Scrambler Service Intervals

Whether you already own a Scrambler, are in the market for one, it is important to know how to maintain your Scrambler. Aside from the usual oil changes, you may not think about doing any of the work yourself. Maybe you’re short on time, or maybe you just want to focus on riding. Usually it’s because, like me, you have no idea what you’re doing.


Co-Op garages are on the rise for a reason, if you have one near you they offer all of the tools you’ll ever need and more. You’ll meet other riders and some co-ops even offer classes where they’ll teach you how to properly take care of your bike, all for some sort of membership fee of course. I highly recommend joining one if you can. 


If that’s not an option for you of course there’s an alternative. As long as you have some spare time, lots of patience, and decent wifi connection for tutorials you can easily maintain your own Scrambler. Getting your hands dirty and working on your own bike not only teaches you valuable skills, but it also just makes you have a deeper connection with your bike. Plus it saves you a ton of money in the long run, so that’s always a bonus!


First and foremost you need the right tools for the job. While Ducati does provide you with a tool kit located underneath the seat, they are purposed for emergency road repairs. We recommend you invest in some quality tools to help get the job done! Even after you decide to part with your bike you will have a nice set of tools to work with.

 

Here’s what you need:

- An allen wrench set (those little L-shaped hexagon things)

- A Socket Wrench Set

- Phillips and Flat Head Screwdriver (You can buy a set with interchangeable ends)

- An Adjustable wrench OR Wrench Set

- Tire Pressure gauge


Aside from these tools, you are also going to need whatever fluids or parts that correspond to your service. This includes (but is not limited to) engine oil and filters, brake fluid and brake pads, air filters, timing belts, spark plugs, and fork fluid.



For all models, Ducati recommends the following parts:

Engine Oil: Any 15w50 (Oil and oil filter Change Guide)

Oil Filter: K&N Filters Model KN-153

Brake Fluid: Dot3

Spark Plugs: NGK DCPR8E


Directly Below is a list of all the things you should check and change during the various service intervals.


At Every Service Interval (or Once Every Year)


Check

  • Engine oil level
  • Brake fluid level
  • Tire pressure and wear
  • Brake disk and pad wear. Change if necessary
  • Proper tightening of brake caliper bolts and brake disk flange screws
  • Front and rear wheel nuts tightening
  • Proper tightening of final drive front and rear sprocket nuts
  • Final drive chain tension and lubrication


Visually check

  • Front fork and rear shock absorber seals
  • Freedom of movement and tightening of the side and central stand (if any)
  • Rubbing points, clearance, freedom of movement and positioning of hoses and electric wiring in view
  • Operation of the safety electrical devices (side stand switch, front and rear brake switches, engine stop switch, gear/neutral sensor)
  • Lighting, turn indicators, horn and controls

Change

  • Engine oil and filter

- Reset the Service indication through the DDS - Final test and road test of the motorcycle, testing safety devices (ex. ABS) and idling


In addition to everything listed above, there are other things you must address depending on your mileage/use. You can find the rest of those below.



SPECIFICALLY AT 600 Miles (or within the first 6 months of riding)


Check

  • Drive chain tension and lubrication
  • Brake pads.
  • For the presence of any technical updates and recall campaigns
  • Clean the engine oil mesh filter assembly

- Reading of the error memory with DDS and check of software version update on control units



SPECIFICALLY AT 7,500 Miles


Check

  • Secondary air system operation
  • Frame-to-engine fasteners tightening
  • Final drive (chain, front and rear sprocket) and sliding shoe wear

Visually check

  • Fuel lines
  • Lubricate the levers at the handlebar and pedal controls
  • Clean air filter
  • Check and/or adjust valve clearance


EVERY 15,000 Miles

Change

  • Timing belts
  • Spark plugs
  • Change air filter

Check...

  • Frame-to-engine fasteners tightening
  • Wheel hub bearings
  • Rear wheel shaft and lubricate
  • Cush drive damper on rear sprocket
  • Final drive (chain, front and rear sprocket) and sliding shoe wear
  • steering bearings and lubricate

SPECIFICALLY At 22500 Miles

- Change front fork fluid


If you think something is seriously wrong and do not have a solution you can find, you always have the option to bring it to a professional! Depending on your mechanic, it also doesn’t hurt to ask if you can watch how they do something or have them explain it to you. That’s how I learn!

Back to Blogs