2023 Ducati Monster Engine Oil and Fluids Operations
Decades of motorcyclists and enthusiasts who seek the ideal combination of performance, style, and power have revered Ducati’s Monster series as an emblem of superiority. Ducati further advances this heritage in 2023 with the introduction of an innovative selection of engine lubricants and fluids that are tailored to improve the performance, longevity, and durability of the brand-new 2023 Ducati Monster.
Within an environment characterised by harmony between power and sophistication, where accuracy and enthusiasm converge, the 2023 Ducati Monster Engine Oil and Fluids exemplify Ducati’s unwavering commitment to guaranteeing an exceptional riding experience in all its facets. Optimise the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your 2023 Ducati Monster by utilising the highest quality lubricants and fluids. Now is the moment to fully exploit the capabilities of your vehicle and commence an unparalleled expedition.
Main use and maintenance operations
“Checking coolant level and topping up, if necessary”
Check coolant level in the expansion tank on the right side of the motorcycle.
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.
Top up if the level is below the MIN mark. Unscrew the filler plug (1) and add ENI Agip Permanent Spezial antifreeze (do not dilute, use pure), until reaching the MAX level.
Screw plug (1).
This type of mixture ensures the best operating conditions (the coolant starts to freeze at
-20 °C/-4 °F).
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.
Checking brake and clutch fluid level
The levels should not fall below the MIN marks on the respective 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.
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 (0,039 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
Removing the battery
Attention
Have the battery removed at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Remove the passenger seat (or passenger seat cover for the Plus version), as described in the sub-section “Seat lock”.
Loosen the two screws (1) and remove the bracket (2).
Loosen the retaining screws (3) and remove the following from the corresponding terminals:
- The negative cable (4);
The ABS positive cable (5);
The positive cable (6).
Remove the battery (7) sliding it upwards.
Refitting the battery
Important
When battery must be refitted, ALWAYS
contact a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Connect the battery cables, always starting from the positive (+) one, as indicated:
- Connect the positive cable (+) (6) to the positive terminal;
- Connect the ABS positive cable (+) (5) to the positive terminal;
- Connect the negative cable (-) (4) to the negative terminal.
Tighten the terminal retaining screws (3).
Position the bracket (2) and tighten the two screws (1).
Refit the passenger seat (or passenger seat cover for the Plus version), as described in the sub-section “Seat lock”.
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
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 and that ambient temperature is below 40° C (104° F). Never try to open the battery: it does not need to be filled with acid or other types of fluids.
Charge the battery in a ventilated room.
Connect the battery charger leads to the battery terminals: the red one to the positive terminal (+), the black one to the negative terminal (-).
Ducati disclaims any liability deriving from the use of non-original Ducati chargers or maintainers.
It is recommended to use the Ducati dedicated battery charge maintainer (Battery Maintenance Kit part no. 69928471A (Europe), part no. 69928471AW (Japan), 69928471AX (Australia), 69928471AY (UK), 69928471AZ (USA), available from our sales network), and to operate as described in the sub-section “Maintaining the battery charge”.
Attention
Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
Attention
Before activating the battery charger, connect it to the battery always starting with the red positive terminal (+) first.
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.
Checking drive chain tension
Important
Have chain tension adjusted 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.
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 centre of the link pin (B) and the end of the swinging arm (C) lower sliding shoe, carefully positioning the tape measure. The value must be: A = 51 ÷ 53 mm (2.00 – 2.09 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.
Important
Improper chain tension will lead to early wear of transmission parts.
Check the correspondence of the positioning marks (1) on both sides of the swinging arm to ensure a perfect wheel alignment.
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.
Changing bulbs
The light units and turn indicators are LED type.
Important
Have the bulbs changed at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
Aligning the headlight
Check correct headlight aiming. Position the motorcycle 10 metres (32.81 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.
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.
To vertically align the headlight beam, turn the screw (1).
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
Adjust the rear-view mirror manually by acting on the dome (1) and turning it carefully to the necessary position.
It is possible to make a further adjustment by turning the screw (2), for which it is necessary to contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre. After this last operation, it is necessary to check the position of the rear-view mirror and, if necessary, adjust it by also turning the dome (1).
FAQs
It is advisable to utilise Ducati’s exclusive engine lubricant, which has been specially formulated for the 2023 Ducati Monster. It guarantees superior efficacy and safeguarding.
Ducati does indeed provide a diverse selection of engine lubricants that are specifically designed to suit different riding conditions. These oils are available in synthetic and semi-synthetic formulations.
It is recommended to adhere to the intervals specified by the manufacturer, which are generally every 6,000 to 7,500 miles or annually.
Although feasible, it is advisable to utilise engine lubricants approved by Ducati in order to maintain warranty coverage and guarantee compatibility.
Designed to fulfil the rigorous performance requirements of Ducati motorcycles, Ducati specific lubricants offer exceptional protection, temperature regulation, and lubrication.
Mixing engine oils of various brands is not advised, as it may void your warranty and impair performance.
Maintaining optimal engine performance does require that the oil filter be replaced during each oil change.
Irrespective of Ducati’s approval, employ a coolant composed of ethylene glycol of superior quality to avert overheating and corrosion.
Consistently inspect the level of coolant and replenish it as required. A more comprehensive inspection is advised as part of regular maintenance.
Ducati does indeed suggest the utilisation of DOT 4 brake and clutch fluids. It is crucial to consistently verify the specifications of your motorcycle.
Brake and clutch fluids ought to be changed every two years in order to preserve the functionality of the clutch and brake systems.
Utilise a chain lubricant of superior quality, preferable one specifically formulated for motorcycle chains, in order to guarantee adequate lubrication and extended chain life.
Oil in the fork is essential for optimal suspension performance. As part of routine maintenance or every 15,000 miles, it is suggested that you replace it.
Indeed, these lubricants are available exclusively at authorised Ducati dealerships, which guarantees the use of authentic products.
Indeed, knowledgeable technicians at Ducati dealerships are capable of imparting expert advice pertaining to fluid adjustments and maintenance procedures for your Ducati Monster.
Useful Link
View Full PDF : Ducati Monster 2023 User Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Ducati Monster Seat Setup Instructions