This has probably been raised many times before but what type and brand of oil are people using? The book says Shell Advance 4T Ultra 15W-50 which I guess 15w-50 because Italy is generally hotter than the UK? Would 10w-40 be ok here in the UK? Happy to get the spec oil but just curious.
Ducati and bloody Shell Motul 7100 4T 10w-40 uphill and down dale - no comparison - without doubt - no room for argument
Please just search this forum or any other for that matter for 'What oil should I use' and be prepared to waste the rest of your life getting hopelessly confused with the conflicting advice and reasons! Suffice to say your motor won't blow up with any oil that's within spec. You pays your money and makes your choice but much depends on the type of riding you do. There is a lot of crap and misinformation banded about, but also some very valid points too. It's far more important to change your oil and filter frequently than exactly what brand/weight within reason. One of the most common misconceptions is 'I must use what's on the sticker on the engine'. Bollocks, that's all to do with who Ducati currently partner with for financial and advertising reasons, look back and you'll see it has changed over time. Once Agip, now Shell. Just remember an oil change is cheaper than an engine rebuild.
Yer I usually just go for a decent brand with in spec but more so wondered why they specify 15w50? I have realized its a hot engine..lol Maybe thats why?
Agreed. In my opinion, any motor oil to the viscocity spec will do. Change it and the filter regularly, let the engine warm up (C70+) before you give it the beans, and you will be fine.
15W/50 grade should be used as the DVT system relies on reliable and stable oil pressure and control. Nothing to do with Italy being warmer. Shell, Motul... doesn’t matter too much, just good quality synthetic but the grade is important.
1260 Type Of Oil? Yes. There are at least 1260 type of oil and then some. West Texas Intermediate, Brent Crude, OPEC Reference Basket, Dubai Crude, Bonny Light, Ural Crude but then there's Corn, Coconut, Argan, Marula, Peanut, Sunflower, Soybean, Wheat Germ, Safflower, Walnut, Sesame, Canola, Avocado, Flaxseed, Grape Seed, Almond, Olive etc. The list goes on. Personally, I would just simplify-it with going with what Ducati recommends: Shell Advance 4T Ultra 15W-50 or equivalent.
When I bought my bike it had a Shell Advance sticker on it, so I assumed that was the oil Ducati recommend. Then when I had my 1st service I noticed they (Moto Rapido) had used Motul 300V so I asked why not the Shell? They said they only use the Motul which they use in their BSB race bikes, so I though yeah, sounds good to me. 2nd service Motul used again, then on the next service they used Shell Advance. So much for the Motul then! Clearly any good quality 15/50 does the job.
The numbers quoted on the container don’t represent the extent of the operating temperatures, it refers to the viscosity of the oil at certain temperatures. From the inter web:- Oil viscosity vs temperature The lower the number, the less the oil thickens in cold weather. The numbers after the “XW” indicate viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil's resistance to thinning at high temperatures. ... Oil with a 5W-30 grade thins out more quickly at high temperatures as compared to oils with a 5W-40 grade.
Hi Sharper, I wasn't suggesting that the viscosity rating on the can of oil - eg 10w-40 - equated to any specific temp, but more to an ambient temp range eg -10° up to 40°c, as suggested in the owners manual of my bike. Ambient temps impact on the choice of oil viscosity used.
