Ducati Monster 400 User Manual

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Owner’s manual

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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 14
Right switch 15
Throttle twistgrip 15
Front brake lever 15
Rear brake pedal 16
Gear change pedal 16
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals 17

Main components and devices 18

Location 18
Tank filler plug 19
Seat catch and helmet pin 20
Side stand 21
Shock absorber adjusters 22

Directions for use 23

Running-in recommendations 23
Pre-ride checks 25
Starting the engine 26
Moving off 28
Braking 28
Stopping the motorcycle 29
Refueling 29
Parking 30

Maintenance 31

Tool kit and accessories 31
Routine maintenance 32

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
Checking battery liquid level 40
Charging the battery 41
Chain tensioning 42

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Chain lubrication 43
Replacing bulbs 43
Headlamp alignment 46
Tyres 47
Checking engine oil level 48
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 49
Cleaning the motorcycle 50
Storing the bike away 51
Important notes 51

Technical data 52

Overall dimensions 52
Weights 52
Top-ups 53
Engine 54
Timing system 54
Performance data 55
Spark plugs 55
Brakes 56
Transmission 56
Frame 57
Wheels 57
Tyres 57
Suspensions 57
Electric system 58

Monster versions 62

400 62
Metallic 62

Routine maintenance record 63

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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 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 handles at the rear of 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/816 lb.

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

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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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4

3

5

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6

2

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10

fig. 2

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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/0.8
U.S.Gallons 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.

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) Green light .
Comes on when parking lights are on.

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b

c

a

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3

6

4

5

fig. 3

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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.

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3

2

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5

fig. 6

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Clutch lever (fig. 7)

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.

1

fig. 8 fig. 7

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 26).

Important

Never use the cold start lever when the engine is
warm or leave it open when riding.

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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.

Throttle twistgrip (fig. 9)
The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens carburettor
shutter. 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.

Warning

Please read the instructions on pages 26 and 28

before using these controls.

fig. 9

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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, 5th.
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, 11.3)
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/0.059-0.078 in. 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. 11.2

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MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES

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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) Fuel tank lifting rod.

9) Seat cover.

10) 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 29) and closed the plug after each refueling.

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OPEN

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fig. 13

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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

31). 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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fig. 14.1

fig. 14.2