Ducati Monster '99 User Manual

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.

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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 the motorcycle is resold - 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 lever 15
Right switch 16
Throttle twistgrip 16
Front brake lever 16
Rear brake pedal 17
Gear change pedal 17
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals 18

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Main components and devices 19

Location 19
Tank filler plug 20
Seat catch and helmet pin 21
Side stand 22
Shock absorber adjusters 23
Shock absorber adjusters (900S) 24
Front fork adjusters (900S) 25

Directions for use 27

Running-in recommendations 27
Pre-ride checks 29
Starting the engine 30
Moving off 32
Braking 32
Stopping the motorcycle 33
Refueling 33
Parking 34

Maintenance 35

Tool kit and accessories 35
Routine maintenance 36

Main maintenance operations 39

Lifting the fuel tank 39
Changing air filter 40
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 41
Checking brake pads for wear 42
Lubricating cables and joints 43
Throttle cable adjustment 44
Checking battery liquid level 44

Charging the battery 45
Chain tensioning 46
Chain lubrication 47
Replacing bulbs 47
Headlamp alignment 50
Tyres 51
Checking engine oil level 53
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 64
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 61
Transmission 62
Frame 63
Wheels 63
Tyres 63
Suspensions 63
Electric system 64

Monster versions 69

600/750/900 69
Dark 69
City 69
CityDark 69
900 Cromo 70
900S 70
Metallic (600/750) 70
Metallic (900 i.e.) 70
Installing and setting the windscreen
(City/CityDark) 71
Side bags (City/CityDark) 72
bag maintenance and cleaning 77
Bag supports 78
Windproof cover (900S) 79

For United States of America version only 81

Routine maintenance record 92

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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 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.

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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.

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 strap 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

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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 51) 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

600/750

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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fig. 1.2

900

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CONTROLS

1

4

3

5

8

7

6

2

9

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) 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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fig. 2

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 (600/750) .
Comes on when parking lights are on.

In 900 models, the instrument panel comes on when
parking lights are on.

8) Revolution counter (900).
Shows the engine rotation speed/minute.

600/750

900

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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 (1).

Note

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

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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

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)
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

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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.

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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 30).

Important

Never use the cold start lever when the engine is

warm or leave it open when riding.

fig. 8

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).

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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 30 and 32

before using these controls.

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fig. 9

1

Rear brake pedal (fig. 10)

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(900)

Push down on the pedal (1) to apply the rear brake.
The system is hydraulically operated.

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.

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fig. 10

fig. 11.1

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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

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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.

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fig. 11.2

fig. 11.3

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) Shock absorber adjusters (900S).

9) Front fork adjusters (900S).

10) Fuel tank lifting rod.

11) Seat cover (DARK/CITYDARK excluded).

12) Fuel tank clip.

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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 pin

0

1

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

35). 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

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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

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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.

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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fig. 15

Shock absorber adjusters (fig. 16)

2

SH

1

2

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.

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fig. 16

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Shock absorber adjusters

2

The shock absorber has outer adjusters that enable you
to adjust your motorcycle to the load.
The adjuster (1, fig. 17.2) located at bottom, on the
connection holding the shock absorber to the swingarm,
controls rebound damping.
The adjuster (2, fig. 17.1) on the left of the shock
absorber expansion reservoir controls compression
damping.
Turn the adjusters (1 and 2) clockwise to increase

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damping, anticlockwise to reduce it.
STANDARD setting:
turn the adjuster (1) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken it 14 clicks;

900S

turn the adjuster (2) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken it 12 clicks;
Two ring nuts (3, fig. 17.2) 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 with the
wrench, as the pin may slip out of the 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.

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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. 17.1

1

3

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. 18.1) to adjust rebound damping;

2) (fig. 18.1) to adjust spring preload;

3) (fig. 18.2) 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

fig. 17.2

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.

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900S

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To change the preload of the spring inside each fork leg,

A

2

1

turn the adjusting nut (2) with a 22-mm/0.87-in. hexagon
wrench.
Preload setting range (A) is from 25 to 10 mm/0.99 to

0.39 in.
Factory setting is 18 mm/0.7 in.

Important

Adjust both fork legs to same settings.

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900S

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fig. 18.1

3

fig. 18.2

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Running-in recommendations

Max. rotation speed

Rotation speed for running-in period and during standard
use (rpm):

1) up to 1000 km - 621 miles;

2) from 1000 to 2500 km - 621 to 1553 miles;

3) after 2500 km - 1553 miles.

This will enable a correct break-in of friction material on
brake pads against brake discs.
For all mechanical parts of the motorcycle to adapt to
one another and above all not to adversely affect the life
of basic engine parts, it is advisable to avoid harsh
accelerations and not to run the engine at high rpm for
too long, especially uphill.
Furthermore, the drive chain should be inspected
frequently. Lubricate it as required.

From 1000 to 2500 km/621 to 1553 miles

At this point, you can squeeze some more power out of
your engine, being careful, however, never exceed:
600/750 models - speed as indicated for the each gear
(fig. 19.2);
900 models - 7000 rpm.

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Up to 1000 km/621 miles

During the first 1000 km/621 miles, keep the revolution
meter under control. The indicator must not exceed:
600/750 models – speed as indicated for the each gear
(fig. 19.1);
900 models: 5500-6000 rpm.
During the first hours of riding, it is advisable to run the
engine at varying load and rpm, though still within
recommended limit.
To this end, roads with plenty of bends and even slightly
hilly areas are ideal for a most efficient running-in of
engine, brakes and suspensions.
For the first 100 km/62 miles, use the brakes gently. Do
not brake violently or keep brake applied for too long.

Important

During the whole running-in period, the
maintenance and service rules recommended in this
manual should be observed carefully.
Compliance with the above instructions is a prerequisite
for Warranty validity. Failure to comply with these rules
will release Ducati Motor S.p.A. from any liability
whatsoever for resulting engine damage or shorter
engine life.

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After 2500 km/1553 miles

After running-in, never exceed the following values
during the motorcycle standard use:
600/750 models – max. speed allowed for each gear (see
page 60).
900 models – 9000 rpm.

Strict observance of running-in recommendations will
ensure longer engine life and reduce the likelihood of
overhauls and tune-ups.

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fig. 19.2

900

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fig. 19.1

fig. 20

Pre-ride checks

Warning

Failure to carry out these checks before riding, may
lead to motorcycle damage and injury to rider and
passenger.

Before riding, perform a thorough check-up on your bike
as follows:

Fuel level in the tank

Check fuel level in the tank. Fill tank if needed (page 33).

Engine oil level

Check oil level in the sump through the sight glass. Top
up with recommended oil if needed (page 53).

Brake and clutch fluid

Check fluid level in the relevant reservoirs.

Tyre condition

Check tyre pressure and condition (page 51).

Controls

Work the brake, clutch, throttle and gear change controls
(levers, pedals and twistgrips) and check for proper
operation.

Lights and indicators

Make sure lights, indicators and horn work properly.
Replace any burnt-out bulbs (page 47).

Key-operated locks

Check that fuel filler plug and seat catch locks are closed
firmly.

Side stand

Make sure side stand operates smoothly and is in the
correct position (page 22).

Warning

In case of malfunctioning, do not start the
motorcycle and call a Ducati dealer or authorized
workshop.

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