Superbike Track Bike Maintenance

Due to our reputation as one of the premier Ducati track bike centers in the country, we're often asked for recommendations on proper service intervals for Ducati Superbikes that are either dedicated track bikes, or dual-purpose street/track bikes that see a significant amount of track usage every year. Due to the extreme conditions experienced on the track, we strongly believe that more frequent maintenance will help ensure a long life for your track bike, and we recommend more frequent maintenance intervals for most items than would be listed for normal street usage in your Ducati owner's manual. It's just common sense, and there are many systems on your bike which require attention over time. Here is the schedule we use for our OWN bikes, and what we use when maintaining our local customers' track bikes.

Please note that these are OUR recommendations based upon our experience, not "Offical" Ducati published guidelines. As with anything, your particular bike and riding conditions may dictate a different schedule for any of the items listed, there are other common maintenance items that are NOT listed in this index, and we take no responsiblity for how YOU choose to use these recommendations, we're simply providing them for reference!

Track Bike Scheduled Maintenance Recommendations from Ducati Omaha
Recommended Service Intervals
Ducati Superbike (749/999, 848/1098/1198, Panigale - All) Special Schedule
Mid-Season
Each Season
Two Years
   
 
 
 
Change engine oil and filter Every 4 Track Days* or 1 Race Weekend
Clean the engine oil sump filter screen  
X
Check and adjust Desmodromic valve clearance  
X
Inspect Timing Belt Tension (Not Panigale)  
X
Replace Timing Belts (Not Panigale)  
X
Visual check for wear of the chain timing system (Panigale Only)  
X
Change spark plugs  
X
Clean air filter  
X
Change air filter  
X
Check the proper tightening of the clutch cover, engine cover screws  
X
Check the proper tightening of the oil sump screws  
X
Change brake and clutch fluid Mid-Season if >10 Track Days* or >3 Race Weekends
X
Check brake pad wear, change if necessary  
X
Check the proper tightening of brake caliper bolts and brake disc retaining screws  
X
Check front and rear wheel axle nut tightening  
X
Check rear wheel hub bearings  
X
Check and lubricate the rear wheel shaft  
X
Check the cush drive damper on rear sprocket  
X
Check the proper tightening of final drive front and rear sprocket nuts  
X
Check final drive chain sliding shoe wear  
X
Check final drive chain tension and lubrication  
X
Check water/oil heat exchanger retaining screw tightening (Panigale Only)  
X
Check oil cooler retaining screw and oil cooler lines tightening (Not Panigale)  
X
Visually check the front fork and rear shock absorber seals  
X
Change front fork fluid Mid-Season if >10 Track Days* or >3 Race Weekends
X
Change rear shock fluid  
X
Check steering bearings and lubricate if necessary  
X
Check for proper tightening of the swinging arm and frame-to-engine fasteners  
X
Visually check the fuel lines  
X
Check rubbing points, clearance, freedom of movement and positioning of all hoses and electric wiring  
X
Lubricate the levers at the handlebar and pedal controls  
X
Check the coolant level  
X
Change coolant  
X
Check the battery condition / charge level  
X
Check secondary air system operation (Panigale Only)  
X
Check brake switches, engine stop switch, gear/neutral sensor  
X
Check tyre pressure and wear (SELF-CHECK or ask your Track Day staff for assistance) Every Track Day / Race

* "Track Day" Assumption is ~150 miles of track use. If you ride more or less mileage than that at a typical track day, please adjust the schedule accordingly.