Newbie question about oil for Ducati

**Finlay** · 09-09-2010, 02:39 AM

I will apologize for my ignorance upfront.

My bike '07 800ss, has a sticker on the engine with a "shell" oil logo. I cannot find this anywhere. Is this available in the US? Is it acceptable to use another type of oil? If so, what? Is there somewhere I could go to view the instructions to change the oil (im sure it's easy) I would like to avoid paying the dealer $125 for an oil change, but I will if it is recommended. Thanks.

**fauxfiala** · 09-09-2010, 08:44 AM

Drop by the local bike shop and ask them what they like. I use Chevron, most here like Repsol.....No you don't have to use Shell.

**LA Guy** · 09-09-2010, 11:39 AM

As long as the oil you use meets all the requirement numbers listed in your manual then your good to go.

Pass that, as far as a brand name its a personal choice on what one has come to believe in either through time or has been convinced is the best by your peers. A subject everyone normally belives the brand they use is the best. For normal riding just not that much difference in oil as long as it meets the numbers, other than prices and being able to talk some talk about using some high priced fashionable brand .....JMO

**hyp44** · 09-09-2010, 05:21 PM

Mobil 1 full synthedic 20w50 / v twin motorcycle oil.

**yearlyattitude** · 09-09-2010, 11:15 PM

I use Mobil 1 4T, full synthetic. I could not tell you if it is the best or not but it has been reccomended by many Ducati riders.

**Retiwer** · 09-10-2010, 07:00 AM

Yeah the Shell oil isn't available in the US.
I use Mobil 1 4t (10w40) in all my bikes. Repsol is good stuff as well. Changing your oil is a fairly simple procedure but I would suggest getting a service manual.

**brb23** · 09-10-2010, 08:50 AM

Mobil 1 is what the Ducati dealer here in Daytona recommended.

**ButchQuique** · 09-10-2010, 03:29 PM

there are lots of different opinions on here. Mobil 1 seems to be a favorite on here, I use Motul full synthetic myself. Did my first oil change tonight, it was simple enough. However, I think the dealer over tightened the drain plug, I could barely get it off. Good luck with everything

**Anth12** · 09-10-2010, 08:18 PM

You'll be fine so long as you follow the oil grade and type that is recommended in your Owner's Manual.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/service/manuals/2007.jhtml?family=manuals

The brand of oil and filter (Ducati, K&N, Scotts, etc.) is your personal choice.

$125 for an oil change I highly recommend purchasing a Haynes or DesmoTimes manual along with a good rear and front stand to help with performing your own oil changes. You can save money by purchasing the oil in bulk. Plus you'll save alot of time (dropping bike off at dealer, waiting for the service, getting a ride to-and-from dealer, etc.) and money by doing it yourself

Just be sure that you don't over-tighten the oil drain plug

**Viash V** · 09-11-2010, 02:31 AM

http://www.ducatispot.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9549

this would help too. how to section here is awesome.

n don't forget to grab the .99 cent washer when u pick up the oil filter. my parts guy didn't tell me (thx goodness for this forum). but it's gonna cost me more in gas to pick up the washer then the actual washer... LOL.