Ducati Supersport '01, Supersport '00 User Manual

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Owner’s manual

DUCATISUPER SPORT

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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 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. Please contact our authorised service centres
to have your motorcycle repaired or if you simply need
advice.

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.

Important

This manual forms an integral part of the
motorcycle and - in the event 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
Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock 12
Left switch 13
Clutch lever 14
Cold start lever 15
Right switch 16
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 hooks 22
Side stand 23
Front fork adjusters (900) 24
Shock absorber adjusters (900) 25

Directions for use 27

Running-in recommendations 27
Pre-ride checks 28
Starting the engine 29
Moving off 31
Braking 32
Stopping the motorcycle 32
Parking 33
Refuelling 33
Tool kit and accessories 34

Main maintenance operations 35

Removing the fairing 35
Lifting the fuel tank 38
Changing the air filter 39
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 40
Checking brake pads for wear 42
Lubricating cables and joints 43
Throttle cable adjustment 44
Charging the battery 45
Chain adjustment 46
Chain lubrication 47
Replacing bulbs 48

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Beam setting 52
Tyre pressures 53
Checking engine oil level 55
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 56
Cleaning the motorcycle 57
Storing the bike away 58
Important notes 58

Technical data 59

Overall dimensions 59
Weights 59
Top-ups 60
Engine 61
Timing system 61
Performance data 62
Spark plugs 62
Brakes 62
Transmission 63
Frame 64
Wheels 64
Tyres 64
Suspensions 65
Electric system 65

For United States of America version only 69

Routine maintenance record 78

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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
authorised 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”.
The 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 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
Authorised 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.

Note

Additional information on 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 grab handle at 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 refuelling.
Be extremely careful not to spill gasoline on the engine
or on the exhaust pipe when refuelling.
Do not smoke when refuelling.
While refuelling, 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 385 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 53 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. 1.2

fig. 1.1

fig. 1.2

750Sport/750

900

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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) Cold start lever.

6) Right switch.

7) Throttle twistgrip.

8) Front brake lever.

9) Gear change pedal.

10) Rear brake pedal.

fig. 2

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2

7

8

6

1

9

5

4

3

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Instrument panel (fig. 3)

1) Speedometer (kph 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 litres 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 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.

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

N

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

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MIN

-1

x1000

HIO

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

240

260

km/h

000000

00

0 0

5

a

4

3

1

c

b 8

7

2

6

fig. 3

8) Oil temperature indicator
Shows temperature of engine oil.

Important

Stop the engine if it reaches maximum temperature

or it may suffer severe damage.
When you switch on the parking light, the panel lights

will come on as well.

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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.

Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock

(fig. 5)
It is located in front of the fuel tank and has four
positions:
A) ON: enables the operation of lights and engine;
B) OFF: disables the operation of lights and engine;
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.

fig. 4

fig. 5

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Left switch (fig. 6 and 7)

1) Switch, light switch, 3 positions:
Down = lights 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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5

4

3

2

fig. 6

fig. 7

750Sport

750/900

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Clutch lever (fig. 8 and 9)

Lever (1) disengages the clutch. It features a dial adjuster
(2) for lever distance from the twistgrip on handlebar (this
adjuster is not fitted on the 750Sport version).
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.

1

fig. 8

fig. 9

750Sport

750/900

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Cold start lever (fig. 10 and 11)

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 29-30).

Important

Never use the cold start device when the engine is

warm or leave it open when riding.

fig. 10

fig. 11

750Sport

750/900

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Right switch (fig. 12 and 13)

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

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4

3

2

fig. 12

750Sport

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fig. 13

Throttle twistgrip (fig. 12 and 13)
The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens the
throttles. When released, it will spring back to the initial
position (idling speed).

Front brake lever (fig. 12 and 13)
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 control lever features a dial adjuster (5) for lever
distance from the twistgrip on handlebar (this adjuster is
not fitted on the 750Sport version).

Warning

Please read the instructions on pages 31-32 before

using these controls.

750/900

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Rear brake pedal (fig. 14)

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

1

fig. 14

Gear change pedal (fig. 15)
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.

fig. 15

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fig. 17

Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals

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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MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES

fig. 18

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1

3

6

2

5

4

Location (fig. 18)

1) Tank filler plug.

2) Seat catch and helmet hooks.

3) Side stand.

4) Rear view mirrors.

5) Front fork adjusters (900).

6) Shock absorber adjusters.

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Tank filler plug (fig. 19)

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 33) and closed the plug after each refuelling.

1/4

0

OPEN

1

fig. 19

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Seat catch and helmet hooks

Opening (fig. 20)
Fit the ignition key into the lock (1) and turn the key
clockwise until the rear end of the seat lifts up. Pull the
seat backward to slide it off its front holders.
At the front end of the compartment underneath the
seat, there are the helmet hooks (2, fig. 21) for rider and
pillion rider helmets. Hook the helmet straps onto the
hooks and leave the helmets hanging outside. They will
be locked safely when you 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.

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-bolt 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 (1).

fig. 20

0

1

O

P

E

N

1

fig. 21

2

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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.

1

2

Warning

The motorcycle can only be started if the side stand
is up as the side stand is equipped with a safety device
preventing engine start if the stand is down.

fig. 22

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Front fork adjusters

The front fork used on the 900 model has rebound and
compression damping adjusters.

This adjustment is done using the outer adjusters:

1) (fig. 23) to adjust rebound damping;

2) (fig. 23) to adjust inner springs preload;

3) (fig. 24) to adjust compression damping.
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.
STANDARD factory setting is as follows:
compression: 11 clicks;
rebound: 7 clicks.

The setting range is 14 clicks for rebound and 16 clicks
for compression. The 14th and 16th clicks give the
softest damping.
To change the preload of the spring inside each fork leg
turn the hex. adjusting nut (2) with a 22-mm hexagon
wrench.
Height (A, fig. 23) determines preload and may vary from
25 to 10 mm.
Factory setting is 18 mm.

Important

Adjust both fork legs to same settings.

900

fig. 23

900