Kristian Ghedina is the most successful Italian downhill skier in the history of the Alpine Ski World Cup, a man who can exceed 200km/h on skis. After retiring from pro skiing, he developed a passion for engines, rediscovering the same adrenaline he experienced during past wins. In particular, Ghedina established a strong connection with the Supermoto straight after retiring from official competitions: an extra strong bond making him the perfect person for the event that combined snow and motors, testing new tyres on unconventional surfaces; a celebrity who could ensure the necessary expertise to bring winter and motor sports together. He is not an official tester but rather a friend of Pirelli, the brand that has extensively invested in winter sports as sponsor of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.
In February 2017, during a special snow test in St. Moritz, Ghedina was given the chance to try out the new Pirelli SCORPION™ RALLY STR, the on/off road enduro tyre specifically designed for the latest generation of adventure, dual purpose and enduro street bikes. The SCORPION™ RALLY STR is a real innovation in the tyre industry, managing to reconcile and encompass the best off-road performance with the features of an enduro street tyre. Designed specifically to meet the most demanding market expectations, with an aggressive tread and significant technological innovations, the new product provides traction on dirt tracks and stability at high speeds. It is easy to handle and agile on the road, providing comfort and grip in all driving conditions. Tread design is not incidental in the world of Pirelli. In fact, the design determines the on-road performance of the tyre. Because unlike car tyres, those mounted on two-wheelers are naked to the eye, without side panels to protect the rest. Especially on super sport vehicles with bare and essential fairings, the front and rear wheels expose the tread and emphasize its forms. In terms of design, the Pirelli SCORPION™ RALLY STR presents a profile optimized for on-road use thanks to the increased rubber surface in contact with the ground under the patch area. The geometry and ratio between tread height and width is totally new and an absolute novelty on the market. Thanks to these adjustments, Pirelli was able to obtain greater stability on the road without compromising off-road traction.
Each track thus determines the features and behaviour of the wheels on wet surfaces, when in contact with large amounts of water. The grooves formed by the different tyre configurations conceal its functional characteristics. The new SCORPION™ RALLY STR tread has an innovative profile with high silica content in the compounds, responding well to lower temperatures and interacting better with water from a chemical standpoint. A perfect grip in all conditions, the new tyre pattern ensures optimal mileage and safety.
Yet another reason for Ducati and Pirelli to join forces and improve their respective products: the new SCORPION™ RALLY STR tyre was used and developed especially for the new Ducati: the Desert Sled born between the desert and mountains of California is an openly off-road version inspired by the off-road motorcycles that made history in the United States during the sixties and seventies. On this the model, equipped with unique SCORPION™ RALLY STR studded tyres for the event, Kristian Ghedina tested the new set during a fun afternoon that combined his experience with snow and bikes and demonstrated the outstanding performance of both products. The briefing was simple: “Have fun on the snow and tell us what you think”. The former national athlete enjoyed himself during this unusual and entertaining experience, on an equally thrilling motorcycle capable of unleashing its 75 HP on top of a coat of snow. Ducati's decision was no coincidence: not only a business agreement, a 100% supply partnership was reached consolidating the bond formed between the two giants a few years ago. Pirelli provided the manufacturer based in Borgo Panigale with its best and most innovative product, which in turn mounted it on its latest creation, giving life to a joint development that caters for their mutual needs. The Scorpion Rally Str comes in ten different sizes, including an exclusive and customised set for the new Scrambler. It also ready to become a top-of-the-range product on a broader market.
According to Ghedina, our product passed the test with flying colours and let him ride an innovative racing bike in complete safety. The thrilling experience also served to understand the level of safety guaranteed by Pirelli tyres in all conditions. “It's amazing to think you can ride a motorbike in the snow, something many would consider impossible. Pirelli developed this tyre that let me go for a ride and have a good time, outstanding performance and in complete safety. The most important thing to say is that control stems from the mind: never go beyond your limits, in any sport”, said Ghedina, an authority in everything snow or engine related. So it is only natural to trust Pirelli and its experience with tyres, attention to detail, aesthetics and constant focus on improving its products. This is why the new SCORPION™ RALLY STR is the prefect tyre for your bike, whatever the weather.
