07/28/2021
Ducati Maintenance Blog – 7/28/21 – Ducati Oil Change Basics
This is one of the essential maintenance skills of a Ducati owner.
As a guideline I service almost all customer bikes every 3,000 miles.
Up to the Panigale, filters can be Ducati OEM or K&N part number KN-153.
The oil I use is MOTUL 300V Factory Line, 10W40 or 10W50. I use the higher 50 viscosity on dry clutch bikes.
I buy oil and filters online. The crush washer I buy from the local Ducati dealer or online from Gotham Cycle.
With a warm engine, on the side stand, turn off and drain the oil and remove the filter. Careful, the filter is full of oil.
No matter how well organized and careful you are, there is always some spillage so be prepared with clean shop wipes and some oil absorbent pads.
To remove an overly tight filter I use a large pair of channel locks to loosen the filter, being careful not to mar the engine case with the channel locks.
Once thoroughly drained, for 30 minutes, torque on the drain plug with a new crush washer.
Then before spinning on the filter, fill the filter half full of oil. Also remove the large rubber o’ring from the top of the new filter and dip it in the old, drained oil.
Reinstall the o’ring in the filter. I use the cardboard filter box to support the filter while doing this. (Dipping the o’ring in the old oil provides a better seal.)
Before spinning the filter on, check the engine to make sure the old o’ring came out with the old filter, it should have. A small mirror and flashlight help to see this. Clean everything before installing the new filter.
Spin on the new filter and then torque it. I use an oil filter install torque of 16 lbs. Ft. I then use a band-wrench to snug it a bit tighter, to avoid a leaking filter.
Fill engine with oil to 80% of the sight glass making sure bike is vertical (may need an assistant for this).
Fire the bike, make sure the red oil light goes out, check for leaks, turn off the engine after about a minute. Recheck the oil level after 60 seconds, then top off to 80% as needed.
We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models.
Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.