Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Oil Types

[Rob B]

You wouldn't believe how many posts have got the word oil in there somewhere.

Anyway, what oil do you favour?

If the dealer/mech is doing the work I don't suppose you get that much choice. If you do your own work are you using full or semi nad whos?

I expect this has been done before but I gave up seaching.

Rgds,

Rob

[Guido]

You're right Rob,

It has been done a million times before and the same answer keeps coming out really..

"Ensure you meet the minimum specs recommended for your engine and choose a reputable brand of oil and you won't go far wrong"

More development time/money has gone into fully synthetic oils cos they're the ones that get put under the most strain in their natural environments. There's nothing wrong with semi's but they're less likely to handle the high revving, high compression, high 'shear' characteristics of a modern superbike engine.

Quite often the required spec will dictate the choice between semi or full synth' oils for you.

Ducati recommend Shell cos Shell have ploughed millions into them in sponsorship and have developed oils for their race bikes. This technology and experience is then transferred into the road oils.

That doesn'tmean tho' that only Shell will hold your block together and honour warranty

If it meeets the minimum specs it will hold water in a warranty argument regardless of whether it's Shell or not.

I use Castrol R4 cos a) I worked for them for 5 years and am happy with the development that goes into their bike oils, and b) I've done 35k+ miles on Dukes with it in and only had one rocker changed.

Others swear by Motul 300V or Silkolene.

Both are reputable brands (Like Shell) and both have a grade that falls within the viscosity ranges stipulated in the Ducati owners manuals.

Follow the guidelines Rob, but after that, it's pretty much up to you which one you choose

[Old Yella]

Shell advanced ultra 15/50 as recommended.

Fully synthetic and I trust my mechanic and always will cos I am bigger and will hit him if it goes bang :P:P

[nelly]

Originally posted by Old Yella
Shell advanced ultra 15/50 as recommended.

Fully synthetic and I trust my mechanic and always will cos I am bigger and will hit him if it goes bang :P:P

LALALALALALALALALA :P


I'd have to agree with Guido. He does know what he's talikin' about after all

I sell/use/recommend Shell Advance, but as Guy says, there are a couple of other very good brands out there.

Shell and Ducati actually recommend the 10W/40 Ultra 4. I prefer to use 15W/50 for two reasons.
Firstly, as it's thicker when cold, the 15W rating, it's more prone to hanging around the rockers and giving them just that little bit more lubrication upon start up.
Secondly, it'll hold oil pressure when things get really hot.

The only problem with the Shell product in the 15W grade is that it'll soon be unavailable in 4 litre jugs. "Economics" have prevailed and it'll only be available in 1 litre and 209 litre. You'll only get 10W/40 in 4 litres.

[Old Yella]

Whatever you recommend oh Torque Wrench God.


Exploiting a good market by Shell me thinks.

[rcgbob44]

Dripping or good quality lard!

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil ..... escellent on salads .....

In the bike ..? God knows ... we pay people to sort that out ....!!!!!