2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro: Ready for Dirt
Since its introduction in 2010, Ducati has been constantly making the Multistrada 1200 more dirt-worthy. Last year we got the Enduro version, and now we have the 2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro. Let’s check out the essential facts that tell us what makes this new Multistrada an Enduro Pro.1. The Enduro Pro gets Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires. You can’t seriously ride off-pavement without real rubber. These are real DOT-legal knobby Pirelli tires and not street tires with larger water drainage channels.2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro
2. The wire-spoke wheels are dirt-ready, but only a 19”/17” combo. Ducati didn’t go fully dirt with an 18”/21” wheel set as found on bikes such as the Honda Africa Twin, but 19”/17” isn’t bad with knobbies and wire-spoked wheels.3. Touratech supplies the steel tank bars. Ducati plastic isn’t cheap, and neither are radiators and cylinders. If you’re going to be bashing around off-road, protection like this is a wise investment. Touratech, of course, has an impeccable reputation in the adventure world.4. You won’t be riding as fast off-road, so the windscreen is shorter. This will definitely be helpful for technical riding in summer months. How much protection you lose on the road at speed remains to be seen.5. The Termignoni silencer is titanium. We know it looks great, but the Termignoni silencer should also shed a few pounds and improve the exhaust sound, if not add a bit of power.6. The sand color will keep the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro looking clean a little longer. Red is great on the street, but it doesn’t hide dust well. The sand coloring for the plastic and seat means a fresher look longer.2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro7. There’s some black paint on the rear subframe, as well as the covers for the alternator and clutch. That won’t help you out much in the dirt, but the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro will look serious at Starbucks.8. The 2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro gets the rest of the high-end features found on the standard Enduro. That means the Enduro Pro has a full suite of electronic, a Bosch IMU, semi-active Sachs suspension (nearly eight inches of travel at each end), Bosch-Brembo 9.1ME cornering-aware ABS, LED headlight with cornering lights, a centerstand, and a huge adventure-ready 7.9-gallon fuel tank.
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!