2023 Ducati Supersport 950 Engine Oil and Fluids Operations
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.
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.
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
Attention
The positive pole is protected by a removable cover.
Attention
Have the battery removed at a Ducati Dealer or authorised Service Centre.
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
ImportantHave 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.
Check the correspondence of the positioning marks (1) on both sides of the swinging arm to ensure a perfect wheel alignment.
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 (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.
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.
FAQs
It is recommended by Ducati to use premium synthetic engine oil that complies with the owner’s manual specifications. A viscosity grade oil of 10W-40 or 15W-50 works well.
Following Ducati’s suggested servicing intervals is advised; these are typically every 7,500 to 9,000 miles or 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers.
It is recommended to use engine oils that are compatible with Ducati. To make sure the oil is compatible, check the owner’s manual or go to a Ducati service center that has been authorized.
Engine longevity and performance may be impacted by using the incorrect oil. Using the recommended oil is essential to guaranteeing the engine components receive the best possible lubrication and protection.
What type of coolant is recommended for the Supersport 950?
Ducati recommends a premium coolant with a long-lasting formulation that is based on ethylene glycol. For information on the precise coolant type and mixture ratio, consult the owner’s manual.
Regularly check the coolant levels, and replace the coolant as directed by Ducati or in accordance with the maintenance schedule, which usually calls for doing so every two years.
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which is typically every two years.
For best brake performance and safety, brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which is typically every two years.
Mixing different brands of brake fluid is not advised as this could impact the fluid’s performance and possibly cause problems with the brake system. Adhere to just one suggested brand.
Ducati specifies performance and viscosity requirements for transmission oil. For information on the recommended transmission oil, consult the owner’s manual.
The maintenance schedule will usually specify when to replace the transmission oil, which should be done every 9,000 to 12,000 miles or as recommended by Ducati.
To guarantee optimum performance and longevity, it is best to use fluids that satisfy Ducati’s specified standards and are suggested for the Supersport 950.
Authorized Ducati dealerships and authorized parts retailers carry genuine Ducati fluids. To ensure authenticity, only buy from approved vendors.
Although changing the fluids yourself is possible, going to an authorized Ducati service center guarantees that genuine parts are used and that correct procedures are followed.
Ignoring fluid maintenance can result in a breakdown in performance, possible harm to important parts, compromised safety (brake fluid in particular), and warranty voiding. To ensure longevity and optimum performance, it is imperative to adhere to Ducati’s maintenance recommendations.
Useful Links
View Full PDF : 2023 Ducati Supersport 950| Auto User Guide 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 Warning and Indicators Guide