2023 Ducati DesertX Engine Oil and Fluids Operations
Within the dynamic realm of adventure riding, characterised by formidable landscapes and limitless horizons, the 2023 Ducati DesertX exemplifies an indomitable spirit of discovery. In addition to providing unparalleled versatility and performance, this extraordinary motorcycle is constructed with the uttermost precision and care. Central to this renowned apparatus resides an exquisitely calibrated engine that propels your expeditions; in order to safeguard its durability and optimal operation, the 2023 Ducati DesertX Engine Oil and Fluids have been crafted with extreme care.
With their specially formulated compositions, our selection of engine lubricants, coolants, and gearbox fluids for the DesertX enhances its performance while providing unparalleled protection against the detrimental effects of extreme temperatures and rugged terrain. Our fluids provide extraordinary shear stability, improved heat dissipation, and enhanced corrosion resistance, which means they will keep your engine operating efficiently whether you’re traversing rocky mountain trails or scorching deserts.
Main use and maintenance operations
Checking coolant level and topping up, if necessary
Position the vehicle on a flat surface, on the centre stand (where available) or on a service stand, and check coolant level inside expansion reservoir (1) observing it from the RH side of the vehicle, after turning the handlebar to the left.
Check the level according to the intervals indicated in the tables in “Scheduled maintenance chart”.
Check that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the expansion reservoir.
If the level is below the MIN mark have it topped up at a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
Checking brake and clutch fluid level
Check the brake fluid level with the vehicle in a vertical position, supported by centre stand (where available), and on a flat surface.
Front brake fluid reservoir (1)
Front brake fluid level must be above the sight glass (A).
Rear brake fluid reservoir (2)
The fluid level must not be under the “MIN”notch marked on reservoir (2) side.
Clutch fluid reservoir (3)
To check clutch fluid level on reservoir (3), contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
If level drops below the limit, air might get into the circuits 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.
Attention
Clutch fluid level will increase as clutch plate friction material wears down. Check the level at regular intervals.
Contact your Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre to have the system inspected and air drained out.
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.
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
Preparation
We recommend recharging the lithium battery by connecting the suitable battery charger directly to the positive and negative terminals of the battery using the cable with clips.
To gain access to battery and charge it, remove rider seat as indicated in chapter “Seat lock”.
Press tab (A) of retainer (1) downwards, releasing it from hook (B) and lift elastic band (2).
Slide out protective gaiter (3) and loosen terminal retaining screws (4):
- Negative and ground cables (5);
Positive and ABS positive cables (6). Slide out the battery (7) from top.
Connecting the battery to the charger
Connect the battery charger (C) positive (6a) and negative (5a) leads to the battery terminals: the red one (8) to the positive terminal (+), the black one (9) to the negative terminal (-).
Connect the plug of the battery charger to the wall outlet.
Do not use battery chargers for lead batteries or any other type of battery maintainer/charger. Charge the battery ensuring the vehicle is in a room with a temperature below 40° C (104° F).
Attention
Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
Attention
Use only the Ducati-approved battery charger (C) for lithium batteries also as a maintainer. Do not use the battery charge maintainer kit part no. 69924601A (various countries) or battery charge maintainer kit no. 69924601AX (for Japan, China and Australia only), as it is specific for lead batteries.
Attention
Should it be impossible to start the vehicle due to a completely flat battery, it is not permitted to start the bike by connecting an external starter or and external battery in parallel.
The charging system, indeed, is not designed to ensure a correct supply voltage for the engine electronics (including ignition/injection system) with a completely flat battery.
This could lead to a serious functional problem. Please, replace the battery or recharge it, and check it before using the bike.
Attention
Do not push start the bike.
To maintain the battery charge and use the Ducati-approved battery charger, proceed as described in the chapter “Maintaining the battery charge”. When charging is complete, disconnect the battery charger power cable from the wall outlet, remove the black clip (5a) from the negative pole (-) and the red clip (6a) from the positive pole (+).
Refitting the battery
Position battery (7) inside the special compartment, aiming it in the indicated direction.
Connect the battery cables, always starting from the positive (+) one, as indicated:
- positive (+) and ABS positive cables (6);
- Negative (-) and ground cables (5).
Tighten terminal screws (4) and position protective gaiter (3).
Bring elastic band (2) back to its original position by inserting retainer (1) inside hook (B).
Reposition rider seat as indicated in chapter “Seat lock”.
Attention
The battery gives off explosive gases; never cause sparks or allow naked flames and cigarettes near the battery. When charging the battery, ensure that the working area is properly ventilated.
Storing the motorcycle
If the motorcycle is not used for a long time (e.g. 30 consecutive days), it is advisable to connect the battery charger/charge maintainer using the connection cable through the diagnostic socket. The details are described in chapter “Maintaining battery charge”.
Checking drive chain tension
Important
Improper chain tension will lead to early wear of transmission parts.
Make the rear wheel turn until you find the position where chain is tightest.
Position the vehicle on the side stand.
With a finger, push down the chain at the point of measurement and release.
Measure the distance (A) between the swinging arm and the chain pin centre, placing the tape measure at the rear end of the chain sliding shoe.
Value (A) between the centre of the chain pins and the sliding shoe, for chain tensioning, is allowable if: A = (47 ÷ 49) mm (1.85 ÷ 1.93) in.
This only applies to the motorcycle standard settings, available upon delivery.
Important
This only applies to the motorcycle STANDARD settings, available upon delivery.
Important
Repeat the measurement at three different, equally spaced points on the chain.
Attention
Carry out these inspection operations with the engine off, the vehicle at a standstill, on a flat ground and on the stand
Attention
Check swinging arm correct tightening through nut (1).
Check the correct tightening of nuts (2), the correct alignment of wheel, and the positioning of swinging arm, on both sides, through notches (3).
Important
To ensure the best performance and long life of the chain, please follow the information related to chain cleaning, lubrication, inspection and tensioning.
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 (5) 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
Note
Headlight features two adjusters, one for the RH beam and one for the LH beam.
Check correct headlight aiming. Position the motorcycle 10 metres (32.8 feet) 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.
When adjusting right and left beams, 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.
Working on LH screw (1), adjust LH low beam and high beam vertically.
Working on RH screw (2), adjust RH low beam and high beam vertically.
Switch low beam on and cover the right low beam. Adjust the uncovered low beam (left) vertically by working the adjusting screw (1). To gain easy access to screw (1), we recommend turning the steering all the way right, and use the supplied wrench to work on screw (1).
Turn on and check also the LH low beam, working on screw (1), if necessary.
Turn screw (1) clockwise to move beam up (UP), or counter clockwise to move beam down (DOWN).
Once the LH low and high beams have been adjusted, cover the LH side of the headlight unit and carry out the same procedure using screw (2) to adjust the RH low and high beams.
Turn screw (1) clockwise to move beam up (UP), or counter clockwise to move beam down (DOWN).
The headlight lens might fog up if the vehicle is used under the rain or after washing. Switch headlight on for a short time to dry up any condensate.
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.
Adjusting the rear-view mirrors
Manually adjust rear-view mirror (A) to required position.
Attention
This type of adjustment must be performed with attention to avoid forcing the rear-view mirror position and damaging it.
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.
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.
Attention
Punctured tyres must be replaced. Replace the tyres with recommended standard tyres only. 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
Check the engine oil level 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 plug (2) and top up until the oil reaches the required level. Refit the plug.
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 contained in this manual.
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 complying with the following specifications: - 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
It is advised to utilise synthetic engine lubricant that has been approved by Ducati and is specially formulated for the DesertX.
While a general rule of thumb is to change the oil every 6,000 to 9,000 miles, it is critical to consult the owner’s manual for precise instructions.
Synthetic oil is optimal for the arduous conditions of adventure riding due to its exceptional protection against engine wear and high-temperature stability.
We advise using a coolant that has been approved by Ducati in order to achieve the highest level of performance and security against corrosion.
Coolant should be routinely inspected and replaced every two to three years, as directed by the manufacturer.
The gearbox fluid specified in the owner’s manual should be utilised. It is advisable to consistently utilise premium fluids specifically formulated for motorcycle transmissions.
While gearbox fluid change intervals may differ from engine oil changes, they are typically more infrequent. Please consult the owner’s manual for the precise schedule.
To guarantee consistency and compatibility, it is advisable to refrain from combining fluids and oils of various brands. Maintain a single brand and sort.
It is not advised. The specifications for motorcycle engines differ from those of automobile engines. Utilising the incorrect oil may result in diminished performance or even damage.
In addition to lubricating moving components, dissipating heat, and reducing friction, engine oil aids in the purity of the engine by capturing contaminants.
It is advisable to adhere to the break-in instructions outlined in the owner’s manual, which may contain suggestions regarding engine lubricant usage during the early miles.
Using additives with Ducati-approved motor oil is typically unnecessary and may void the warranty.
Indeed, ensuring the appropriate oil level is maintained is vital for optimising the performance and longevity of the engine. Conduct routine lubricant level checks.
It is necessary to drain the surplus oil in order to restore the engine oil level to the recommended level after overfilling it. Operating with an excessive amount of lubricant can result in complications.
Although changing the oil and fluids may appear to be a simple undertaking for seasoned motorcyclists, it is advisable to have this responsibility delegated to a Ducati service centre in order to guarantee proper execution and preserve your warranty.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: Ducati DesertX 2023 User Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Ducati DesertX Cruise Control Guidelines