this may seem like a stupid question....

[jeremyh007]

BUT...i read oil opinions and people name several preferred brands..mobil1, amsoil, rotella, motul, etc.....
are these motorcycle specific oil? or is it just generic car oil? i feel stupid asking, but with a dry clutch, the oil is only there for motor lubrication, the same as a car

[va duc]

Some would say the the shear force of the transmission gears is why motorcycle specific oil is needed, it contains additives that are designed for this addition wear. some say if you change it every 1,000 miles who cares? check out this thread.
The Case for Using Mobil 1 15W-50 Automobile Oil in a Motorcycle
Its your choice.

[SilkMoneyLove]

I love the oil threads.

Use an MC specific or full synthetic. There is a difference between M/C specific synthetic and just synthetic, but not much.

Oil I use Amsoil but also grab other Synthetics when I need to. The only reason I don't use Dino oil is the ash content.

[erikesp]

Originally Posted by jeremyh007

BUT...i read oil opinions and people name several preferred brands..mobil1, amsoil, rotella, motul, etc.....
are these motorcycle specific oil? or is it just generic car oil? i feel stupid asking, but with a dry clutch, the oil is only there for motor lubrication, the same as a car

Not a stupid question. No, the oil also lubricates and cools the transmission in a motorcycle. It also has to protect the engine at much higher revolutions and heat.

[richie rex]

Originally Posted by erikesp

Not a stupid question. No, the oil also lubricates and cools the transmission in a motorcycle. It also has to protect the engine at much higher revolutions and heat.

I think the high revs arguement is not really relevant, we are talking Ducati here. Some cars have gearboxes that use the engine oil and they have no special consideration, just change your oil at the service interval or sooner if you want, as my father said, "oil is the cheapest mechanic you can find".

[mtmansl]

All About Motor Oil