If the fuel filter in your Ducati motorcycle is clogged and full of grit, you need to replace it. The fuel filter should allow fuel to pass through its micron screen to reach the engine. The screen separates out particulates and water. The exact location of the fuel filter varies for different Ducati motorcycles, although most are located below the fuel tank and not readily accessible. Although a few extraneous parts need to be removed, the process overall is rather straightforward.
Pop off the button-head screws on the key cover in front of the seat of your Ducati. Lift the cover off and set it aside.
Carefully pry upward on the seat around its perimeter. Lift the seat off of the Ducati and set it aside.
Lift upward on the clip securing the fuel tank in place. Release the clip.
Lift the tank upward. Prop the tank in an upright position with a rod or other spree implement.
Lay out disposable towels below the fuel pimp to catch any fuel that spills.
Unplug the wiring harness attached to the fuel pump.
Clamp the two tubes feeding the fuel pump with your 7 mm tube clamp pliers.
Pull the tubes off of the fuel pump stems. Allow the fuel to leak out of the tubes and catch in the disposable towels.
Place a gas can below the fuel tank. Place a funnel in the gas can. Remove the fuel tank drain plug with an Allen wrench. Tip the tank forward slightly and allow the fuel to drain into the gas can. Tighten back on the fuel tank drain plug.
Loosen the nuts securing the bolts of the fuel pump bracket in place. Unthread the bolts of the fuel pump bracket.
Loosen the collars of the vent tubes feeding the fuel pump. Pull the vent tubes off of their stems on the fuel pump.
Unplug the wiring harness on the bottom of the fuel pump. Pull the fuel pump completely out of its bracket.
Remove the two screws holding the fuel tubes to the fuel filter.
Remove the screw securing the strap around the fuel filter in place with your Allen wrench.
Pull the old fuel filter out of its cavity.
Insert the replacement fuel filter into the cavity where the previous fuel filter sat. Secure it in place with the strap. Remount the two fuel tubes with the screws you removed earlier. Replace the fuel pump, lower the fuel tank and put back on the seat and the key cover.
Refuel the tank with the fuel you collected earlier.
