Oil changes - Help!

[bzbatl]

I just scheduled my 600 mile first service. On the phone, the guys at the Ducati shop talked with me for a bit about oil changes.

My issue was that the oil heats up to 300 degrees on my stop and go commute. Their suggestion was to change the oil out every 1500 miles. They'll show me how when I bring it in so I can save some money on that.

Now my dilemma is this: In the manual, it says this:

Important
Engine oil and oil filters must be changed by a
Ducati dealer or authorized workshop at regular intervals,
as specified in the routine maintenance chart (see
Warranty Card).

Now I'm worried about my warranty, and whether or not these guys are just saying that, hoping I'll blow it up (which I assume they aren't since my family has spent 50k or so at this shop over the last few years)... or if it really just doesn't matter, because I'd be taking it to these guys for the 6000 mile services anyway... Who do you contact at Ducati to find out about the warranty?

I know I'm just being overly paranoid, but it's an expensive hobby ;)

[Ducboy]

Originally Posted by bzbatl

Their suggestion was to change the oil out every 1500 miles. They'll show me how when I bring it in so I can save some money on that.

Oil should be changed a few times in the first few thousand mi of any engine's life as metal bits slough off the gears and engine bits. But every 1500 mi, esp in a bike that uses synthetic oil, is tremendous overkill. That, to me, sounds like the dealer trying to milk you. You can (and I do) go 6K mi+ between changes - street riding - using fully syn oil. Some guys change it every 1000, x, or y miles but it makes them feel good for some reason and there's no basis for changing it that often, to say nothing of earlier 4V motors w.which flaking rockers - and necessary oil monitoring via changes - is a concern.

Doing it yourself is not difficult. Just takes an experienced hand to show you once and you're set. Check out http://www.ducatisuite.com/oilchange.html for a great guide.

I don't think that oil changes done yourself void the warranty but call a couple different Duc dealers - not your local - to be sure.

[gnostic203]

Manual recommends 6000 miles right? I do 3000 and I do it myself. It's ridiculously easy if you are versed in changing oil in any vehicle. I have a monster and the filter kinda just hangs there. I got a craftsman strap wrench at Sears and the whole process takes a few minutes.

[jyeager]

If your oil really does get to 300 degrees, then yes you should change it that often. Oil really breaks down fast at those temps.

I believe it's a violation of US law for your warranty to be voided by an owner properly performing maintenance.

[Blackduc]

Change the oil yourself. To make it easier use K&N filters they have a 1/2" stud on the head to make removal and replacement easy. I had a warranty issue come up with my 749 in regards to the wiring harness. I had 4300 miles on it. I asked the local service shop about things that would void the warranty. I had a full Remus on it at the time and remembered that the manual said that changing the exhaust would void the warranty. The service manager just smiled and shook his head. Unless something goes wrong with your bike that is an obvious sign of abuse or neglect I think you won't have much to worry about.

[KRG]

I agree that it sounds like your dealer is trying to milk you. I would take the suggested advice and shop around for other Duc dealers in your area if that is an option.

Manual (Cdn) says Oil changes are every 5,000Km so whatever that is in miles. I change mine every 3,000Km as a precaution as I ride it HARD at the track, plus commute and tour.

My dealer was kind enough to walk me through oil changes etc and they are quite happy to sell me the parts, let me do the oil changes, etc and continue to honour my warranty. That is more about the relationship you have with your dealer than anything though. My dealer knows that if I run into any kind of snag, I contact them. I am also bang on about getting it serviced at the required intervals and not trying to nickle and dime them to death with little crap.

Hope that helps

Cheers!