As part of the re-commissioning tasks for my recently purchased 1992 Ducati 851 Strada I want to replace the fuel filter as the bike has been stood for 10 years. Apparently it was run occasionally but my suspicion is that the fuel has been in there for some time! I've fished the filter out of the bottom of the tank and there are 2 parts to it, the filter itself and a plastic piece which clamps to it which apparently is some sort of strainer. My problem is that the filter itself is about 5" long and appears to be one of the 'earlier' types - the later ones appear shorter. I called Ducati in Leeds and they say the filter is no longer available so I am looking for a replacement aftermarket part. The lines themselves look to be in good condition. Any idea on part numbers etc for the filter? Anything else I should consider while in there? Should I syphon the remaining fuel out and put fresh in (there only looks to be a litre or so)? I was also intending adding some fuel system cleaner and run a few tanks through with that to clean the injectors especially - is this recommended on bikes? I use it all the time on cars and have had some success in the past improving emissions and presumably cleaning the system to achieve the lower emissions.
