Segment:
Superbike / Sportbike
Era Context:
Iconic V-twin superbike era of the 1990s, known for performance and design
Competitors:
Honda RC45, Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki ZX-7R, Suzuki GSX-R750
Design Philosophy:
L-twin engine architecture, trellis frame, high-performance components
Target Audience:
Performance motorcycle enthusiasts, track day riders, discerning collectors
Covered Models:
Ducati 748, 916 (including STR, SP, BIPOSTO, S variants)
Covered Years:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (full workshop manual coverage, typically 500+ pages for this era Ducati)
Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, cylinder head, valve timing, piston/cylinder, crankshaft, con-rods, oil pump, cooling system
Fuel System:
Carburetor (if applicable on early models), Fuel Injection (Marelli/Weber), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU, sensors (crank position, temperature)
Transmission And Clutch:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch operation (dry clutch), shift mechanism, lubrication
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays
Chassis And Suspension:
Front forks (Showa/Ohlins), rear shock absorber, swingarm, steering head bearings, linkage systems
Brakes:
Brembo radial calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, bleeding procedures, disc specifications
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire pressure, recommended tire sizes
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank mounting, trim pieces
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, fan operation, coolant specifications
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication points, spark plug checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical and mechanical faults
Engine Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly and reassembly
Suspension Setup And Rebuild:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, linkage maintenance
Brake System Service:
Pad replacement, caliper service, bleeding, fluid replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, fault finding using multimeter
Fuel Injection System Service:
Injector cleaning, fuel pressure testing, sensor diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and chassis overhauls, suitable for DIY and professional mechanics
Configuration:
Desmodromic 4-valve L-twin (90-degree V-twin)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke
Desmodromic Valves:
Yes (Ducati's signature valve actuation system)
748 Horsepower:
Approx. 97-104 hp (depending on variant and market)
916 Horsepower:
Approx. 110-135 hp (depending on variant and market)
Torque:
Varies by model/variant, but generally in the 50-65 ft-lb range
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Marelli or Weber systems were common
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON (Octane rating may vary slightly by region)
916 Cc:
916 cc (later models might have 955 cc for 955 Corse variants)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000-7,500 km (or annually)
Major Service Interval:
Desmodromic valve clearance checks and belt replacement every 12,000-24,000 km (critical interval)
Engine Oil:
Full Synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (API SG or higher, JASO MA compliant) - e.g., Motul 5100, Castrol Power 1
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 (hydraulic clutch) or mineral oil (for early hydraulic systems if applicable)
Desmo Belts:
Regular inspection and timely replacement of desmodromic timing belts is paramount to prevent catastrophic engine damage
Fuel Pump:
Early fuel pump failures can occur; inspection and potential replacement with upgraded units
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or loose connections in the electrical system can lead to intermittent faults
Regulator Rectifier:
Can be a failure point in some Ducati models of this era, affecting charging system