Ducati’s and motorcycles in general, have been my life long passion. I’m 77, and that means I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. My full time job was working for Mercedes-Benz service for almost 60 years. I can’t really say exactly what I’ve done for the last 15 years, but I’ve been heavily involved in oil related emissions failures and their oil related recalls. These failures are not unique to Mercedes. KTM and other manufacturers are also in trouble. These oil related problems are way more complicated than I can explain here. For example, the camshaft failures in motorcycles, has been happening in automotive engines for 40 years. Auto manufacturers have used the same lame excuses as motorcycle manufacturers are now using.
What Ducati and other motorcycle owners need to understand, all manufacturers lie about their engine failures. Customers want to believe the manufacturers recommendations. When it comes to the recommend oil, you cannot believe what any manufacturer tells you. Some engines operated in certain conditions may not have problems. But with so many manufacturers denying problems and dumping the repair cost onto their customers, you need to educate yourself and really understand what goes into the very best oil for your specific engine and its operating conditions.
These 3 oils being discussed here, Motul 300V, Red Line Power Sport, and Maxima Extra, are the very best money can buy. Use the correct viscosity and change it very frequently. Waiting until a manufacturer finally admits they have a problem, will be a disappointment. There may be other oils that are decent. If you saw all the lying that I’ve seen, it isn’t worth the risk.