By Christie U. Omonigho
Shell Lubricants (Shell) and Ducati have just announced their readiness to launch an engine oil they refer to as “exclusive new co-branded motorcycle Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50”, said to have been designed to meet the requirements of the next generation of Ducati engines.
Sharing Shell’s PurePlus Technology and wear protection technology with the MotoGP race oil, it fulfils the requirements of the latest API SP and JASO MA2 specifications and provides superior protection against wear, deposits and oxidation, the Royal Dutch Shell has said in an email statement to Energy Window International.
The new oil according to the statement has already gone through a series of tests, rigorous in themselves, aimed at ascertaining its durability and efficiency, including running over 400 simulations of the gruelling Autodromo Nazionale Monza race circuit in Italy while enabling it to achieve even better performance. “Riders can be confident that Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50 can help keep their bikes run smoothly for longer, enhancing wear protection for Ducati engines while maintaining optimal gearbox performance,” says Shell.
Adding that the performance potential of the new oil has favorably driven the development of future motorcycle technology. This is while testing the upcoming generation of engines that would be exclusively for Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50. Maintaining Shell said it had collaborated with Ducati this long, and closely too, so as to continuously review engine test results aimed at evaluating the wear on engine components – highlighting the link between effective lubrication and engine performance.
Aysun Akik, Vice President Global Key Accounts and New Business Development at Shell Lubricants, said: “Building on more than two decades of collaboration with Ducati, this exclusive new motorcycle oil represents a significant evolution of the Shell Advance Ducati engine oil product line. This latest innovation translates insights and breakthroughs from the racetrack into enhanced road-ready solutions, delivering tangible benefits to Ducati and Shell customers worldwide.”
Energy Window International has also gathered that Shell’s Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50 is the result of one of the most recognisable partnerships in premier motorcycle racing. The global oil major further disclosed that it has supported Ducati since 1999 when the manufacturer was racing in the WorldSBK Championship, and since 2003 when it joined the MotoGP Championship. It has equally announced a multi-year extension of their Technical Partnership until 2027 with Ducati Corse, or racing division unit.
“For Ducati motorcycle riders looking to experience the latest development from this successful technical partnership, Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50 is available for the season start. Customers can purchase it exclusively at Ducati dealerships and franchised workshops across Europe,” Shell had announced.
Shell further defines API SP as the latest engine oil standard issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API) for motorcycle and scooters. It offers customers the latest engine oil specifications to meet the EURO 5 standard that includes improved fuel economy requirements, superior wear protection, as well as better deposit, sludge and oxidation control.
While JASO MA2, (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) is an organization comprising major vehicle manufacturers in Japan. Its rating was introduced in the 2006 JASO T903 standard for modern motorcycle engines. And a JASO MA2 oil as a 4-stroke motorcycle oil, that is suitable for a motorcycle with a catalytic converter. It is formulated to deliver a higher wet clutch friction performance. The Shell Advance Ducati Genuine Oil 15W-50 fulfills the newest JASO MA2 (2023) standard.