Ducati Super Sport SS800 User manual

1
E
Owner’s manual
SS800
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

2
E
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 2 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

3
E
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 Holding 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 authorised service centres.
Enjoy your ride!
Note
Ducati Motor Holding 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 Holding S.p.A. reserves the
right to make any changes required by the future
development of the above-mentioned products.
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 the motorcycle is resold - must always be handed
over to the new owner.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 3 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

4
ETable of Contents
General 6
Warranty 6
Symbols 6
Useful information for safe riding 7
Carrying the maximum load allowed 8
Identification data 9
Controls 10
Position of motorcycle controls 10
Instrument panel 11
LCD unit functions 13
The immobilizer system 15
Keys 15
Code card 16
Procedure to disable immobilizer engine block through
throttle twistgrip 17
Duplicate keys 18
Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock 19
LH switch 20
Clutch lever 21
Choke lever 21
Rh switch 22
Throttle twistgrip 23
Front brake lever 23
Rear brake pedal 24
Gear change pedal 24
Setting the gear change and rear brake pedals 25
Main Components and Devices 26
Position on the vehicle 26
Fuel tank plug 27
Seat catch and helmet hooks 28
Side stand 29
Rear shock absorber adjusters 30
Directions for Use 32
Running-in recommendations 32
Pre-ride checks 33
Starting the engine 34
Moving off 36
Braking 37
Stopping the motorcycle 37
Parking 37
Refuelling 38
Tool kit and accessories 39
Main Maintenance Operations 40
Removing the fairing 40
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 4 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

5
E
Lifting the fuel tank 43
Changing the air filter 44
Checking brake and clutch fluid level 45
Checking brake pads for wear 47
Lubricating cables and joints 48
Throttle cable adjustment 49
Charging the battery 50
Chain tensioning 51
Chain lubrication 52
Replacing bulbs 53
Turn indicators 55
Number plate light 55
Stop light 56
Beam setting 57
Tyres 58
Checking engine oil level 60
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs 61
Cleaning the motorcycle 62
Storing the bike away 63
Important notes 63
Maintenance 64
Scheduled maintenance chart: operations to be performed
by the dealer 64
Scheduled maintenance chart: operations to be performed
by the customer 67
Technical Data 68
Overall dimensions 68
Weights 68
Top-ups 69
Engine 70
Timing system 70
Performance data 71
Brakes 71
Transmission 72
Frame 73
Wheels 73
Tyres 73
Spark plugs 73
Fuel system 74
Suspensions 74
Exhaust system 74
Available colours 75
Electric system 75
For United States of America Version
Only 79
Routine Maintenance Record 88
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 5 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

6
EGeneral
Warranty
In your own interest, and in order to guarantee product
reliability, you are strongly advised to refer to our authorised
Dealers and workshops for any servicing requiring particular
technical expertise.
Our highly skilled staff have access to the implements
required to perform any servicing job at best, and use 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 or competitive trials. 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 right will be automatically invalidated.
Symbols
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. advises you to read this booklet
carefully so as to become familiar with your motorcycle. In
case of any doubts, please call a Ducati dealer or authorised
workshop. The information contained herein will prove
useful on your trips - and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. wishes
you smooth, enjoyable riding - and will help you keep the
performance of your motorcycle unchanged for a long time.
This manual contains some special remarks:
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.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 6 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

7
E
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 grab handle at 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 refuelling.
Be extremely careful not to spill fuel on the engine or on the
exhaust pipe when refuelling.
Do not smoke when refuelling.
While refuelling, you may inhale noxious fuel vapours.
Should any fuel 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.
Warning
The exhaust system might be hot, even after engine is
switched off; pay particular attention not to touch exhaust
system with any body part and do not park the vehicle next
to inflammable material (wood, leaves etc.).
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.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 7 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

8
ECarrying 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 these 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:
385 Kg.
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 58 and that they are in good condition.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 8 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

9
E
Identification data
All Ducati motorcycles have two identification numbers, for
frame (fig. 1) and engine (fig. 2).
Note
These numbers identify the motorcycle model and
should always be indicated when ordering spare parts.
Frame number
Engine number
fig. 1
fig. 2
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 9 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

10
EControls
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.
Position of motorcycle controls (fig. 3)
1) Instrument panel.
2) Key-operated ignition switch and steering lock
3) Left switch.
4) Clutch lever
5) Choke lever
6) Right switch.
7) Throttle twistgrip
8) Front brake lever
9) Gear change pedal
10) Rear brake pedal
10
2
7
8
6
1
9
3
4
5
fig. 3
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 10 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

11
E
Instrument panel (fig. 4.1 and fig. 4.2)
1) High beam light (blue).
Comes on when high beam is on.
2) Indicators repeater light (green).
Comes on and flashes when a turn indicator is on.
3) Fuel warning light (yellow).
Comes on when there are about 4 litres fuel left in the tank.
4) Neutral light N (green).
Comes on when in neutral position.
5) Engine oil pressure light (red).
Comes on when engine oil pressure is too low. It briefly
comes on when the ignition is switched to ON and normally
goes out a few seconds after engine starts.
It may shortly come on when the engine is hot, however, it
should go out as the engine revs up.
Important
If this light stays on, stop the engine or it may damage.
6) Amber light
Comes on and flashes when the motorcycle is parked
(Immobilizer on), it is also used for immobilizer diagnosis.
Note
When the Immobilizer is on, this light flashes for 24 hours
and then goes out. The Immobilizer is still operating.
14 2 5 3 6
fig. 4.1
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 11 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

12
E7) EOBD light (amber).
When on, engine operation is inhibited. It goes out after a
few seconds (usually 1.8 - 2 sec.).
8) Tachometer (km/h).
Gives road speed.
a) LCD (1):
-Odometer (km).
Gives total distance covered.
-Trip meter (km).
This function indicates the distance covered since the
meter was last reset.
-Trip fuel meter.
When the reserve light is on, this indicates distance
covered with fuel reserve.
9) Revolution counter (rpm).
Shows the engine rotation speed/minute.
b) LCD (2):
-Clock
- Oil temperature
8
ab
79
fig. 4.2
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 12 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

13
E
LCD unit functions
When turning the key from OFF to ON (Key-ON) the
instrument panel carries out a Check of the whole
instruments: indexes, displays and pilot lights (see fig. 5 and
fig. 6).
LCD (1)
Press button (A, fig. 6) with key ON to alternately display trip
meter and odometer indications and, if the reserve fuel light
is on, indication of distance covered with fuel reserve (trip
fuel function).
Resetting the trip meter
Keep (A, fig. 6) pressed for more than 2 seconds. When the
TRIP function is enabled (trip meter), display (LCD 1) will
reset.
LCD (2)
Turn the key to ON and press (B, fig. 6) to display clock and
oil temperature.
Setting the clock
Press button (B, fig. 6) for at least 2 seconds to see time
indication on the display (2, fig. 6).
Press (A, fig. 6) to set AM/PM. Press (B) to set hours. Use
button (A) to change hour value. Press (B) to set minutes.
Press (A) to increase the value. Keep the button pressed for
more than 5 seconds to proceed faster. Press (B) to quit this
function.
OFF
fig. 5
12
AB
CHECK
fig. 6
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 13 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

14
E
Oil temperature
When the oil temperature goes below 50 °C (122 °F), "LO"
will be displayed. "HI" will be displayed when the
temperature exceeds 170 °C (
338 °F).
Fuel light
When the reserve light turns on, the writing “FUEL” is
shown on display (2, fig. 6) and the trip fuel function activates
so that the display (1, fig. 6) shows letter "F" (FUEL) followed
by the indication of the distance covered with fuel reserve.
Maintenance indicator
“MAInt” writing which is showed on display (1, fig. 6)
indicates that the vehicle is due for service (scheduled
maintenance): it will come on for 5 seconds every time the
key is turned ON. When “MAInt” is displayed, contact an
authorised Dealer or service centre.
Backlighting function
Turn the key to ON and press (B, fig. 6) within 5 seconds to
change instrument panel lighting power.
Warning
Stop the motorcycle before using the instrument panel
controls. Never operate the instrument panel controls while
riding.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 14 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

15
E
The immobilizer system
For improved antitheft protection, the motorcycle is
equipped with an IMMOBILIZER, an electronic system that
inhibits engine operation whenever the ignition switch is
turned off.
Accommodated in the handgrip of each ignition key is an
electronic device that modulates an output signal. This signal
is generated by a special antenna incorporated in the switch
when the ignition is turned on and changes every time. The
modulated signal acts as a password and tells the CPU that
an "authorised" ignition key is being used to start up the
engine. When the CPU recognises the signal, it enables
engine start-up.
Keys (fig. 7)
The Owner receives a set of keys comprising:
- 1 RED key (A)
The “red key” is a maintenance tool and is part of the
Immobilizer system of your motorcycle.
It contains the “code” of your immobilizer system and shall
not be used for everyday use of your Ducati motorcycle. Your
Ducati dealer might ask you to bring it in for some service
operations. For safety reasons, this tool (red key) can not be
replaced. In case the red key is needed for servicing and you
can not give it to the workshop staff, it will be necessary to
change the engine control unit, the instrument panel and the
ignition switch unit and the (high) cost for changing all these
parts will be at your charge. Store the red key in a safe place.
- 2 BLACK keys (B)
Warning
Red key has a rubber cover for preserving it in perfect
conditions and avoiding contact with other keys. Never
remove this protection unless really needed.
The keys B are regular ignition keys and are used to:
- start up the engine
- open the lock of the fuel tank filler plug
- open the seat lock.
The key A performs the same functions as the keys B, and is
also used to wipe off and re-program other black keys, if
needed.
BA
1
fig. 7
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 15 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

16
ENote
The three keys have a small plate (1) attached that
reports their identification number.
Warning
Keep the keys in different places. Store the plate (1)
and the key A in a safe place.
It is also recommended to use always the same black key to
start the bike.
Code card
A CODE CARD (fig. 8) is supplied together with the keys, it
indicates the electronic code (A, fig. 9) to be used in case of
engine disabled and therefore if engine will not start up after
the key-ON.
Warning
Keep the CODE CARD in a safe place. However, it is
advisable to keep the electronic code printed on the CODE
CARD handy when you ride your motorcycle, in case it is
necessary to remove engine block through the procedure
that uses the throttle twistgrip.
In case of faulty immobilizer system, the following procedure
gives the chance to disable "engine block" function -
immediately signalled by the orange EOBD warning light (7,
fig. 4.2).
But this operation can be carried out only if the electronic
code indicated on the code card is known.
fig. 8
A
fig. 9
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 16 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

17
E
Procedure to disable immobilizer engine
block through throttle twistgrip
1) Turn the key to ON and fully open throttle. Keep it open.
The EOBD warning light (7, fig. 4.2) turns off after 8
seconds.
2) Release the throttle as soon as the EOBD warning light
turns off.
3) EOBD pilot light will flash. It is now necessary to enter
the electronic code indicated on the CODE CARD
delivered to the customer together with the bike.
4) Count as many flashes of the EOBD pilot light (7, fig.
4.2) as the first digit of the electronic code.
Fully open the throttle for 2 seconds, and release. In
this way the input of one figure is acknowledged, EOBD
pilot light comes on and stays on for 4 seconds. Carry
out the same procedure for the following figures of the
code. Failure to comply with this procedure, the EOBD
pilot light will flash for 20 times, then will come on
steady. Repeat the procedure starting from step (1).
5) Release the throttle twistgrip, if the code is correct, the
EOBD warning light shall flash signalling that engine
block has been disabled. The warning light turns off
after 4 seconds.
6) If the code is NOT correct, the EOBD warning light stays
on and it is then possible to turn the key to OFF and
repeat the procedure, starting from point (1), as many
times as necessary (infinite).
Note
Should the throttle twistgrip be released before the set
time, the warning light turns on again. It is then necessary to
bring the key to OFF and restart the procedure from point (1).
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 17 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

18
E
Operation
When the ignition key is turned to OFF, the immobilizer
inhibits engine operation. When the ignition key is turned
back to ON to start the engine, the following happens:
1) if the CPU recognised the code, the light (6, fig. 4.1) on
the instrument panel will flash briefly. This means that
the immobilizer system has recognised the key code
and enabled engine ignition. Press the START button (2,
fig. 14), to start the engine;
2) if light (6, fig. 4.1) or EOBD light (7, fig. 4.2) stay on, it
means that the code was not acknowledged. When this
is the case, turn the ignition key back to OFF and then to
ON again. If the engine still does not start, try with
another black key. If the other key does not work out
either, contact the DUCATI Service network.
3) Should the pilot light (6, fig. 4.1) still be flashing, it
means that an immobilizer system fault was reset (e.g.
with the overriding procedure through throttle grip). Turn
the key to OFF and back to ON, the immobilizer pilot
light should go back to its normal operation (see point 1).
Warning
Any important shock might damage the electronic
components fitted into the key.
Use only one key during the procedure. Failure to do so
might prevent the system from recognising the code of the
key in use.
Duplicate keys
If you need any duplicate keys, contact the DUCATI Service
network with all the keys you have left and your CODE
CARD.
DUCATI Service will program new keys and re-program your
original keys, up to 8 keys in total.
You may be asked to identify yourself as the legitimate
owner of the motorcycle. Be sure you have any documents
you might need to this end ready.
The codes of any keys not submitted will be wiped off from
the memory to make those keys unserviceable in case they
have been lost.
Note
If you sell your motorcycle, do not forget to give all
keys and the CODE CARD to the new owner.
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 18 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

19
E
Key-operated ignition switch and steering
lock (fig. 10)
It is located in front of the fuel tank and has four positions:
A) ON: lights and engine on;
B) OFF: lights and engine off;
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.
Warning
This vehicle is equipped with an energy-saving CPU. If
the key stays ON for a long period but the ignition button is
not pressed within 15 seconds, the CPU will stop operating
to avoid current absorption. Move the key to OFF and then to
ON again.
A
B
C
D
fig. 10
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 19 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM

20
ELH switch (fig. 11)
1) Dip switch, light dip switch, two positions:
position = low beam on;
position = high beam on.
2) Switch = 3-position turn indicator:
centre position = OFF;
position = left turn;
position = right turn.
To cancel turn indicators, push in once switch returns to
central position.
3) Button = warning horn.
4) Button = passing.
4
1
23fig. 11
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 20 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM