Dunlop Teases the Q3Dunlop Sportmax Q3 Tease/Dunlop Q2 ReviewDunlp has teased its latest sportbike tire featuring Carbon Fiber technology in the video attached above.
Teasing the new Qualifier Sportmax Q3, Dunlop says: “Carbon fiber. It’s light. It’s strong. It’s tough. But have you ever seen it roll?”The new Q3, which will be offered this summer, will replace the highly-respected Qualifier Sportmax Q2 motorcycle tires.Following is an Ultimate Motorcycling review of the Q2 following a track day:In 2010, Dunlop became the specified tire for the AMA Championship, and the Q2 tire uses its proprietary N-Tec race technology.The rear tire is a dual compound construction with softer shoulders for extra grip, while the front tire is a single compound.The secret to the Dunlop Q2′s extraordinary and predictable grip seems to be its advanced compound and the Intuitive Response Profile at the rear, which creates a bigger footprint and allows more lean angle than the other tires.The Q2s are a significant 2.8 pounds heavier than the stock tires. They raised the Honda’s axle height by 1.4mm at the front and 1.6mm at the rear; although the 600RR sat a little higher, the steering geometry was essentially unchanged.However, the slightly taller bike would arguably give the riders a little extra leverage when turning in, thereby offsetting any negative effects of the extra rotating mass.Carding a best lap time of 1:36.3 with UMC contributor Tristan Schoenewald, a respected ex-AMA 600 Supersport racer with a National and several-time Regional WERA Champion, at the controls, the Q2s were almost five seconds per lap quicker than the stock tires.Schoenewald felt equally at home on the Dunlops, saying “I liked these tires, and felt very confident with them. The front was stable, turn-in was excellent, and the tire held its line perfectly.Leaned over on the brakes-even over bumps-the tires stayed planted. Overall, steering input was minimal and once turned the bike felt like it was on rails.”
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!
