Oil Change Guide: 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4

Ducati Multistrada V4 · 2025 · Oil Changes

Oil Change Guide: 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4

Quick Reference Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate (2 out of 5) — Granturismo has dry sump, pan access requires care
• Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes (first-timer: 70-90 minutes)
• Best Done: On a warm engine (ride at least 10 km first); centre stand required
• Note: The Granturismo V4 uses a dry-sump lubrication system — oil lives in a separate tank, not the crankcase. You will drain from multiple points.

Complete Tool List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Engine and Position the Bike

Start the engine and let it idle for 3-5 minutes so the oil warms up and suspension cycles fully. Warm oil flows faster and carries more suspended contaminants out of the engine. Shut off the engine and carefully set the bike on its centre stand on a level surface. Wait 2-3 minutes for oil to settle in the dry sump reservoir.

Tip: If you've been riding, let the bike cool for 5-10 minutes before changing oil. You want warm oil, not scalding hot.

Step 2: Access the Underside

The Multistrada V4 has an engine skid plate (sump guard) that must be removed to access the drain plug. Remove the 4-6 bolts securing the skid plate using an 8mm socket or hex driver. Set the bolts aside safely.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Filler Cap

Unscrew the oil filler cap located on top of the oil tank (accessible from the right side of the engine bay). This allows air to enter so the oil drains freely.

Important: Always remove the filler cap first. Oil will not fully drain with a vacuum seal in the tank.

Step 4: Position the Drain Pan

Slide the oil drain pan beneath the engine. Because the Granturismo uses a dry-sump system, you'll need to position it to catch oil from both the oil tank drain plug and the crankcase sump drain plug.

Step 5: Drain the Oil Tank

Using an 8mm hex wrench, loosen the oil tank drain plug (located on the bottom of the oil tank). Turn counterclockwise. Finish removing by hand. Let the oil drain completely — this takes 8-12 minutes.

Warning: Oil will be hot. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Step 6: Drain the Crankcase Sump

While the tank drains, use a 6mm hex wrench to remove the crankcase sump drain plug. This drains any residual oil from the bottom of the engine. Let both drains complete before proceeding.

Step 7: Clean and Replace Drain Plug Washers

Remove both drain plugs and replace both aluminium crush washers (8mm and 6mm). Clean each drain plug of old oil and any debris. Inspect the threads for damage.

Critical: Never reuse aluminium crush washers. They deform once to create a seal — reusing them is the #1 cause of post-service oil leaks on Ducatis.

Step 8: Reinstall Drain Plugs

Reinstall the crankcase sump drain plug (6mm) first, then the oil tank drain plug (8mm). Hand-tighten, then torque the crankcase sump plug to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lbs) and the oil tank drain plug to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Important: The Granturismo's aluminium tank threads are soft. Do not use an impact driver. Never over-torque — a stripped oil tank on a Multistrada requires tank removal for repair.

Step 9: Remove the Old Oil Filter

The spin-on oil filter is located on the right side of the engine, forward of the exhaust headers. Position a small section of the drain pan beneath it. Use a cap-style filter wrench or strap wrench to loosen it. Unscrew by hand once loosened and carefully tip the filter opening upward as you remove it to minimize drips.

Warning: Some oil will spill out when removing the filter. Have rags ready. Be careful — the exhaust header may still be warm.

Step 10: Verify Filter Gasket Removal

Check that the old rubber O-ring gasket came off with the old filter. If it stuck to the mounting flange, carefully pry it off with a flat-blade screwdriver. Never install a new filter over an old gasket — this will cause an immediate major oil leak.

Step 11: Prepare and Install the New Filter

Lubricate the new filter's rubber gasket with a thin coat of fresh 15W-50 oil. Hand-tighten the new filter until the gasket contacts the mounting flange, then tighten an additional ¾ turn by hand. Do not use a filter wrench to tighten.

Step 12: Add New Oil

Using a funnel, pour 3.6 litres of SAE 15W-50 fully synthetic motorcycle oil (API SN or higher, JASO MA2 certified) into the oil filler port.

Recommended oils: Motul 7100 15W-50, Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50, Castrol POWER1 Racing 15W-50, Agip IPONE Moto Synth' 15W-50. Do not use automotive oils with friction modifiers — the V4 has a wet clutch.

Step 13: Verify Oil Level

1. Install the oil filler cap and finger-tighten
2. Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes to prime the new filter
3. Shut off the engine, wait 3 minutes
4. Check the sight glass on the right side of the engine — oil level should be between Min and Max marks
5. If low, add oil in 100ml increments and recheck
6. The bike must be upright and level for an accurate sight glass reading

Step 14: Final Inspection

• Check for leaks around both drain plugs
• Check for leaks around the new oil filter
• Tighten the oil filler cap securely
• Reinstall the engine skid plate, torquing the bolts evenly
• Clean any spilled oil from the engine and exhaust
• Reset the service interval indicator in the dashboard menu (Settings → Maintenance → Reset Oil Service)

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Helpful Tips

• The Multistrada V4 Granturismo has cylinder deactivation (deactivation of the rear two cylinders at idle and low load). Oil circulation is critical — always use fully synthetic JASO MA2 rated oil.
• Ducati recommends oil changes every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or every 24 months, whichever comes first.
• Always check the sight glass with the bike upright on a centre stand or lift — on the side stand you will get an inaccurate reading.
• Keep a service log with date, mileage, oil brand, and filter used. The V4 engine benefits from consistent oil brand use.
• The 2025 Multistrada V4 uses the Granturismo engine (replacing the Testastretta DVT). The oil system architecture is different — do not assume specs from older Multistrada models.

Warnings

• NEVER use automotive oils with "Energy Conserving" labels (API EC) or friction modifiers. These cause wet clutch slippage and potential gearbox damage.
• NEVER start the engine without the oil filler cap installed on a dry-sump engine. The oil pump will not prime correctly.
• NEVER over-torque the drain plugs. The oil tank is aluminium and threads strip easily.
• Always verify you have the correct spin-on filter. The Granturismo uses a different filter than the older Testastretta Multistrada engines.
• Do not ride if the oil level is below the Min mark — the Granturismo's dry sump is particularly sensitive to low oil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is hazardous waste and must not be poured down a drain, tossed in the trash, or dumped on the ground.

1. Transfer the drained oil into clean containers with tight caps — empty oil bottles work well.
2. Bring it to a certified recycling location. Most automotive parts retailers accept used oil free of charge: - AutoZone: Free oil and filter recycling at all stores - O'Reilly Auto Parts: Free recycling program - Advance Auto Parts: Accepts oil at most locations - NAPA: Call ahead — most locations accept
3. Take your old spin-on filter too. These retailers typically recycle filters as well.
4. Your local municipal recycling centre or household hazardous waste facility is another option.
5. Do not mix used oil with other fluids (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid) — contaminated oil may be refused for recycling.

Verification Notes for 2025 Model Year

The 2025 Multistrada V4 uses the Granturismo engine, which replaced the Testastretta DVT from the 2021-2024 models. The oil system architecture changed with this engine swap — older Multistrada V4 specs may not apply.

To verify all specifications, consult your 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 owner's manual (included with the motorcycle or available via the Ducati Connect app).

This guide was prepared using Ducati Granturismo service manual specifications and OEM recommendations. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance. Engine specs differ from older Testastretta Multistrada models.