After much deliberation and with the first oil change looming, I decided to plump for this fully synthetic 15w50 oil from Redline. IMHO and from what I have read, including oil sample analysis data, it's the best compromise for a street based bike for UK temperatures and for extra protection during cold starts when the bike has been stood for a while, owing to its PAO and Ester base stocks and 2200 ppm of ZDDP for antiwear, so that the oil tends to cling more to bearing surfaces as well as holding its viscosity over time.
Motul 7100 takes some beating. Used it in many bikes over the last few years. Gives a really nice wet clutch action and smooth gear changes. It also comes out well in all the testing.
Yes it's a good all round oil, and in reality closer in spec to the Shell oil Ducati recommend, both complying with the API and EPA standards, so compromised to some extent in terms of the level of additives they are allowed to formulate. My dry clutch has it's advantages and disadvantages, in terms of keeping the oil cleaner but it can get quite grabby when hot.
I’ve always used Morris oil, I get it at a very good price, would be interested to hear how that fares in the test data you speak of
Test data was from "SpeedDiagnostix" as published on the US forum, comparing three of the most popular oils. Ultimately any decent off the shelf brands of the correct grade for the climate (15w50 typically in the UK), ie, Shell, Motul, Silkolene, Morris, Motorex all do a perfectly adequate job. However most "stock formulation" 15w50 API oils or manufacturer recommended oil such as Shell's Advance, fall short of the extra benefits a group 4/5 Ester based oil offers, which typically contain ideal levels of Zinc & Phosphorus (1400-2500ppm) and lower levels of Calcium (1000-1800 ppm). These types of oil, (as is my understanding) offer better wear protection. Redline is not the only option ('Maxima Extra' 100% Ester Synthetic being another) There are also others which offer even better performance (such as Motul 300V) BUT have a very short protection working life (600-800 miles, so probably better suited to a track bike or if frequent oil changes are not a deal breaker for you). Ducati themselves, promote a "Shell Performance" oil for dry clutch V4's, that has a similar limited lifespan. I am by no means an expert on this subject, just decided to choose a product that is likely best suited to my usage of the bike.
This is my go to oil, Motul 300V 15W 50. And as you say, I change it regularly. Like every 1-3 track days depending on thrash-age…
Motul make two types of synthetic ester based oils. 7100 and 300v. For many subtle reasons, I understand the 7100 is aimed at the road bike, with many different engine temps and operating requirements and conditions. Whilst the 300v is for race use only. Probably changed every weekend, ltd detergent package, and aimed at engines that are given the full beans at the correct fully warmed up engine temps. This is the basics, but there is much to be read on the subject. People love/hate an oil thread! The bottom line is most major manufactures premium grade oil will far outstrip the needs of road going engines ridden on the road. But hey, it’s an interesting subject with many opinions. Keep them coming!
Interesting. I’m assuming your bike has the STM dry clutch OE? Had mine retrofitted as I’m running a 2018 V4S. As a track dayer, I only really use the clutch for pulling away so don’t notice any grabby-ness when it gets toasty. Tough bit of kit- still looks and feels fine after 2,800 (mainly) track miles… I was forever changing baskets and plate packs on my 1098R.
@Topolino the thread you mention is very interesting, I know the one. Can we not post a link for others here, or is there a forum <-> forum link embargo?
Yes STM dry clutch as standard fit. Like you, only really use it for pulling away in first, but as I said, it can be a little grabby at times, especially when hot. Mentioned it to Carl Harrison when he was over last night and he said he might be able to make some adjustments (presumably to the spring rates) to improve it.
No, no embargo. Here's the link... https://ducatiforum.com/t/v4-owners...redline-power-sports-motul-7100-part-1.63548/
@Topolino whereabouts did you get Topline powersports? I searched and couldn't find the Powersports line in the UK
It’s a loooooong read…. I was following it on the source forum - our friends across the Atlantic do like to get into it
Not strictly relevant to this thread, but many years ago I helped out with a charity for inner city kids and we used to make all sorts of stuff, including a couple of go-karts. We had a load of engines donated from a local go kart place, varying from decent to last legs. We used to rebuild and then the kids would thrash hell out of them in a way only teenagers can. I can’t remember now the subject came up, but we decided to ‘kill’ an engine by replacing the engine oil with vegetable oil from Asda. I expected it die in a couple of minutes but it ran for ages that night smelling nicely of a chippy. We stripped it down and there wasn’t any particularly noticeable extra wear. I still use the best oil I can afford but tend to think unless it’s a highly strung 2 stroke, super high mileage or race bike, any good oil will probably do.
