber adjusters (fig. 16)
The shock absorber has outer adjusters that enable you
to adjust your motorcycle to the load.
The adjuster (1) located on the right side, on the
connection holding the shock absorber to the swingarm,
controls rebound damping.
Turn the adjuster (1) clockwise to increase damping (H),
anticlockwise to reduce it (S).
STANDARD setting:
turn the adjuster (1) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken it 8 clicks.
Two ring nuts (2), located on the top section of the shock
absorber is 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 with the
wrench, as the pin may slip out of the ring nut recess and
you may hurt your hand hitting motorcycle parts.
The shock absorber is filled with gas under pressure and
may cause severe damage if taken apart by unskilled
persons.
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. 17
Front fork adjusters
The front fork of 900S models has rebound and
compression damping adjusters.
This adjustment is done using the outer adjusters:
1) (fig. 17) to adjust rebound damping;
2) (fig. 17) to adjust spring preload;
3) (fig. 18) to adjust compression damping.
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.
Standard factory setting is as follows:
compression: 5 clicks;
rebound: 7 clicks.
The max. setting range is 14 clicks (rebound) and 16
clicks (compression) that ensure the softest damping.
900S
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To change the preload of the spring inside each fork leg,
turn the adjusting nut (2) with a 22-mm hexagon wrench.
Preload setting range (A) is from 25 to 10 mm
Factory setting is 18 mm.
Important
Adjust both fork legs to same settings.