2022 Ducati Supersport 950 Engine Oil and Fluids Operations
In order to maintain optimal performance and guarantee seamless engine operation, Ducati advises the utilisation of premium engine oil that is specially formulated for the Supersport 950. In addition to lubricating engine components, the proper oil is vital for heat dissipation, friction reduction, and engine health maintenance.
In summary, the engine oil and consumables of the 2022 Ducati Supersport 950 are critical components that support its exceptional performance capabilities. By following the instructions provided by Ducati and utilising the suggested merchandise, motorcyclists can guarantee a dependable and exhilarating experience, thereby guaranteeing that this superbike perpetually fulfils its commitment to velocity, accuracy, and enthusiasm.
Main Use and Maintenance Operations
“Checking coolant level and topping up, if necessary”
Check coolant level in the expansion reservoir on the right side of the motorcycle, near the fuse boxes, according to the intervals indicated in the tables in the chapter Scheduled maintenance chart. Position the vehicle on level ground, on the side stand.
Check that the level is between the “MIN”
(minimum) and “MAX” (maximum) marks on the expansion reservoir cover. If the level is below the MIN mark have it topped up at a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
Attention
This operation must be performed with cold engine. Failure to observe the above recommendation may lead to coolant or hot vapour leakage with possible consequent severe burns.
Check Clutch and Brake Fluid
Check the brake and clutch fluid level with the vehicle in a vertical position and on a flat surface. The levels should not fall below the MIN notch on the respective front brake (1), rear brake (2) and clutch (3) reservoirs.
If level drops below the limit, air might get into the circuit and affect the operation of the system involved.
Brake and clutch fluid must be topped up and changed at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance chart under “Scheduled maintenance”; please contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
Brake System
If you find exceeding clearance on brake lever or pedal and brake pads are still in good condition, contact your Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre to have the system inspected and any air drained out of the circuit.
Attention
Brake and clutch fluid can damage paintwork and plastic parts, so avoid contact. Hydraulic fluid is corrosive; it may cause damage and lead to severe injuries. Never mix fluids of different qualities. Check seals for proper sealing.
Clutch System
If the control lever has exceeding clearance and the transmission snatches or jams as you try to engage a gear, it means that there might be air in the circuit. Contact your Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre to have the system inspected and air drained out.
Attention
Clutch fluid level will increase as clutch plate friction material wears down. Do not exceed the specified level (3 mm (0.12 in) above the minimum level).
Checking brake pads for wear
Check brake pads wear through the inspection hole in the callipers.
Change both pads if friction material thickness of even just one pad is about 1 mm (0.04 in).
Attention
Friction material wear beyond this limit would lead to metal support contact with the brake disc thus compromising braking efficiency, disc integrity and rider safety.
Important
Have the brake pads replaced at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Charging the Battery
Note
The positive pole is protected by a removable cover.
Attention
Have the battery removed at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Attention
NEVER connect the battery in parallel with that of other vehicles, as this may cause a short circuit or overheating of the battery.
Checking drive Chain Tension
Important
Have chain tension adjusted by a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Make the rear wheel turn until you find the position where chain is tightest. Set the motorcycle on the side stand. With just a finger, push down the chain at the indicated point of measurement and release. Measure the distance (A) between the centre of the chain pins and the aluminium section of the swinging arm. It must be: A = 35 ÷ 37 mm (1.38 ÷ 1.46 in).
Important
This only applies to the motorcycle STANDARD settings, available upon delivery.
Important
If drive chain is too tight or slack, adjust tension
so as to bring values back to the specified range.
Attention
Correct tightening of swinging arm screw (1) is critical to rider and passenger safety.
Important
Improper chain tension will lead to early wear of transmission parts.
Important
To ensure the best performance and long life of the chain, please follow the information related to chain cleaning, lubrication, inspection and tensioning.
Lubricating the Drive Chain
Important
Have drive chain cleaned by a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Attention
Carry out these inspection operations with the engine off, the vehicle at a standstill, on a flat ground and on the stand.
Cleaning
Before proceeding with the chain lubrication it is important to correctly wash and clean it.
The chain cleaning is extremely important for its duration. In fact, it is necessary to remove any mud, soil, sand or dirt from the chain first using a soft damp cloth (1) to soften the most resistant dirt and then with a jet of water and then dry it immediately using compressed air at a distance of at least 30 cm (11.81 in).
Checking the chain
The chain fitted on your motorcycle has O-rings that keep dirt out of and lubricant inside the sliding parts.
Check the chain for wear by checking the links at the points indicated (2).
Attention
Avoid the use of steam, fuel, solvents, hard brushes or other methods that could damage the O-rings; also avoid direct contact with the battery acid as it could cause mini cracks in the links as shown in the figure.
Attention
In particular, in case of Off-Road use of the bike, it is possible that excessive wear of the links occurs due to the contact with the chain sliding shoe; friction could in fact cause the chain to overheat, altering the heat treatment of the links and making them particularly fragile.
Checking the sliding shoe
Check the wear of the sliding shoe (3) and, if necessary, contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
Checking the tension
Check the chain tension (4) as indicated in the sub-section Checking the drive chain tension.
Have the chain tension adjusted by a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Lubrication
Important
Have drive chain cleaned by a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Attention
Use SHELL Advance Chain to lubricate the chain; the use of non-specific lubricants could damage the O-rings and therefore the entire drive system.
It is recommendable to lubricate the chain without waiting for it to cool down after using the motorcycle, so that the new lubricant can penetrate better between the inner and outer links and be more effective in its protective action.
Place the bike on the rear paddock stand. Make the rear wheel turns fast in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
Apply the lubricant jet (1) inside the chain between the inner and outer links, in point (2) immediately before the engagement point on the sprocket.
Due to the centrifugal force, the lubricant, made fluid by the solvents contained in the spray, will expand in the working area between the pin and the bush, ensuring perfect lubrication.
Repeat the operation by aiming the lubricant jet to the central part (5) of the chain so as to lubricate the rollers (4), and to the outer plates (6) as shown in the figure.
After lubrication, wait 10-15 minutes to allow the lubricant to act on the internal and external surfaces of the chain and then remove the excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Important
Do not use the motorcycle immediately after lubricating the chain as the lubricant, still fluid, would be centrifuged outwards causing possible soiling of the rear tyre or the rider’s footpeg.
Important
Check the chain often, taking care to lubricate it, as also indicated in the table below: at least every 1000 km (621 mi) or more frequently (about every 400 km (248 mi)) when using the bike with high outside temperatures (40°C) or after long travels on the highway at high speed.
Aligning the headlight
Check correct headlight aiming. Position the motorcycle 10 metres from a wall or a screen, with the tyres inflated to the correct pressure and with a rider seated, perfectly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. On the wall or surface, draw a horizontal line at the same height from the ground as the centre of the headlight and a vertical line aligned with the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle. If possible, perform this check in dim light. Switch on the low beam. The height of the upper limit between the dark area and the lit area must not be more than 9/10 of the height from the ground of the headlight centre.
Note
This is the procedure specified by Italian regulations for checking the maximum height of the light beam. Please adapt said procedure to the provisions in force in your own country.
For the headlight vertical alignment, work on screw (1) to adjust left beam and on screw (2) to adjust the right beam.
Attention
The headlight might fog up if the motorcycle is used under the rain or after washing. Switch headlight on for a short time to dry up any condensate.
Adjusting the rear-view mirrors
Manually adjust the rear-view mirror by pushing at points (A).
It is possible to close the rear-view mirrors, from the open position (B), by acting on the shell and turning inwards, to the vertical position (C, closed) of the mirror.
The correct opening/closure of the rear-view mirrors is performed only by applying a force perpendicular to the rotation axis.
Tyres
For information on tyre type and inflation pressure, see the “Tyres” sub-section in the “Technical specifications” section.
As tyre pressure is affected by ambient temperature and altitude variations, you are advised to check and adjust it whenever you are riding in areas where ample variations in temperature or altitude occur.
Important
Check and set tyre pressure when tyres are cold. To avoid front wheel rim distortion, when riding on bumpy roads, increase tyre pressure by 0.2 ÷ 0.3 bar (2.9÷4.35 PSI).
TYRE REPAIR OR CHANGE
In the event of a tiny puncture, tubeless tyres will take a long time to deflate, as they tend to keep air inside. If you find low pressure on one tyre, check the tyre for punctures.
In case of punctured tyres, use only original equipment brands and types for the replacement. Be sure to tighten the valve caps securely to avoid leaks when riding. Never use tube type tyres. Failure to heed this warning may lead to sudden tyre bursting and to serious danger to rider and passenger.
After replacing a tyre, the wheel must be balanced.
Attention
Do not remove or shift the wheel balancing weights.
Note
Have the tyres replaced at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre. Correct removal and installation of the wheels is essential. Some parts of the ABS (such as sensors and phonic wheels) are mounted to the wheels and require specific adjustment.
Minimum tread depth
Measure tread depth (S) at the point where tread is most worn down: it should not be less than 2 mm (0.08 in), and in any case not less than the legal limit.
Important
Visually inspect the tyres at regular intervals for detecting cracks and cuts, especially on the side walls, bulges or large spots that are indicative of internal damage. Replace them if badly damaged. Remove any stones or other foreign bodies caught in the tread.
Check engine oil level
Engine oil level can be checked through the sight glass (1) on the clutch cover.
Oil level should be between the marks on the sight glass. If the level is low, top up with engine oil. Ducati prescribes the only use of SAE 15W -50/JASO MA2 oil and recommends the use of Shell
Advance 4T Ultra 15W -50 oil (JASO: MA2 and API: SN) Remove the oil filler cap (2) and top up until the oil reaches the required level. Refit the filler plug (2).
Important
UK VERSION: Ducati recommends you use
Shell Advance DUCATI 15W-50 Fully Synthetic Oil.
Important
Engine oil and oil filters must be changed by a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre at the intervals specified in the scheduled maintenance chart reported in the Warranty Card.
To check the oil level correctly, carefully follow the instructions below.
- The level should be checked at warm engine, about 15 minutes after the engine has been stopped.
- Turn off the engine and wait 10\15 minutes to allow the oil to flow completely inside the sump.
- Position the bike with both wheels on a flat ground and in straight position.
- Then, check the engine oil through the sight glass.
- If the oil level is below the middle line between the MIN and MAX marks, add oil until reaching the maximum level indication.
Attention
Never exceed the MAX mark.
Recommendations concerning oil
It is recommended to use oil complying with the following specifications:
- Viscosity grade SAE 15W-50;
- Standard API: SN;
- Standard JASO: MA2.
Attention
UK VERSION: it is recommended to use oil with viscosity grade SAE 15W-50.
SAE 15W-50 is an alphanumerical code identifying oil class based on viscosity: two figures with a W (“winter”) in-between; the first figure indicates oil viscosity at low temperature; the second figure indicates its viscosity at high temperature. API
(American standard) and JASO (Japanese standard) standards specify oil characteristics.
FAQs
Ducati advises using a synthetic engine oil of superior quality that conforms to the specifications specified in the owner’s manual of the motorcycle.
Ducati generally advises oil changes to be performed at predetermined intervals, which are frequently delineated in terms of time or mileage. For an exact maintenance schedule, consult the owner’s manual.
Although it is advisable to use Ducati-branded oil, it is also acceptable to utilise high-quality lubricants that adhere to the guidelines specified in the owner’s manual.
For the precise procedure, consult the owner’s manual; however, in general, a coolant reservoir will be present, featuring markings that specify the suitable level
Periods for coolant replacement are generally specified in the owner’s manual and are calculated according to time and mileage. Adhere to Ducati’s suggestions.
Ducati recommends a particular brand of brake fluid. Utilise only the brake fluid that is recommended in order to preserve optimal braking performance.
It is advisable to conduct routine inspections of the brake fluid level. Should it decrease below the recommended threshold, refer to the owner’s manual for guidance on the appropriate procedures for topping off the fluid.
To assure compatibility, it is recommended to use the same brand and type of brake fluid always. Combining various fluids may result in compromised performance.
Since the gearbox on a typical Supersport 950 is sealed, fluid levels are not intended to be inspected. For precise details, the owner’s manual should be consulted.
Useful link
View full PDF : Ducati Supersport 950 2022| Auto User Guide
2022 Ducati Supersport 950 Warning and Indicators Guide