Cleaning The Motorcycle; Storing The Bike Away; Important Notes - Ducati 996SPS Owner's Manual

Cleaning the motorcycle

To preserve the finish of metal parts and paintwork, wash
and clean your motorcycle at regular intervals, anyway
according to the road conditions you ride in.
Use specific products only. Prefer biodegradable
products. Avoid aggressive detergents or solvents.
Important
Do not wash your motorcycle right after use. When
the motorcycle is still hot, water drops will evaporate
E
faster and spot hot surfaces.
Do not use high pressure water jets.
Never aim the nozzle direct at wheel bearings, front fork
seals, electric items, air inlets or exhaust pipe ends.
Clean off stubborn dirt or exceeding grease from engine
parts using a degreasing agent. Be sure to avoid contact
with drive parts (chain, sprockets, etc.)
Rinse with warm water and dry all surfaces with chamois
leather.
Warning
Braking performance may be impaired immediately
after washing the motorcycle.
Never grease or lubricate the brake discs. Loss of braking
and further accidents may occur.
Clean the discs with an oil-free solvent.
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Storing the bike away

If the motorcycle is to be left unridden over long periods,
it is advisable to carry out the following operations before
storing it away:
clean the motorcycle;
undo the drain plug with its seal and empty the fuel tank;
pour a few drops of engine oil into the cylinders through
the spark plug seats, then crank the engine by hand a
few times so a protective film of oil will spread on
cylinder inner walls;
use the supplied stand to support the motorcycle;
disconnect and remove the battery. Battery should be
checked and charged whenever the motorcycle has been
left unridden for over a month.
Protect the motorcycle with a suitable canvas available
from Ducati Spare Parts Department. This will protect
paintwork and let condensate breathe out.

Important notes

Some countries, such as France, Germany, Great Britain,
Switzerland and so on, have compulsory emission and
noise standards that include mandatory inspections at
regular intervals.
Carry out any required inspection and replace any parts
using Ducati original spare parts complying with local law.