Dunlop Trailsmart Tires on StreetThe new Dunlop TrailSmart tire recognizes the growing ADV segment of motorcycle riding. However, while adventure bikes are designed for varying degrees of off-road duty, many riders never take their ADV bikes into the dirt. The Dunlop TrailSmart tire is designed to appeal to the adventure bike owner who rides primarily on the pavement, and wants performance focused on street riding and long-distance touring.Using technology from the high-performance Dunlop Sportmax line, the Dunlop TrailSmart tire gets Jointless Band construction for the rear tire. Jointless Band is a process that wraps the tire in a continuously wound belt, so the contact patch remains consistent. This, in turn, resists excessive heating of the tire due to a reduction in distortion of the thread, according to Dunlop. In addition to a superior ride, the life of the Dunlop TrailSmart is also increased.
TrailSmart rear tireThe Dunlop TrailSmart uses an all-new XGT Cross Groove tread pattern design. Crossing the entire tire, the grooves are there to direct water away from the tire. Off-road, it enhances traction in the dirt, as loose soil can be displaced for increased grip.Additionally, the Dunlop XGT Cross Groove pattern gives a large rubber footprint on the street, so the weight of the bike is distributed over a larger contact patch. The rib angles of the large tread blocks optimize pattern stiffness, so the tire squirms less. Heat is also kept within a healthy range, so the Dunlop TrailSmart tire does not wear out prematurely.Many adventure bikes, even when used exclusively for sport-touring, will find themselves in inclement weather. The Dunlop TrailSmart rubber compound is silica-fortified, which helps tire warm up on cooler days and on wet pavement. Additionally, the silica added to the rubber reduces rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption, giving the ADV bike a longer range.The new Dunlop TrailSmart tires come in sizes to fit popular (and not-so-popular) adventure bikes from BMW, KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, and Ducati, as well as heritage brands such as Cagiva and Benelli. There are both 19- and 21-inch front tires, as well as tires to fit 17- and 18-inch rear rims.
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!
