1999 Ducati ST4 engine oil?

[Finn]

Hello.

So I bought recently this 1999 Ducati ST4 as a project. Project means that it will need some serious engine work as at least main bearings are shot.

I'm trying to figure out the engine oil ie. what to use in the future.

Engine is a share sump but with dry clutch.

Factory recommendation is 20W50 and Ducati recommend Shell Advance Ultra but that is not so easy to get these days here.

Easiest way would be to get Motul 5100 or 7100, both 15W50 or 20W50 and be done with it. But then there is also Castrol Power 1 20W50 which is very cheap.

Any idea how this Castrol does in normal circumstances? I do not recall ever having used Castrol oils in bikes and/or cars.

Also, how would Valvoline VR1 20W50 mineral oil "survive" in a shared sump engine? That is what I use in my Harleys and BMW.

 

[ZeeOSix]

But then there is also Castrol Power 1 20W50 which is very cheap.

Any idea how this Castrol does in normal circumstances? I do not recall ever having used Castrol oils in bikes and/or cars.

I'm using Castrol Power 1, 10W-40 full synthetic in my XSR900 and it seems fine. Shifting is good and the engine doesn't use any of it. No reason to not give the 20W-50 a try in the Ducati.

 

[BusyLittleShop]

The recommended engine oil for a 1999 Ducati ST4 requires a viscosity of 15W-50 or 20W-50 synthetic oil, an oil capacity of about 3.4 to 3.5 liters (approx. 3.6 to 3.7 quarts) with a filter change, and an API classification of CC, CD, or CE (or higher-grade motorcycle specific 4T oil). Alternative Grades: SAE 10W-40 or 10w-30 (for lower ambient temperature ranges)