Originally Posted By: Ducman
Originally Posted By: KernelK
I doubt that the factory fill was mineral. If you are interested, Shell Advance Ultra 10w-40 is available on Amazon, but is very expensive.
Why do you doubt the DUCATI factory fill is a mineral oil?
I see no reason to think DUCATI would have anything "other" than a mineral oil as a factory fill.
I personally see no legitimate reason why they would want to use a synthetic oil as a factory fill.
The main reasons are as follows.
1) It's only intended to be in the machine for 1000 kms then changed at the first service @ 1000 kms or 12months whichever occurs first. If it's overdue for it's first service, I would doubt it would ultimately go much beyond 1600 kms before it was changed, and a mineral oil would suffice.
2) It's more cost effective for them to use a Group II oil as a factory fill.
3) A mineral oil is totally suitable, and fit for purpose under the recommended Break-in operating conditions.
DUCATI states the following in the current Owners Manuals.
(Maximum 5000 rpm for the first 1000 kms. Maximum 6000 rpm for the following 1500 kms.)
Here is one indication:
http://www.ducati.com/ducati_shell_advance_.do
Ducati is a high end motorcycle manufacturer who specifically recommend Shell Advance. As such, I wouldn't think it out realm of possibility that they would have agreements to purchase Shell Advance lubricants to use in the factory.
Other high end manufacturers such as Corvette and Aston Martin, among others, deliver their products with synthetic lubes installed. Why not Ducati?
Perhaps you should forward your cost and lubricant suitability concerns to the Ducati factory.