Vehicle Segment:
Sportbike / Naked Sportbike
Target Audience:
Riders seeking accessible performance and Ducati styling.
Competitors:
Comparable to other middleweight European and Japanese sportbikes of the era, such as Triumph Bonneville/Speed Triple (styling), Aprilia SL 1000 Falco (sport-touring prowess), and some Japanese inline-fours in terms of performance envelope.
Engine Architecture:
800cc L-Twin (90° V-twin) with Desmodromic valve actuation.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on accessible Ducati sportbike experience with comfortable ergonomics compared to more aggressive 'superbike' models.
Engine:
Covers all aspects of the 800cc L-Twin Desmodromic engine operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Details on fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
Information on spark plugs, ignition coils, and ECU operation.
Cooling System:
Guidance on coolant levels, radiator, and fan operation.
Transmission:
Covers clutch operation, gear shifting, and maintenance of the 6-speed gearbox.
Brakes:
Details on front and rear brake systems, including hydraulic lines, calipers, and fluid.
Suspension:
Information on front fork adjustment and rear shock absorber maintenance.
Electrical System:
Covers battery maintenance, lighting systems, starter motor, and basic wiring diagrams for identification.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Guidance on frame inspection, fairing removal, seat, and other body components.
Routine Maintenance:
Covers regular checks, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, and chain adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Basic guidance on identifying and resolving common operational issues.
Owner Responsibilities:
Details on rider safety, correct operation, and general care of the motorcycle.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on what to do in case of minor malfunctions or roadside issues.
Security Features:
Information on the ignition key, steering lock, and any factory alarm system if equipped.
Tire Pressure Recommendations:
Specific front and rear tire pressure settings for optimal performance and safety.
Storage Instructions:
Guidance on proper motorcycle storage for extended periods.
Level Of Detail:
Designed for the owner, providing clear instructions for essential maintenance and operation. Not a full workshop manual, but comprehensive for owner-level tasks.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, 90° L-twin cylinder, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
796 cc (48.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
88 x 66 mm (3.46 x 2.60 in)
Horsepower:
73 hp (54 kW) @ 8,200 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
70 Nm (51.6 lb-ft) @ 6,400 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Induction:
Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection, 38mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Oil Capacity:
3.2 L (3.4 US qt) (approximate, including filter)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA certified motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate.
Cooling Medium:
Air-cooled
Gearbox:
6-speed, constant mesh
Clutch:
Wet multi-plate clutch, hydraulic actuation
Gear Ratios:
1st: 32/15 (2.13), 2nd: 30/17 (1.76), 3rd: 28/19 (1.47), 4th: 25/21 (1.19), 5th: 23/22 (1.05), 6th: 21/23 (0.91) (Typical values, may vary slightly)
Transmission Oil:
Check engine oil specification, often shared with engine oil or specific gearbox oil. Consult manual for precise type and quantity.
Length:
Approx. 2,080 mm (81.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 750 mm (29.5 in) (at handlebars)
Height:
Approx. 1,160 mm (45.7 in) (at windscreen)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 185 kg (408 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 204 kg (450 lbs) (fully fueled, including rider)
Fuel Capacity:
17 L (4.5 US gal)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to the same crash test ratings as cars)
Braking System:
Dual 320mm discs with 2-piston calipers (front), Single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear). ABS was not standard or commonly available on this model.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight, standard turn signals.
Frame Type:
Trellis frame, Ducati's signature tubular steel construction.
Tires:
Front: 120/60-17, Rear: 180/55-17 (typical fitment)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature gauge, and essential indicator lights.
ABS:
Not typically fitted to the 2003 Supersport 800. ABS was becoming more common but was an option or absent on many bikes of this era.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
N/A (No factory Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 km (4,600 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Desmo Service Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 24 months for Desmodromic valve clearance adjustment. This is a critical service.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 km (4,600 miles), replace as needed or every 15,000 km (9,300 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or as recommended by the manual.
Chain Adjustment And Lubrication:
Check and lubricate chain at every 1,000 km (600 miles) and after riding in wet conditions. Adjust slack as needed.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Fork Oil:
Specific viscosity, usually around SAE 10W. Refer to manual for exact type and quantity per fork leg.
Desmo Service Importance:
Failure to perform Desmo service at intervals can lead to valve damage and significant repair costs. This is a signature Ducati maintenance item.
Electrical Connections:
Some older Ducatis can experience minor electrical connection issues; ensuring clean and tight connections is important.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
While generally reliable, fuel pump issues can arise with age and debris. Regular fuel filter replacement is recommended.
Ducati Legacy:
Ducati has a rich heritage in motorcycle racing and performance, known for its L-twin engines and Desmodromic valve actuation.
Supersport Lineage:
The Supersport line has been a staple for Ducati, offering a blend of sporty performance and more street-friendly ergonomics than the flagship superbikes. The 800cc model provided a more accessible entry point into the Ducati sportbike family.
Production Years:
The Supersport 800 was produced in the early 2000s, with the 2003 model being a representative example of this iteration.
