Hyperstrada Issue #2,302 | Oil Light

flik · Mar 13, 2017

Hello,
Oil light every time I come to stop as of yesterday.

Bike has 3,700 miles.

Southern California Motorcycles claims that Ducati says bike will burn a quart every 1,000 miles.

Is this a fact? Should I ghost ride this unreliable pile off a bridge? Should I buy a Yamaha?

Need advice.

kuksul08 · Mar 13, 2017

The oil light is an oil pressure light, not oil level. This engine is not known to burn oil...

I think you have a faulty oil pressure switch, or loose connection.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

kuksul08 said:
The oil light is an oil pressure light, not oil level. This engine is not known to burn oil...

I think you have a faulty oil pressure switch, or loose connection.

I beg to differ considering the fact that there is absolutely no oil at all in the oil check window. I'm also not disagree...I'm sure there are multiple problems.

3,700 miles... the dealer literally just told me these bikes burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles is fair.

That is ******* insane to me.

appliance821 · Mar 13, 2017

flik said:
I beg to differ considering the fact that there is absolutely no oil at all in the oil check window. I'm also not disagree...I'm sure there are multiple problems.

3,700 miles... the dealer literally just told me these bikes burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles is fair.

That is ******* insane to me.

It is ******* insane because it's not true, and the dealer is trashing a product he sells and not telling you the truth. (Even if it was true - Ducati would say "liter", not "quart) Mine hasn't burned a drop in 20k miles.

Oil doesn't just disappear -

do you see blue smoke on start up = valve guides
do you see it under load = rings
Do you see any smoke ever?
do you see some leaking = leak

Who changed the oil? Was there ever oil?

Put oil in before your next ride.

Find new dealer.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

appliance821 said:
It is ******* insane because it's not true, and the dealer is trashing a product he sells and not telling you the truth. (Even if it was true - Ducati would say "liter", not "quart) Mine hasn't burned a drop in 20k miles.

Oil doesn't just disappear -

do you see blue smoke on start up = valve guides
do you see it under load = rings
Do you see any smoke ever?
do you see some leaking = leak

Who changed the oil? Was there ever oil?

Put oil in before your next ride.

Find new dealer.

No smoke, no leaks.

Ducati didn't tell me quarts, the dealer did (American) - Southern California Motorcycles to be exact.

The owner of a separate dealership in another state told me "that oil consumption is fair, have a dealer change the oil and keep an eye on it."....wtf....

zibbit u2 · Mar 13, 2017

Every auto manufacturer will state engines burn oil (which is true), however determining what an acceptable amount of oil is always in question.

Keeping in mind that your oil level is correct:

-I would start by investigating if the connector on the Oil Pressure Switch is properly seated and that the pins are clear of rust or contamination. The switch is located under the horizontal cylinder. It's identified by a small re-inforced cable which extends from the RH case half (look just forward of the oil sight glass above the starter). Clean everything as best you can using contact cleaner put a little dielectric grease on the contact when you re-install the connector. Go for a short ride and see if the problem persists;

-If it returns and the pins were in good shape, I would replace the oil pressure switch. The switch is only about $50 USD + gasket. P/N 53940302A (switch) & 85211951A (gasket). Go for a short ride, and see if it persists.

-If the problem persists, then I'd be concerned that you have in fact a low oil pressure problem. Which would indicate either a problem with the oil pump, or possibly debris that is plugging an oil journal.

kuksul08 · Mar 13, 2017

Yeah - no oil in the sight glass is not right. I keep an eye on my oil level pretty often since I do have another bike that burns oil, and the hyper has burned no perceptible amount. Make sure to check the level when the bike is perfectly upright on a level surface.

If it is indeed losing that much oil, you would see it coming out in the form of leaks or smoke, and wouldn't be able to miss it. It would stink like oil too.

zibbit u2 · Mar 13, 2017

Manual also states that the oil level should be checked with the bike in a upright position when the motor is cold, ref Page 210 Owners Manual;

Check engine oil level
Check the engine oil level through the sight glass (1)
on the clutch cover. Oil level must be checked with
the motorcycle perfectly upright and the engine cold.
Oil level should be between the marks on the sight
glass. If the level is low, top up with SHELL Advance
4T Ultra engine oil. Remove the oil filler cap (2) and
top up until the oil reaches the required level. Refit
the plug.

Further reading the Owners manual and I came across a little quote on Page 31:

5) ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT (RED).
Comes on when engine oil pressure is too low. It
must turn on at Key-On, but must turn off a few
seconds after the engine has started. May come on
briefly when the engine is hot, but should go off as
the engine revs up.

gatdammit · Mar 13, 2017

"...when engine is cold"; this is of particular note as it goes against every thing I thought I new about vehicle care and maintenance. I confirmed with 2 separate dealers in different states and they very matter of factly confirmed. Not sure if this is a Duc motor characteristic.

I've probably added a half liter tops over 12,000 miles and 3 oil changes. But, I used to ride 45 miles of highway twice a day at 80+ mph. When I moved to a much colder climate, some of the moisture in the case would condense and gum up and I would vent after a ride to get rid of it (thanks to the member that gave me that tip!).

Regardless, a quick search of this site will confirm that this is possibly the first oil pressure or oil burning issue. All the other design flaws have been corrected through TSBs or recalls. Aside from electrical, the engine is marvelous and reliable.

Humor us and confirm you've checked the oil on the center stand or upright with the motor cold. I've personally never owned a motor of any make that didn't burn a little oil. Caveat - though I type like a boring HR rep, I drive like a ******* criminal. I'd be insulted if I didn't burn up a little oil.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

gatdammit said:
"...when engine is cold"; this is of particular note as it goes against every thing I thought I new about vehicle care and maintenance. I confirmed with 2 separate dealers in different states and they very matter of factly confirmed. Not sure if this is a Duc motor characteristic.

I've probably added a half liter tops over 12,000 miles and 3 oil changes. But, I used to ride 45 miles of highway twice a day at 80+ mph. When I moved to a much colder climate, some of the moisture in the case would condense and gum up and I would vent after a ride to get rid of it (thanks to the member that gave me that tip!).

Regardless, a quick search of this site will confirm that this is possibly the first oil pressure or oil burning issue. All the other design flaws have been corrected through TSBs or recalls. Aside from electrical, the engine is marvelous and reliable.

Humor us and confirm you've checked the oil on the center stand or upright with the motor cold. I've personally never owned a motor of any make that didn't burn a little oil. Caveat - though I type like a boring HR rep, I drive like a ******* criminal. I'd be insulted if I didn't burn up a little oil.

haha I appreciate the response. Unfortunately for me, I'm not an ***** either. So I know things. Bike on center stand, checked with cold motor, warm motor, hot motor. No oil in window.

A little oil...sure...I can buy that....a quart every ******* thousand?! That's absurd. That's offensive actually. I put almost a thousand miles on this bike in two days this weekend... that's nothing.

This bike has been nothing but a disappointment. If depreciation wasn't a thing, this thing would be long gone by now. Problem after problem.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

zibbit u2 said:
Manual also states that the oil level should be checked with the bike in a upright position when the motor is cold, ref Page 210 Owners Manual;

Check engine oil level
Check the engine oil level through the sight glass (1)
on the clutch cover. Oil level must be checked with
the motorcycle perfectly upright and the engine cold.
Oil level should be between the marks on the sight
glass. If the level is low, top up with SHELL Advance
4T Ultra engine oil. Remove the oil filler cap (2) and
top up until the oil reaches the required level. Refit
the plug.

Further reading the Owners manual and I came across a little quote on Page 31:

5) ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT (RED).
Comes on when engine oil pressure is too low. It
must turn on at Key-On, but must turn off a few
seconds after the engine has started. May come on
briefly when the engine is hot, but should go off as
the engine revs up.

Thanks for the response. Checked the oil in the right temperature in the right position. Fact is, it's just low on oil. With no leaks and no smoke - this thing is just burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. What a shame.

kuksul08 · Mar 13, 2017

flik said:
haha I appreciate the response. Unfortunately for me, I'm not an ***** either. So I know things. Bike on center stand, checked with cold motor, warm motor, hot motor. No oil in window.

A little oil...sure...I can buy that....a quart every ******* thousand?! That's absurd. That's offensive actually. I put almost a thousand miles on this bike in two days this weekend... that's nothing.

This bike has been nothing but a disappointment. If depreciation wasn't a thing, this thing would be long gone by now. Problem after problem.

Don't forget to factor in opportunity cost. Sure, you might lose a few thousand on the bike if you sold it, but think of all the time and money you could be spending on a new bike that actually brings you happiness in the meantime.

I used to trash on this bike to no end and the only reason I didn't sell it was due to depreciation. Then I realized I had too high of expectations, and it brings me more joy than pretty much any other bike in this price range could. So I decided to keep it and fix what wasn't right. Now I can see myself keeping it more long term.

As for the burning oil... could it also be a plugged or malfunctioning breather valve? I've heard of these causing oil loss. What oil are you using? If you're using a 10W40 you could try a 15W50. Just some ideas. What else do you hate about the bike?

monocog007 · Mar 13, 2017

Are you sure the dealer didn't just underfill it? You haven't mentioned whether or not you were the one changing the oil. Just a thought.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

monocog007 said:
Are you sure the dealer didn't just underfill it? You haven't mentioned whether or not you were the one changing the oil. Just a thought.

Southern California Motorcycles, the dealer where I bought this lemon...changed the oil. I'm sure they didn't underfill it because it was changed about 3,000 miles ago. No issues. No lights until now.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

kuksul08 said:
Don't forget to factor in opportunity cost. Sure, you might lose a few thousand on the bike if you sold it, but think of all the time and money you could be spending on a new bike that actually brings you happiness in the meantime.

I used to trash on this bike to no end and the only reason I didn't sell it was due to depreciation. Then I realized I had too high of expectations, and it brings me more joy than pretty much any other bike in this price range could. So I decided to keep it and fix what wasn't right. Now I can see myself keeping it more long term.

As for the burning oil... could it also be a plugged or malfunctioning breather valve? I've heard of these causing oil loss. What oil are you using? If you're using a 10W40 you could try a 15W50. Just some ideas. What else do you hate about the bike?

I totally hear you on that. Opportunity loss is a real thing and it's a damn shame. Honestly I'm super bummed because I agree - it would be one of the best bikes in it's price range/class. Unfortunately Ducati doesn't QC their manufacturing and I'm stuck with this problem-ridden pile.

Problems:
#1 - In the first 600 miles the throttle began to stick at 4k RPM, even when OFF the throttle. Happened in every gear. Dealer changes throttle, now only happens when I decelerate in 1st gear.

#2 - Warping bodywork. The left body panel has warped itself away from the gas tank cover. Ducati North America and the dealers have claimed "it was designed this way...to warp overtime." (*******. no. I'm a designer myself and close with the engineering world and things aren't designed to do that, ever.)

#3 - Buzzing, loose, sloppy fitment of the nose fairing

#4 - Burning oil.

It's a shame. On more than one level. I'm a cash buyer of many Ducatis. I've tried them and I'm out after this one. They don't stand behind their products, customers and are just as clueless as any other manufacturer...so why pay more?

zibbit u2 · Mar 13, 2017

I think you need a new dealer man.. sounds like yours is ignoring the customers complaints.

flik · Mar 13, 2017

zibbit u2 said:
I think you need a new dealer man.. sounds like yours is ignoring the customers complaints.

It's beyond that. I've been in touch directly with Ducati North America, who basically dismissed me as well.

ferdi · Mar 14, 2017

flik said:
It's beyond that. I've been in touch directly with Ducati North America, who basically dismissed me as well.

give it away and the bike wil make happy a new owner.
you are not worth the HS

.

serious -
all the things you mentioned are bagatelles, beside the oil loss. but we do not know if its really an oil loss because you did not confirm that there was enough oil after service and the last 3000 miles.
so, fill it up and observe. if it really needs a lot of oil you can complain, but not before.
i think the distance between low and full in oillevel gauge-glass is not more than 0.5 l, and using this amount within 3000 miles definitly could be within specs. maybe its more than most other 821 use, but it's not unnormal.

I had a BMW R100GS for about 21 years and 120000 km, basically it used no oil up to 0.5 liter at 5000 km. but at vacation in the alps, where the bike runs a lot in the overrun going down from the passes, it used a lot more oil so that i had to fill up 0.5 liter at 1000-2000 km. so oil use also depends on usage of the bike.

dragoontwo · Mar 14, 2017

The bike should not be on any stand when checking oil level. Both wheels on the ground and level, please.

That said, it does sound like you have unusual consumption issues. If your local Ducati dealer won't help you, elevate it to the next level. Get Ducati North America involved.

ETA: Posted before reading page 2. Sounds like your situation sucks all around. Sorry to hear that.

flik · Mar 14, 2017

ferdi said:
give it away and the bike wil make happy a new owner.
you are not worth the HS .

serious -
all the things you mentioned are bagatelles, beside the oil loss. but we do not know if its really an oil loss because you did not confirm that there was enough oil after service and the last 3000 miles.
so, fill it up and observe. if it really needs a lot of oil you can complain, but not before.
i think the distance between low and full in oillevel gauge-glass is not more than 0.5 l, and using this amount within 3000 miles definitly could be within specs. maybe its more than most other 821 use, but it's not unnormal.

I had a BMW R100GS for about 21 years and 120000 km, basically it used no oil up to 0.5 liter at 5000 km. but at vacation in the alps, where the bike runs a lot in the overrun going down from the passes, it used a lot more oil so that i had to fill up 0.5 liter at 1000-2000 km. so oil use also depends on usage of the bike.

haha actually I'm in the process of working with a group that specializes in explosives. Planning on the live stream it on Facebook if you're interested. Going to send this bike to the stratosphere! I'll keep you posted.

Hyperstrada Issue #2,302 | Oil Light

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