Owner's manual E DUCATI748/996 1 E 2 Hearty welcome among Ducati fans! Please accept our 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 centres. 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. E 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 a transfer of title occurs - must always be handed over to the new owner. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Tank filler plug 18 Seat catch and helmet hook 19 Side stand 21 Steering damper 22 Front fork adjusters 22 Rear shock absorber adjusters 24 Changing motorcycle track alignement 25 Directions for use 26 Running-in recommendations 26 Pre-ride checks 28 Starting the engine 29 Moving off 31 Braking 31 Stopping the motorcycle 32 Parking 32 Refueling 33 Maintenance 34 Tool kit and accessories 34 Routine maintenance 35 Main maintenance operations 38 Removing the fairing 38 Cleaning and changing air filters 40 Checking the coolant level 41 Checking brake and clutch fluid level 42 Checking brake pads for wear 43 Lubricating cables and joints 43 Throttle cable adjustment 44 Checking battery electrolyte level 44 E 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 button 14 Right switch 15 Throttle twistgrip 15 Front brake lever 15 Rear brake pedal 16 Gear change pedal 16 Main components and devices Location 17 4 17 Charging the battery 45 Adjusting headstock angle 46 Chain tension inspection 47 Chain lubrication 47 Replacing bulbs 48 Beam setting 51 Tubeless Tyres 52 Checking engine oil level 53 Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 54 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 60 Transmission 61 Frame 62 Wheels 62 Tyres 63 Suspensions 63 Electric system 64 For United States of America version only 68 Routine maintenance record 78 E 5 GENERAL E Warranty In your own interest, and in order to guarantee product reliability, you are strongly advised to refer to a Ducati Dealer or Authorized Workshop for any servicing requiring particular technical expertise. Our highly skilled staff have access to the implements required to perform any servicing job at best, using 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. 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 manual 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. Note Additional information concerning the job being carried out. The terms right and left are referred to the motorcycle viewed from the riding position. 6 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 belt on 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 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. E 7 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 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 375 Kg/827 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 52 and that they are in good condition. E 8 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 are required when ordering spare parts. fig. 1.1 E fig. 1.2 9 CONTROLS 1 5 8 4 6 E 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. 3 7 2 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 button. 6) Right switch. 7) Throttle twistgrip. 8) Front brake lever. 9) Gear change pedal. 10) Rear brake pedal. 10 9 fig. 2 10 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) 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 comes on when the ignition is switched to ON and normally goes out a few seconds after engine starts. Important If this light (6) stays on, stop the engine or it may suffer severe damage. 7) Blue light . Comes on when right high beam is on. 8) Water temperature indicator . Indicates engine coolant temperature. Important Stop riding if the temperature reaches the max. value, otherwise the engine might damage. When parking light is on, the instrument panel is lighted. E 1 c a 5 3 7 4 2 6 8 b fig. 3 11 Keys (fig. 4) Your Ducati was delivered with two universal keys for ignition, steering lock and seat catch and a key identification plate. 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 enabled; B) OFF: lights and engine disabled; 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. E B A C D fig. 4 12 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 5) Button = warning horn. = high-beam flasher. 5 2 3 E 4 1 fig. 6 13 Clutch lever (fig. 7) Lever (1) disengages the clutch. The clutch lever is provided with a dial adjuster (2) for lever distance adjustment from the hand grip on handlebar. When operated, 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. Cold start button (fig. 8) This device is on throttle control. Push the button (3) to enable control. In this way, the throttle control (4) will lightly turn, thus increasing the engine rotation speed. Use this device to start the engine from cold (page 29). Important Move the button (3) back to rest position once the engine is warm. Turn the throttle twistgrip (4) clockwise (slow down). Never use this device when the engine is warm. E Important Using the clutch properly will avoid damage to transmission parts and spare the engine. 2 1 4 3 fig. 7 14 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) 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 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 brake lever is provided with a dial adjuster (5) for lever distance adjustment from twistgrip on handlebar. Warning Please read the instructions on pages 28 and 29 before using these controls. E 1 5 4 Throttle twistgrip (fig. 9) The twistgrip (3) on the right handlebar opens the thro ...