696 Oil Change Questions

[Amlethae]

I've got a 696 and plan to get the aftermarket oil cooler from MotoWheels.  I figure at the same time I'm going to do an oil change but I've got some questions:
1) I've decided to go with Motul 300V Factory.  Manual says 15w50... does anyone see a reason I should go with the 10w40 instead or should I stay with the 15w50?
2) On the topic of crush washers... do I have/need to replace them?  If so, should I order them from Ducati or is there a more convenient/cheaper way to get them?
3) Should I take out and clean the horizontal oil filter (the one that goes into the bike on the side with the 14mm hex bolt)?
4) Is there anything I'm missing and need to make sure I have before I do the oil change?  I'm going to use a new Ducati OEM Oil Filter.

The 696 is my first bike and this will be my first time changing its oil... definitely want to make sure I do it right and that I'm well prepared.

Thanks!

[Slide Panda]

I've got a 696 and plan to get the aftermarket oil cooler from MotoWheels.  I figure at the same time I'm going to do an oil change but I've got some questions:
1) I've decided to go with Motul 300V Factory.  Manual says 15w50... does anyone see a reason I should go with the 10w40 instead or should I stay with the 15w50?

The manual probably lists a number of oil weight ranges you can use.  What you choose should be based on some things like how hot it gets around you, riding conditions (like commuting) were the bike might be running hotter etc.  If you're living in a hotish are then heavier oil might be wise.

2) On the topic of crush washers... do I have/need to replace them?  If so, should I order them from Ducati or is there a more convenient/cheaper way to get them?

They are generic, you just need the proper sizes. 

3) Should I take out and clean the horizontal oil filter (the one that goes into the bike on the side with the 14mm hex bolt)?

If your up to it.  Its a decent idea to check it regularly

4) Is there anything I'm missing and need to make sure I have before I do the oil change?  I'm going to use a new Ducati OEM Oil Filter.

OIl changes are no big deal... I think you're covered.  Just don't rush the oil cooler install is all.

[Amlethae]

The manual probably lists a number of oil weight ranges you can use.  What you choose should be based on some things like how hot it gets around you, riding conditions (like commuting) were the bike might be running hotter etc.  If you're living in a hotish are then heavier oil might be wise.

I live & commute in NYC.  On one extreme: starting the bike and riding in 30degF weather; on the other: riding in 100degF weather. 
Here's the results of my research, please feel free to comment:

10w40 instead of 15w50
Pros:
+ Possible performance gains with less viscosity
+ Bike should start more easily in colder temperatures
Cons:
- Shifting could feel more "clunky"
- Engine may be louder and ride more roughly

15w50 instead of 10w40
Pros:
+ Stated as stock in Ducati manual
+ Smoother shifting and quieter/more-solid engine feel
Cons:
- May be too thick in the winter for starting
- May be more viscus than I need it to be if the hottest it gets where I ride is 100degF

All that being said... there both about equal in pros and cons... so am I right in assuming that given the city traffic and temperature ranges I'm experiencing, 10w40 is best?

Thanks for the help!!

[Raux]

the other concern is ... does putting in non-recommended oil void your warranty.
personnally i would spend the money on the oil the book says. i had my first change done at a shop and they put in the recommended oil. i started my bike at 33 degrees no problem.

[Langanobob]

Here's my comments below.  Sorry if I knackered up the font and made it hard to read.

10w40 instead of 15w50
Pros:
+ Possible performance gains with less viscosity
Very very slight, but yes
+ Bike should start more easily in colder temperatures
Again, slightly but every little bit can help
Cons:
- Shifting could feel more "clunky"
Sometimes this seems to depend on  brand of oil or dino vs synthetic rather than 10W-40 vs 15W50, but yes, maybe
- Engine may be louder and ride more roughly
I've never noticed any noticeable change

15w50 instead of 10w40
Pros:
+ Stated as stock in Ducati manual
Dunno about this as I've never seen a 696 manual.  The other bikes have a viscosity vs climate chart and 10W-40 and 15W50 overlap everywhere above 0 F.
+ Smoother shifting and quieter/more-solid engine feel
Never noticed this, but others have noticed a change in shifting
Cons:
- May be too thick in the winter for starting
10W40  may be slightly better, unless you are riding when it's -15 then it may be a lot better
- May be more viscus than I need it to be if the hottest it gets where I ride is 100degF
Yes, especially if you install the oil cooler.  There is a school of thought that unnecessary use of 15W50 actually results in running slightly hotter due to the energy dissipated moving the heavier oil around.  Some people say that 10W40 will provide better lubrication since it flows better.  But the 15W50 certainly will do no damage

All that being said... there both about equal in pros and cons... so am I right in assuming that given the city traffic and temperature ranges I'm experiencing, 10w40 is best?

I think the 10W40 is "best" but nothing bad will happen if you use the 15W50

I also think you're on the right track thinking this through very thoroughly and doing this yourself.  Saves money and also you get to know your bike up close and personal.

[Langanobob]

the other concern is ... does putting in non-recommended oil void your warranty.

I *think* both the 15W50 and 10W40 are recommended for his temperature range.  But I've never seen a 696 manual and it may be different.  But I really don't think so.

[Howie]

I *think* both the 15W50 and 10W40 are recommended for his temperature range.  But I've never seen a 696 manual and it may be different.  But I really don't think so.

He is a she.  Ducati does recommend 15W-50 for the 696, but the table shows 10W-40 or 20W-50 as acceptable for these parts.  As long as the oil is JASO MA certified warranty is not an issue, any API SG oil shouldn't be a warranty issue either.

[Amlethae]

For discussion, the following is from the 696 manual.

[Langanobob]

He is a she.

Sorry, I spend too much time wandering aimlessly in the sagebrush.  Her gender is obvious from the inherent intelligence in her post.

And, the sentence in the Ducati  manual " Use only a highly detergent engine oil with certified SE, SF or SG or higher service rating..." isn't correct.  Shouldn't really use anything rated higher than SG unless she absolutely has to.  And the manual should mention JASO MA.

I think the manuals are probably written by Italians and translated by Americans or Brits not completely familiar with various countries' oil ratings.

But this is all moot anyway since she's using Motul 300V Factory which is an excellent choice.

[Raux]

Bringing up an old topic. But I was searching for oil issues since i can't buy the 15W-50 Shell Full Sythetic here unless I pay double the price that I should.

So, I picked up some Royal Purple Max-Cycle 20W-50 Full Sythetic Motorcycle. I will be travelling to WDW so I figure the thicker oil will help with the high heat there
I've been a wimp about riding in the cold so I'm not worried as much about cold starting, plus the bike is in a garage all the time.

Before I put the oil in though, does anyone feel RP is not a good substitute for the Shell?

[Howie]

Bringing up an old topic. But I was searching for oil issues since i can't buy the 15W-50 Shell Full Sythetic here unless I pay double the price that I should.

So, I picked up some Royal Purple Max-Cycle 20W-50 Full Sythetic Motorcycle. I will be travelling to WDW so I figure the thicker oil will help with the high heat there
I've been a wimp about riding in the cold so I'm not worried as much about cold starting, plus the bike is in a garage all the time.

Before I put the oil in though, does anyone feel RP is not a good substitute for the Shell?

As long as you are operating the motorcycle in the temperature range for 20W-50 in the chart above will be fine.  Ducati recommends Shell Advance because Shell is a sponsor.  If you want to run 15W-50 JASO MA Motul it is available from several refiners including Motul.

[Curmudgeon]

Raux,

Are you here or in Germany now? If in the U.S., the BMW synthetic 15W50 isn't too expensive and is blended by Spectro for BMW. Has been for 25+ years. Good stuff.

My dealer uses Redline 15W50 because it never let him down on the track or I'd be using the BMW Spectro since Mobil 1 stopped making 15W50 4T Racing because they no longer had a relationship with Triumph. Mobil 1 did recommend their 20W50 V-Twin as a substitute for what that's worth.

Who makes Royal Purple? I thought it was snake oil?! 

Regards

[Raux]

Raux,

Are you here or in Germany now? If in the U.S., the BMW synthetic 15W50 isn't too expensive and is blended by Spectro for BMW. Has been for 25+ years. Good stuff.

My dealer uses Redline 15W50 because it never let him down on the track or I'd be using the BMW Spectro since Mobil 1 stopped making 15W50 4T Racing because they no longer had a relationship with Triumph. Mobil 1 did recommend their 20W50 V-Twin as a substitute for what that's worth.

Who makes Royal Purple? I thought it was snake oil?!  

Regards

Germany. that's why buying off base is so expensive. they have CRAZY taxes or whatever on oil.
70 euro for 5 quarts of Shell 15-50 or about $100

the Royal Purple 20w-50 was 55 for the same amount.

i'm not a cheap skate, so i will spend more if I have to for the quality, but if the quality is the same.. .shoot   i'm not dumb either.

[Curmudgeon]

Interesting. The Germans are out of control. I'm in daily contact with a car nut over there. We could take some lessons from their mistakes!!!

Who makes Royal Purple? Can't you get Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W50 in the PX? That's full syn motorcycle spec and OK for wet clutches.

Regards!

[Raux]

Interesting. The Germans are out of control. I'm in daily contact with a car nut over there. We could take some lessons from their mistakes!!!

Who makes Royal Purple? Can't you get Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W50 in the PX? That's full syn motorcycle spec and OK for wet clutches.

Regards!

nope the only -50 was the RP