Oil Change

[TimJohannsen]

I'm just about to change the oil on my 05 monster s2r.  I bought a K&N filter from ca-cycleworks and I just have a few questions if you can help.
1.  What type of oil would you recommend?
2.  Where is the best place to get it?
3.  What is the best way to measure that I have the right amount?
4.  Can I damage the engine by having a little too much?
Thanks!

[ducatiz]

I use Mobil1 4T which I get at Advance Auto parts for about $8/qt.

Other people use similar quality oils, Spectro, Purple, Amsoil, etc etc.. As long as you use a good quality full synth 10w40 your bike will be fine.

When I change, I drain it fully, which for mean means running it to full temp and then draining it overnight.  Having a paddock stand helps as the bike will not drain on the kickstand.

Plug it and put 3.5 qts in and let it settle for about 10 minutes.   Then stand the bike up on tires and check the level.  Most Ducatis use about 4 qts + or minus depending on the model.

A little extra will not hurt, but if the sight glass is completely covered, then drain some.

[TimJohannsen]

I use Mobil1 4T which I get at Advance Auto parts for about $8/qt.

Other people use similar quality oils, Spectro, Purple, Amsoil, etc etc.. As long as you use a good quality full synth 10w40 your bike will be fine.

When I change, I drain it fully, which for mean means running it to full temp and then draining it overnight.  Having a paddock stand helps as the bike will not drain on the kickstand.

Plug it and put 3.5 qts in and let it settle for about 10 minutes.   Then stand the bike up on tires and check the level.  Most Ducatis use about 4 qts + or minus depending on the model.

A little extra will not hurt, but if the sight glass is completely covered, then drain some.

Awesome Thanks!

[Speeddog]

Seeing as you've got a small-case motor, put in 3 quarts of oil and then slowly fill until it's midway in the window.

Run the engine for a few minutes, then shut it off, let it sit for a couple minutes, and see where the level is.

Usually requires adding a bit more to get it back to midway in the window.

Check oil level with the bike on it's wheels, on level ground, standing vertical.

[pw9990]

It is a good idea to remove the oil screen when you change the oil and take a look for any metal pieces then give it a good cleaning as required, also clean the magnet on the drain plug. I always replace the crush washers when I change the oil. You should at least have one at hand in case it can't be reused.

[Triple J]

I was told by a local tech that the 2-V motors hold 3 quarts. As long as you can see oil anywhere in the sight glass you are fine...ignore the 2 marks. I'm usually at the bottom of the low mark. I've been doing this for a while and everything has been fine.

[Ddan]

I was told by a local tech that the 2-V motors hold 3 quarts. As long as you can see oil anywhere in the sight glass you are fine...ignore the 2 marks. I'm usually at the bottom of the low mark. I've been doing this for a while and everything has been fine.

While this may work for you, I'm not sure it's the best advice.  IMO, the maximum amount of oil you can run without causing any problems is the way to go.  3 quarts of oil with a given amount of contaminants is going to be 33% dirtier than the same amount of crap in 4 quarts.  The motor will also run cooler with a full oil sump than one at the lowest safe level.  YMMV

[Triple J]

While this may work for you, I'm not sure it's the best advice.  IMO, the maximum amount of oil you can run without causing any problems is the way to go.  3 quarts of oil with a given amount of contaminants is going to be 33% dirtier than the same amount of crap in 4 quarts.  The motor will also run cooler with a full oil sump than one at the lowest safe level.  YMMV

Just relaying information. Everyone can do what they like. It hasn't affected running temperature at all though.

Oh yeah...I also like Mobil 1 Racing 4T (used to be called MX4T). Nowhere locally has it that I've found, so I get it here:
http://avlube.com/mob1mx104cyc1.html

[dlearl476]

Ahh, Springtime.  When the thoughts of young men and women everywhere turn to...

















Oil and Tire threads.   



IMO, any oil, of the proper viscosity (weight) will work.  At the risk of starting another shitstorm, I believe motorcycle specific blends are better for motorcycles than automotive blends.  I'm a Motul dealer and use that exclusively (fwiw, I deal it because I think it's the best) but IMO Motorex, Repsol, Amsoil, Redline all make good MC specific oils.  I specifically use Motul 300V in my Monster.

[ducatiz]

I was told by a local tech that the 2-V motors hold 3 quarts. As long as you can see oil anywhere in the sight glass you are fine...ignore the 2 marks. I'm usually at the bottom of the low mark. I've been doing this for a while and everything has been fine.

I would rather go by the manual.  having torn these motors down a few times, you see where the oil pickup for the pump is.  if the oil level is too low, you get starvation on a left lean.  the marks indicate the safe level for the engine and i would stick by them religiously. 

Ducati designed the engine, not your local tech.

And not that I am outright criticizing him, but your local tech makes money if your engine grenades, Ducati doesn't.

[Triple J]

I would rather go by the manual.  having torn these motors down a few times, you see where the oil pickup for the pump is.  if the oil level is too low, you get starvation on a left lean.  the marks indicate the safe level for the engine and i would stick by them religiously. 

Ducati designed the engine, not your local tech.

And not that I am outright criticizing him, but your local tech makes money if your engine grenades, Ducati doesn't.

Well, 3 qts always gets me to the bottom line so no worries anyway. 3 1/3 - 3 1/2 is the most I've ever gotten in to get the oil level near the middle of the 2 marks.

He's an honest, good guy...he doesn't want my motor to grenade!