I have noticed that there is no fuel filter shown in the parts list for the Supersport 939. This didn't bother me particularly since there was none shown in the parts list for the 2010 MTS1200 either although it was shown for all subsequent years. Yet strangely, the fuel filter isn't mentioned in the service schedule. However, I discovered that Ducati haven't mentioned the fuel filters in the service schedules for any of their bikes for the last 10 years, although for the MTS I usually changed it at the Desmo service every 15,000 miles. So what is going on with Ducati and fuel filters? As far as I can see, of the current bikes only the Multistradas and the Scramblers show fuel filters in the parts lists. No fuel filter is shown for the Panigale 1199/1299 nor V4. Nor for the Monster 1200, 821 and 797, the Hypermotard 950 nor Supersport. On the Supersport the fuel pump, filter and pressure regulator are all enclosed in a plastic housing which incorporates the flange and, in the case of the Supersport at least, looks like it would be quite difficult to get into without breaking something. When the filter gets clogged, as it eventually will, does Ducati expect owners to fork out for a complete new pump assembly? For a Supersport it is £604, for a Monster £630 and for a 1299 a whopping £760! Maybe @nelly can answer this?
There is a filter on the 2010 Multi. It's a Mahle KL97. To replace it you remove the flange with the pump, remove 2 self-tappers and slide up the cover over the filter. Extract the old filter, replace it with the new filter and refit the flange assembly.
You’re right @Derek. Fuel filters were removed from the schedules many moons ago. One factor was the use of plastic tanks, but that is decreasing again, but no mention of filters. In truth, I see very few issues on the newer bikes with filter related problems, but that’s not to say it doesn’t or won’t occur, but it’s nothing like as bad as the older generation bikes. I couldn’t say if the last MTS filter has been carried over to the newer pumps as I’ve never looked it up. Another factor,being a cynic, is that it reduces the service costs. Whether you agree or not, changing filters adds time and now the service times are published, it would have an effect on those times. I’ve had quite a few newer bikes hitting decent mileages 30k+ without any issues, so I take it on that experience that the filters are good for decent mileage. In truth, if a problem did occur, I’d guess I could find the filter aftermarket and fit it to the pump assembly.
Thanks @nelly. That confirms what I had suspected that fuel filters are no longer a serviceable item. Let's hope the current steel tanks don't go rusty. Strange that the only models, apart from the Scramblers, that still have filters listed have plastic tanks!
No issues in over 30,000 miles with the filter on the SMT (plastic tank). Changed it anyway for the sake of £33 Really don’t see many fuel filter issues anymore, as Nelly said
Ooo dirty, what fuel you using fellor? Diesel? That looks pretty bad, did it affect the performance of any other issues?
Probably also fuel is better and more refined than it has been and fuel gauges are tending to be more accurate. When I think back, most of the times I've changed fuel filters has tended to be on carb engines and hi flow modified engines. I can't remember the last time I changed a standard fuel filter because of a genuine problem?
i'm sure your aware that many petrol cars have lifetime filters fitted as part of the pump assembly. most cars will easily see 100k plus without any problems. i can only think of one that i have seen an issue with, and that was only recently. a clio with blocked injectors
