Ducati Valve Adjustment Tools

In order to keep your Ducati motorcycle in working condition, you will have to maintain your values frequently. In fact, all Ducatis come with an exclusive valve system that requires extra care. In order to do a valve adjustment on your own, you must be aware of necessary tools and parts. Because Ducati parts are relatively expensive and, in some cases, a special order from Italy, take the time to learn exactly what you need beforehand.

  1. Basic Tools

    • Basic tools will make your task easier.

      To adjust your valves, you will need a screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, 4- and 5-mm Allen wrenches and a clean workspace. You may already have these tools in your possession. You will also need 400- and 600-grit sandpaper.

    Ducati Specific Tools

    • A micrometer plays an absolutely necessary role in the adjustment of your valves.

      First, you will need a micrometer, necessary for measuring the opening and closers of shims; a micrometer of 0 to 1 inch should work with all Ducati bikes. You will also need a feeler gauge that goes down to at least .0015 inches for measuring clearance for the valves. Your project will then require new gaskets for valve covers, shims, fuel filter, timing belts and spark plugs.

    Valve Shims for the Ducati Monster

    • For Monster models 600, 620, 750, 800, 800s and 900, as well as S2R (through 2006), your bike will require an 8-mm-diameter valve stem.

      If you own a Monster model 1000, 1000s, 1000DS, 695, S2R1000, S4, S4R, S4R Testestretta or S4RS Testestretta, you will need a 7-mm-diameter valve stem.

      In addition, the S4, S4R, S4R Testestretta and S4RS Testestretta will require modified 7-mm opener shims if you have MBP retainers on your bike. MBP retainers, which increase your bike's engine response, attach to the shims. The 1000, 1000s, 1000DS, 695 and S2R1000 Monsters will not require these shims.

    Valve Shims for the Ducati Sport Touring

    • The ST2 will require an 8-mm-diameter valve stem.

      The ST4, ST4S, and ST3 models require modified 7-mm opener shims. (You'll need the modified versions if your bike has MBP retainers.)

    Valve Shims for the Ducati Supersport

    • The 620 and 750 Supersport models, as well as the 800 up through 2006 and the 900 model, all require an 8-mm-diameter valve stem.

      For the 2007 800 Supersport model, as well as the 1000, you will need a 7-mm-diameter valve stem. Luckily, these Supersport models do not require any modifications to the 7-mm opener shims.

    Valve Shims for the Ducati Multistrada

    • The 620 Multistrada requires an 8-mm-diameter valve stem, while the 1000, 1000DS and 1200 Multistrada take a 7-mm.

      The 1000 and 1000DS Multistrada models will not require opener shim modifications, but the 1200 model will.

    Valve Shims for Ducati Sport Classic and Hypermotard

    • The Sport Classic models PS 1000, Sport 1100 and GT 1000, as well as the Hypermotard 1100 and 1100s, take 7-mm-diameter valve stems. None of these models require opener shim modifications.

    Valve Shims for the Ducati Superbike Models

    • With the exception of a few models, most Superbikes take a 7-mm-diameter valve stem. The Superbike 851, 888, 916, 916S, 748S, 748R, 996, 996S, 996R, 998, 998S, 998R, 749, 749 Dark, 999, 999S, 2003 999R, 1098, 1098S, 848, 1198 and the 1198S all use a 7-mm-diameter valve shim.

      The Superbike 749S of 2004 through 2006, the 749R, the 999R from 2004 through 2006 and the 1098R all use an 8-mm-diameter valve shim.

      The following Superbike models will require modified 7-mm opener shims: 851, 888, 916, 916S, 748S, 748R, 996, 996S, 996R, 998, 998S, 998R, 749, 749 Dark, 999, 999S, 2003 999R, 1098, 1098S, 848, 1198 and 1198S.