Ipone Full Power Katana

Multistrada finally went in for its biggest service. Ducati's 48,000 km service, the subject of some of the scariest urban legends, turned out to be quite enjoyable for me. Once the parts we had been waiting for arrived, I delivered my MTS together with 4 litres of Ipone Full Power Katana 15W50 engine oil on the date agreed when Korlas called to book it in.

While wondering what state my valves were in after all those kilometres, I was also enjoying flirting with an old flame again. Ipone and I had been apart since my Suzuki years; this time, with Motul unable to supply the right oil, I found myself at a Motaks dealer. In my opinion, Motul would do itself a favour by thinking about how to become a brand people can trust in this country, instead of changing distributors like socks.

Of course, the distributor is not my main criterion when choosing oil. Ipone Katana is a 100% synthetic, ester-technology oil for four-stroke motorcycle engines. It is comparable to Motul's 300V. With special gearbox additives as well, Katana is an oil suited to road use that meets high-level standards such as JASO MA2 and API SM. Expectations are high, but we will have to wait: the MTS's service will take a while.

Although I had a chance to ride the MTS on one or two road training sessions after the service, I waited until after Korlas's Eskişehir trip to write this review. Since I ride other motorcycles in between, I cannot spend much time with my MTS these days. I miss it, too; every ride feels like being reunited with a lover. Anyway, let's not get sidetracked; let's review our oil.

The little fellow had already come back to life after the service: the throttle grip had been replaced and the valves adjusted. It feels wonderful to ride, and especially after the scooter, I cannot describe the pleasure. I must have said it a million times before, but let me repeat it: this Multistrada is a fantastic motorcycle. It really is. It and Katana seem to get along well. The first thing I noticed was smoother, more positive gear changes. I had no trouble shifting up or down; always precise. Then there is the heat: it runs 6° cooler. Yes, the radiator was cleaned and the coolant changed, but I think the oil clearly makes a difference too. Particularly when cruising gently on the motorway, the engine temperature was low enough to make me wonder whether the sensor had failed. That also makes the rider more comfortable: you are not getting cooked here and there.

Fuel consumption changed a lot. Or rather, it had changed a lot before, and has now returned to reasonable levels. Before the service it had risen above 9 litres; during this period it returned to around 7.5 l/100 km. Of course, the valve adjustment is the biggest factor, but I think Katana contributed too, because I do not remember shifting into a high gear during the ride: I kept to sensible speeds with lively revs throughout. Besides, I had chosen a route full of bends, climbs and descents.

It was not really possible to test top speed, but roll-on acceleration was very enjoyable. Incidentally, let me remind you that the oil I used before Ipone was hardly some dreadful, rubbish product. Even so, I was very pleased to notice some differences. :)

Of course, to complete an oil test, you need to see what condition the oil is in when the next service is due. My expectations are high; let's see how it turns out. I will add it right here when that day comes. :)

With a recommended retail price of ₺54, Ipone Full Power Katana 15W50 is one of the best oils you can buy for your motorcycle. It might even be the best choice for bikes with stiff gearboxes and wet clutches that tend to run a little hot. Its low phosphate content also makes it friendly to both your catalytic converter and the environment. I would say it is worth trying; it impressed me quite a lot. :)