Thanks 'alfablack' I think I'll go with the 300V then. Only one question though why 15w40 as opposed to the Ducati recommended 10w40?
Also defo up for a group buy if it's possible? I want to sort mine within the next week or two though so don't know if that makes it a little difficult to come together in such a short amount of time? You can get the 10w40 300V and a filter on ebay for £49.99 delivered. So not sure what sort of saving would be seen for all if there was a group buy? I also suspect that there would be two camps, some for 15w40 and some for 10w40. Unless there is a really good reason I'd prefer to stick with what Ducati recommend on viscosity. surely there are specific tolerances inside the engine? So as this was designed by Ducati why would they recommend 10w40? Yet 15w40 is the preferred choice? I know the difference is very small but none the less using 15w40 is something that I'd need justifying by a professional preferably someone who works for a Ducati service center.
Found this : The Society of Automotive Engineers Viscosity Classification The terms SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40 are widely used. Any viscosity grade should be proceeded by the initials SAE. This stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers and indicated that the following viscosity classification refers to their definitions. It should be noted that SAE is not a performance category it only refers to the viscosity of the oil. When comparing oils the reader should not only compare the SAE viscosity grades of two oils but also the engine performance classifications in order to be able to fully compare performance. Let us consider the following: SAE 5W-40. The fact that this classification has two parts; the 5W and the 40 indicates that the oil is a multigrade. The first number with the suffix 'W' indicates the oil's performance at low temperature. In fact the 'W' stands for winter. The lower the 'W' number the lower the viscosity of the oil. Therefore an SAE 5W oil is a lower viscosity oil than an SAE 10W oil. The number after the W, in the above case '40'; gives a measure of the oil's viscosity at high temperature. Again the lower the number the thinner the oil is at high temperature. So an SAE 30 is a thinner, or less viscous, oil than an SAE 40. A multigrade oils is an oil that has two parts such as SAE 5W-40, or 20W-50. A monograde oil only has one part, such as SAE 30, or SAE 40. The choice of viscosity grade is a difficult subject. The manufacturer's recommendations should be followed.
If you really want to read what its about in a little more depth try this FerrariChat.com - FAQ: Motor Oil Articles by Dr. Ali E. Haas (AEHaas) Edit: Just to add as I said in an earlier post its perfectly acceptable to run a 15 50 within UK ambient range, so its not a biggie. I prefer the thinner grade as I reckon if it does anything it marginally assists cooling so that's why I use it. However always willing to be educated, every day's a school day John
Wow that's a great thread, will read in depth when I get home later. I think I'll stick to the 10w40, especially if is possibly helping to cool the engine. It doesn't happen too often but being sat in traffic trying to get through a busy town etc... see's the temp raise to 106 degree's the fan seems to keep it just about 100, but giving it a helping hand by using the slightly thinner grade sounds I good idea.
Bit late but to answer your earlier question 4 liters is sufficient to do a change, although not too much left over. I find running the 300V over the Shell the bike feels smoother and appears to run a little cooler. That could be pure imagination mind John
Defo going to go for the 300v now Thanks Old Jock. I am absolutely smashed right now, good job no 300v to hand I'd drink it!
Just put the bloody oil in the pissing thing, don't you lot go on. If Ducati recommend 10/40 fully synthetic oil that's what you use for gods sake.
