Very recently and after many months of research, I managed to source a used factory aluminium monoposto rear subframe for my 998S MON (2002) online (the bike’s original was sold off by the previous owner). As the devil is in the detail in any good restoration, I shortly found myself on the look out again, this time for what is referred to in lay terms as the ‘type approval’ sticker (and which Ducati refers to as the ‘homologation certificate’). This sticker is affixed on the rear subframe, and apart from pairing the rear subframe to the frame itself (as it also contains the VIN number), it further acts as an official certification by the manufacturer on a model's type approval and sound conformity. To my great surprise, there is much discussion about this ‘sticker’ online. In fact, in many jurisdictions, registration of an imported bike (whether already registered or unregistered new-old-stock) apparently can become tricky without the presence or physical inspection of this sticker, particularly as for the 748/916/996/998 range: (a) Ducati does not issue duplicate factory original certificates of conformity (“CoC”); and (b) the “technical data sheet” that is devised and issued by Ducati is not always well received by transportation departments in lieu of a factory CoC. In order to avoid any misunderstanding, I am not arguing that this sticker replaces the CoC or the technical data sheet. Its presence however has been argued by many to assist, along with other supporting documents, in pushing through the registration of an imported 748/916/996/998. Despite its importance, the official parts manual makes no reference to this ‘sticker’ whatsoever. Though the sticker itself does have a part number printed on its face (which differs for each model), it’s not listed in the parts manual. The reason would most likely be that, as it also contains dedicated bike-specific information (i.e the bike’s VIN number), it cannot be mass produced by the factory. Trust that it is for the same reason that its reproduction/commercial exploitation has stimulated little to no interest outside official channels. This is where Michael B***n D*****s, a fellow Ducatisti from California, came to my rescue, the quality work of which had been introduced to me by many FB group’s concerning Ducati 916/96/98 parts. What did in fact draw my initial attention, was his work on the sticker covering the P8 module on the older models (where most of us are used to seeing ducktape). For those of you not aware of Michael and his work, he can easily be found/contacted in any of the said groups. Having masked my VIN (for obvious reasons), I attach my commissioned reproduction, as I am sure that it would appeal to many out there that may be having a hard time, or have given up entirely, looking for a like quality replacement. View attachment 277548 View attachment 277547
Following on from above, the ECU sticker is still available from your dealer. Or at least it was when I bought one a year or so ago. Edit. Still available for around £8.
@Expat Jack You may very well be correct, as I was not/never in the market for one of those myself. It just happened to be what reeled my interest in at first (and then led me to the sticker that is no longer produced by the factory).
Excellent write up @Nick_996 and thank you. @Expat Jack while the ECU sticker PN 43311801B is still available (something I learned after creating), the earlier style PN 43311791A found on pre-98 bikes is not. These have either the Cagiva logo, or Cagiva-style Ducati logo. To Nick’s point, the other various frame stickers are not available any longer, and if interested I can create near-exact replicas. Some photos of my work below, and please feel free to PM me here. I do this for the love of Ducatis and to help out - just a fellow enthusiast
Here are some of the other variations of the ECU cover sticker I have. While the latest rev (bottom-right) is still available, the other three are not
Great write-up chaps, this is absolutely getting bookmarked in my browser!! To the OP’s original requirement, it was one of the “ticks” when i was looking at buying my 748R, that the rear subframe sticker was still intact, and not worn away. In addition, I’ve had a few attempts at trying to delicately peel back the ECU sticker, to see whether a previous owner had installed an EPROM to cater for the 50mm Termi’s. Each time I’ve chickened out on the basis that it’ll destroy the sticker, but now I know that replacements are available….. (I actually didn’t even think to check the parts catalogue…and only £8!)
Thanks for this thread, @caffine I will reach out to you soon for sticker on my 998 project in the next few weeks
@caffine Is this something you still do? Im looking for the one for covering the grommet on my 996s ecu
I use aluminium (plumbers?) tape, same thing bar the writing and you can get a 50m roll for less than a fiver.
