Motor oil for Ducati motorcycles

Choosing oil for your Ducati motorcycle? In this article, we’ll tell you which Ducati motorcycle oils are the best on the market and what you should look for when choosing motorcycle oil for your Ducati motorcycle.

Best Oil for Ducati Motorcycles

Choosing motorcycle oil for your Ducati motorcycle depends on your motorcycle model, the mileage of your Ducati motorcycle, and your riding style.

Ducati motorcycle oil 15w-50

Specifications:

• API SJ
  
• JASO MA2

Ducati Shell Advance 15w-50 Factory Engine Oil

• 15w50 with Shell Pure Plus Technology

Liqui Moly 20060 Motorbike 4T 15w-50 Street Engine Oil

 

• Specifications and Approvals: API; SL; JASO; MA2

Ducati motorcycle oil 5w-40

Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth Street Race 5w-40

• Specifications and Approvals: API, SM, ACEA A3-04, JASO, MA2

RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester 5w-40 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil

• RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester SAE 5w-30 is tried and tested for aggregates specifying:
  
• Specification: API SM, JASO MA/MA2 T903:2006
  
• Recommendations: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati, BMW, Suzuki, Ducati, Triumph, Moto-Guzzi

Motul 7100 4T 5w-40

• API Specifications: SL, SM, SN
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 5w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Maxima Extra4 5w-40 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Engine Oil

• Specifications: API SG/CC
  
• Exceeds JASO-MA M/C

Ducati motorcycle oil 10w-40

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-40

• API Specifications: SN+
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Mobil 1 10W-40 Racing 4T Motorcycle Oil for Sport Bikes

This product meets or exceeds the requirements of:

• API SN
• JASO MA2
• JASO MA

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Maxima Maximum4 Premium 10w-40

• API Specifications: SG

Lucas Oil Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API SJ-4
• JASO MB

Royal Purple Max-Cycle 10W-40 High Performance Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Motul 7100 4T 10W-40

• API SL/SH/SG
  
• JASO MA

Ducati motorcycle oil 10w-30

Maxima Pro Plus 10W-30 Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-30

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-30

• API Specifications: SL, SM
  
• JASO Classification: MA, MA-2

Ducati motorcycle oil 20w-40

Klotz American V-Twin Victory Synthetic Engine Oil 20w-40

Ducati motorcycle oil 20w-50

Oil High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

• API SM, SL, SJ
  
• JASO MA-2
  
• ACEA A3

Maxima Racing Oils 20w50 V-Twin Full Synthetic Engine Oil

• API Oil Standards: API SL
  
• JASO Oil Standards: JASO MA2

Spectro Heavy Duty Engine Oil 20w-50

 

• API SF/SG, CD/CG-4

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 20w-50

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 20W-50 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Motor Oil

• API Specifications: API SH, SG

Royal Purple Max-Cycle 20W-50 High Performance Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Lucas Oil High Performance 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

• API SM, SL, SJ
  
• JASO MA-2
  
• ACEA A3

How do I choose engine oil for Ducati motorcycle?

Motorcycle oils for Ducati are built on a larger list of bases than automotive ones. Motorcycle lubricants for Ducati add additives that improve the resistance of the oil film to high temperatures.

Power plants of Ducati motorcycles are designed on the principle of maximum power and compactness, with minimal weight. Therefore, the designers combine the engine and gearbox with clutch into a single unit, which is often located in a single oil bath.

Oil for the Ducati motorcycle is forced to work simultaneously, both as engine oil and as transmission oil, and provides the necessary coefficient of friction for the clutch mechanism. Ducati motorcycle engines are heavily boosted, rpm and temperature-wise, which imposes certain pumping and foaming restrictions on engine oil.

Ducati motorcycle engine oil differs radically from automotive oil in the following parameters:

• friction coefficient
• alkali value
• foaming
• volatility
• aggressiveness to polymeric materials
• flashpoint
• high-temperature viscosity

Motor oil manufacturers indicate oil viscosity according to SAE and oil classes according to API and JASO.

Ducati Motorcycle Oil Viscosity

The SAE standard classifies motorcycle oils according to their viscosity. Viscosity is a value that determines whether an Ducati engine can operate at different temperatures.

For the Ducati motorcycle, the most suitable oil grade is 5W-40. This oil viscosity is recommended according to the technical characteristics of the Ducati motorcycle engine and the corresponding viscosity of the required oil.

Viscosity is expressed in units, the lower the number, the lower the viscosity of the oil and vice versa. To date, there are 11 viscosity grades:

• 5 viscosity grades for summer: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60
• 6 viscosity grades for winter: 0w / 5w / 10w / 15w / 20w / 25w

The first figure always refers to the lower ambient temperature threshold at which the oil will ensure a trouble-free operation of the entire system: rotation of the crankshaft, oil pump, and oil pumping through the entire engine system, in which there will be no dry friction.

The second number is the upper limit temperature at which all systems will continue to work well, even with heat and loads.

• Most motorcycles use 10w-40 and 10w-30 oil
• For heavy engines, 5w-40, 10w-50, and 15w-50 oil are used
• V-engines use 20w-40, 20w-50 and 20w-60 oil

The international classification of motorcycle engine oils is the Japanese JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization). It has a section defining the belonging of the four-stroke oil to the motorcycle classes.

API for Ducati Motorcycle Oils

API (American Petroleum Institute) is the American Petroleum Institute, which has set minimum performance standards and quality levels for gasoline and diesel engines.

• S (Service): consists of the quality categories of motor oils for gasoline engines in chronological order
• C (Commercial): consists of the quality and purpose categories of diesel engine oils listed in chronological order

JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization): Standard for lubricants used in Japan

• MB – oils are characterized by a low friction coefficient. Not suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch.
• MA-1 – oil with a medium coefficient of friction according to this classification. Suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch and low load
• MA-2 is the oil with the highest coefficient of friction. Ideal for sports bikes and heavy loads

In addition to JASO class, Ducati motor oil may comply with the American API classification

• JASO MA corresponds to API SG
• JASO MA2 corresponds to API SL-SM

Engine Oil types for Ducati Motorcycles

Ducati Mineral Motor Oil

Mineral oil is the most readily available on the market today. It is a refined petroleum product that contains natural components that, when burned, produce an excess product that clogs the channels of your Ducati motorcycle, impairs the lubrication properties, and cools the engine of Ducati motorcycles.

Ducati Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic Ducati motor oils have better performance, don’t lose their properties in hot weather, and don’t get too thick in low temperatures. Synthetic Ducati engine oil improves engine protection from carbon deposits, keeps your engine clean and stable.

Ducati Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

Created from a mixture of several bases: mineral and synthetic. The advantage of this oil for use in Ducati motorcycles is its high cold-start performance. Ducati semi-synthetic motorcycle oil is slightly thicker than synthetic oil, which is effective for Ducati engines.

How often should I change the oil in my Ducati motorcycle?

Ducati motorcycles that use semi-synthetic motor oil can typically last between 5,000 and 8,000 miles before an oil change. Ducati motorcycle engines running on fully synthetic motor oil can last 7,000 to 10,000 miles before an oil change.

If you do a lot of short rides on your Ducati motorcycle, the performance of the engine oil will degrade due to condensed fuel droplets, and you should change your Ducati motorcycle oil every 5,000 miles.

If you don’t use your Ducati motorcycle very often or use it very heavily, the quality of the engine oil may decrease, you should use more viscous oils and change your Ducati motorcycle oil every 3000 miles.

How much does motor oil for an Ducati motorcycle cost?

• Synthetic motorcycle oil for Ducati motorcycles costs about $15 per 1 liter/quart
• Semi-synthetic motorcycle oil for Ducati costs about $10 per 1 liter/quart
• Mineral motorcycle oil for Ducati costs about $8 per 1 liter/quart

What are the most popular oil brands for Ducati?

• Maxima
• Red Line
• Motul
• Castrol
• Quicksilver
• Valvoline
• Lucas
• Liqui Moly
• Mobil 1

Where can I buy oil for my Ducati motorcycle?

Buy Ducati motorcycle oil from reputable auto stores or major online supermarkets.

How do I check the oil level on my Ducati bike?

My Ducati doesn’t have an oil dipstick to check the oil level, only a sight glass.

How do I check the oil level on my Ducati using the sight glass?

The sight glass is located on the right side of the engine. If you put the bike just flat, the oil is around the Low mark. If you tilt it a little to the right and then put it flatly, the oil is between Low and High. If the bike is tilted slightly to the left, the oil goes below the Low mark.

How do I change the oil in my Ducati motorcycle engine?

To properly change the oil in your Ducati motorcycle, you’ll need a kit:

• Motorcycle oil for Ducati motorcycles
• Oil filter
• Protective gear, such as safety glasses and rubber gloves
• Oil drain cock
• Wrench for oil filter
• Collection pan (tray) for used oil together with a funnel
• Absorbent material (newspaper, paper towel, etc.) and rags
• Sealing ring if necessary

The sequence of steps to change the oil in the engine of your Ducati motorcycle:

• Prepare your Ducati motorcycle
• Start the engine of your Ducati motorcycle and let it run for 1-2 minutes
• Park your Ducati on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine
• Change the oil in the engine of your Ducati motorcycle
• Locate the drain plug
• Cover the floor surface with a paper towel
• Place a pan under the plug
• Remove the drain plug with a socket wrench
• Make sure the plug does not fall out of your gloved hands
• Allow the used oil to drain
• After emptying the reservoir, clean the drain plug and gasket
• Remove the used oil filter
• Apply a small amount of oil to the new gasket with your finger
• Tighten the new filter, but not too tight
• Pour new oil into the Ducati engine
• Check the oil level
• Run the Ducati engine at idle for 5 minutes
• Turn off the engine, check the oil level
• Refill if necessary
• Dispose of used oil at a suitable recycling center

Conclusion on Ducati engine oil selection

Choosing Ducati motorcycle oil is important if you want your Ducati motorcycle to run well and for a long time. In this article, we’ve gathered all the important points and subtleties of choosing Ducati motorcycle oil. Be careful when choosing a new Ducati motorcycle oil and pay attention to the oil specifications and datasheet. All the best!

Ducati motorcycle models

• Apollo
• Biposto 748 E
• Biposto 748 S
• Biposto 748 R
• Biposto 996
• Biposto 998
• Desmosedici RR
• Diavel
• Diavel 1260/1260 S
• Diavel Carbon
• Diavel Cromo
• Diavel Dark
• Diavel Strada
• Diavel Titanium
• Diavel AMG
• Diavel XDiavel
• Diavel XDiavel S
• Foggy Replica 996
• Hyperstrada
• hyperstrada 821
• hyperstrada 821 SP
• hyperstrada 939
• Hypermotard SP
• Hypermotard 796
• Hypermotard 939
• Hypermotard 939 SP
• Hypermotard 950/950 SP
• Hypermotard 1100
• Hypermotard 1100 S
• Hypermotard 1100 Evo
• Hypermotard 1100 Evo SP
• MH 900
• Monster S2R 800
• Monster S2R 1000
• Monster S4
• Monster S4R S
• Monster S4R S Tricolore
• Monster 400
• Monster 600
• Monster 600 Dark
• Monster 695
• Monster 696
• Monster 795
• Monster 796
• Monster 797
• Monster 797+
• Monster 800
• Monster 800 S2R
• Monster 821
• Monster 821 Stripe
• Monster 821 Stealth
• Monster 900
• Monster 1100
• Monster 1100 S
• Monster 1100 Evo
• Monster 1200
• Monster 1200 S
• Monster 1200 R
• Monster 1200 25° Anniversario
• Monster Diesel
• Multistrada 620
• Multistrada 620 Dark
• Multistrada 950
• Multistrada 950 S
• Multistrada 1000 DS
• Multistrada 1000s DS
• Multistrada 1100
• Multistrada 1100 S
• Multistrada 1200
• Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo
• Multistrada 1200 S Touring
• Multistrada 1200 S
• Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak
• Multistrada 1260
• Multistrada 1260 S
• Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak
• Multistrada 1260 Enduro
• Panigale 959
• Panigale 959 Panigale Corse
• Panigale V4
• Panigale V4 S
• Panigale V4 S CORSE
• Panigale V4 R
• Panigale V4 Speciale
• Scrambler Desert Sled
• Scrambler Urban Enduro
• Scrambler Full Throttle
• Scrambler Icon
• Scrambler Classic
• Scrambler Cafe Racer
• Scrambler Sixty2
• Scrambler Street Classic
• Scrambler Mach 2.0
• Scrambler 1100
• Scrambler 1100 Special
• Scrambler 1100 Sport
• Streetfighter
• Streetfighter S
• Streetfighter 848
• Streetfighter 848 Full Power
• Superbike 749
• Superbike 749 Dark
• Superbike 749 R
• Superbike 749 S
• Superbike 848
• Superbike 848 Evo
• Superbike 848 EVO Corse SE
• Superbike 899 Panigale
• Superbike 959 Panigale
• Superbike 999
• Superbike 999 S
• Superbike 999 R
• Superbike 1098
• Superbike 1098 S
• Superbike 1098 R
• Superbike 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition
• Superbike 1198
• Superbike 1198 S
• Superbike 1198 SP
• Superbike 1199 Panigale
• Superbike 1199 Panigale S
• Superbike 1199 Superleggera
• Superbike 1198 S Corse
• Superbike 1299 Panigale
• Supersport
• SuperSport Titanium
• SuperSport S
• Supersport 1000 DS
• Supersport 1000 DS Full-fairing
• Sporttouring ST 2
• Sporttouring ST 3
• Sporttouring ST 4
• Sporttouring ST 4 S
• Sportclassic GT 1000
• Sportclassic GT 1000 Touring
• Sportclassic Paulsmart 1000 LE
• Sportclassic Sport 1000 Monoposto
• Sportclassic Sport 1000 S
• Sportclassic Sport 1000 Biposto
• XDiavel
• 125 RR
• 600 SS
• 600 SS C
• 600 SS N
• 750 Paso
• 750 SS I.E.
• 750 SS
• 750 Sport
• 800 SS
• 851 SP
• 851 SP3
• 851 S3 Strada
• 851 SP4
• 851 Strada
• 888 Strada
• 888 SP
• 888 SP4
• 888 SP5
• 900 SS
• 900 SS C
• 900 SS Nuda
• 900 SS FE
• 900 SS Carenata
• 916 SPS
• 996 SPS
• 1199 Superleggera
• 1299 Superleggera
• 1299 Panigale R
• 1299 Panigale S