Ducati Supersport '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 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 centers.

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

Main components and devices 19

Location 19
Tank filler plug 20
Seat catch and helmet hooks 21
Side stand 22
Front fork adjusters 23
Shock absorber adjusters 24

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
Key-operated 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

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Directions for use 26

Running-in recommendations 26
Pre-ride checks 27
Starting the engine 28
Moving off 30
Braking 30
Stopping the motorcycle 31
Parking 31
Refueling 32

Maintenance 33

Tool kit and accessories 33
Routine maintenance 34

Main maintenance operations 37

Removing the fairing 37
Lifting the fuel tank 40
Changing the air filter 41
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 42
Checking brake pads for wear 43
Lubricating cables and joints 44
Throttle cable adjustment 45
Checking battery electrolyte level 46

Charging the battery 47
Chain adjustment 48
Chain lubrication 49
Replacing bulbs 50
Beam setting 54
Tyre pressures 55
Checking engine oil level 57
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 58
Cleaning the motorcycle 59
Storing the bike away 59
Important notes 59

Technical data 60

Overall dimensions 60
Weights 60
Top-ups 61
Engine 62
Timing system 62
Performance data 63
Spark plugs 63
Brakes 64
Transmission 65
Frame 66
Wheels 66
Tyres 67
Suspensions 67
Electric system 68

For united states of america version only 72

Routine maintenance record 81

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GENERAL

Warranty

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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.

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.

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.

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 will be automatically
invalidated.

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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.
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 vapors.
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

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including rider, pillion passenger, luggage and additional
accessories should not exceed
385 Kg/851 lb.

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. 1.1) 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.

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fig. 1.1

fig. 1.2

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CONTROLS

10

2

7

8

6

1

9

5

4

3

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) Cold start 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)

LO

120

120

80

40

20

60

140

160

180

200

220

240

260

Km/h

HI

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

2

1

3

MIN

X1000

-1

c

8

1

a

5 374 2 6

b

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) Green light N.
Comes on when gearbox is in neutral.

4) Yellow light .
Comes on when there are about 4 liters/1.05 US Gall.
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.

Important

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

8) Oil temperature indicator.
Shows temperature of engine oil.

If this light stays on, stop the engine or it may

suffer severe damage.

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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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.

Key-operated 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 locked;
D) P: parking light and steering lock.

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fig. 4

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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. 5

Left switch (fig. 6)

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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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 28).

Important

Never use the cold start device when the engine is

warm or leave it open when riding.

fig. 8

Right switch (fig. 9)
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) when 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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Throttle twistgrip (fig. 9)
The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens the
throttles. 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.
The control lever features a dial adjuster (5) for lever
distance from the twistgrip on handlebar.

Warning

Please read the instructions on pages 28 / 30

before using these controls.

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fig. 9

Rear brake pedal (fig. 10)

1

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 1st gear and
to shift down. The N light will go out.
up = lift the pedal to engage the 2nd gear and then the
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear (6th gear: 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

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.

Apply an open-end wrench to the hexagon end of linkage

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(1) and 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.
Tightenloosen 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 pump linkage as follows.
Loosen the check nut (6) on pump 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

5

1

3

6

2

5

4

MAIN COMPONENTS AND DEVICES

Location (fig. 12)

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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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.

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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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fig. 13

Seat catch and helmet hooks

0

1

O

P

E

N

1

Opening (fig. 14.1)

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 backwards to slide it off its front holders.
At the front end of the compartment underneath the
seat, there are the helmet hooks (2, fig. 14.2) 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).

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fig. 14.1

2

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
handlebars with both hands and push down on the stand
(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 stand (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.

Warning

The motorcycle can only be started if the side stand
is in “rest” position as it is equipped with a safety device
that prevents engine start when stand is down.

fig. 15

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Front fork adjusters

3

The front fork used on the 900 model has rebound and
compression damping adjusters.
This adjustment is done using the outer adjusters:

1) (fig. 16.1) to adjust rebound damping;

2) (fig. 16.1) to adjust inner springs preload;

3) (fig. 16.2) 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. 16.1) determines preload and may vary
from 25/0.98 to 10 mm/0.39 in.
Factory setting is 18 mm/0.70 in.

Important

Adjust both fork legs to same settings.

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900

fig. 16.1

fig. 16.2

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Shock absorber adjusters (fig. 17.1)
The shock absorber has outer adjusters that enable you
to adjust your motorcycle to the load.
The adjuster (1) located on the left side on the
connection holding the shock absorber to the swingarm
controls rebound damping.
The adjuster (2) on the shock absorber expansion
reservoir on the left hand side of frame controls
compression damping.
Turning the adjusters (1 and 2) clockwise gives harder

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damping H, turning anticlockwise gives softer damping
S.

STANDARD setting:
turn the adjusters (1 and 2) all the way in (clockwise) then
slacken them 1 turn.
The two ring nuts (3, fig. 17.2) located on the top section
of the shock absorber control outer spring preload.
To change spring preload, turn the upper ring nut. Then
turn the lower ring nut clockwise or anticlockwise to
increase or decrease spring preload as required.
STANDARD spring length: 176 mm/6.93 in.

Warning

Use a specific pin wrench only to turn the preload
adjusting ring 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.

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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 proper preload to improve motorcycle
handling and keep safe clearance from the ground. You
may find that rebound damping needs adjusting as well.

3

H

S

2

1

S

H

H

S

fig. 17.1

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fig. 17.2

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

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 and tighten chain as required.

Running-in recommendations

Max. rotation speed (fig. 18)

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

1) up to 1000 km/620 miles;

2) from 1000 to 2500 km/620 to 1550 miles;

3) after 2500 km/1550 miles.

Up to 1000 km/620 miles

During the first 1000 km/620 miles, keep an eye on the
revolution meter. The indicator must not exceed:
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.
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

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From 1000 to 2500 km/620 to 1550 miles

At this point, you can squeeze some more power out of
your engine, being careful, however, to never exceed
7000 rpm.

Important

During the whole running-in period, the
maintenance and service rules recommended in this
manual should be observed carefully. Have the service
inspections performed as recommended in the Warranty
Card.
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.

After 2500 km/1550 miles

After running-in, never exceed the following values
during the motorcycle standard use:
8500 rpm (750);
7500 rpm (900).

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