Yamaha’s Cyril DespresCyril Despres & Yamaha 450 Rally VideoFollowing his fifth Dakar Rally victory aboard the KTM 450 Rally, Cyril Despres shocked the world of motorcycle-rally racing.
The Frenchman signed with Yamaha, and was set to contest a Yamaha 450 Rally at the remaining 2013 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship. Though new to the bike, Despres finished second overall at the 2013 Rally Dos Sertoes.Last month Despres was in Morocco, riding for a promotional film in the deserts. During this time, Yamaha filmed the attached video that has Despres discussing everything, from spending time with six-time Yamaha Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel, and his experience so far on Yamaha machinery.In 2014, Despres will compete at the Dakar Rally with fellow Yamaha pilots Olivier Pain, Frans Verhoeven and Michael Metge.Speaking of the 2014 Dakar prep, Yamaha says: “The teams infrastructure will shortly be loaded onto ships for the long journey to South America however the bikes will remain here and be airlifted at a later date. This extra time provides a precious opportunity for further last minute testing before what is shaping up to be the toughest Dakar challenge yet with new countries and tough terrain to be mastered.”The 2014 Dakar Rally, which runs January 5-18, will have longer stages as riders wind through Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
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!
