The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 is the latest version of a model that has been much more influential than its modest sales suggest, because the original Tuono V-twin essentially created the super-naked category in 2002. The Italian factory then took unfaired performance to new heights four years ago with the 165bhp, V4-engined Tuono V4R.
Since then BMW, Ducati and KTM have joined in with powerful and sophisticated rivals to make the class one of motorcycling’s most dynamic.
Aprilia’s challenge has been to broaden the Tuono’s appeal without losing the raw excitement that has always been its core attribute. Last year’s updated V4R ABS answered complaints about fuel economy, range and comfort with a larger fuel tank and new seat. This more comprehensively updated Tuono has a larger, 1,077cc engine plus numerous modifications intended to create a more rounded roadster.
The development team’s initial instinct was to use the 180bhp engine from the super-sports RSV4 but they settled on the more rider-friendly option of an enlarged version of the previous Tuono’s 999cc V4, with lightened parts including connecting rods and crankcases. The 3mm larger bore helps increase peak output by 5bhp to 175bhp at 11,000rpm, and more importantly boosts mid-range delivery by up to 20bhp.
The lightened internals also improve low-rev response, and the Tuono (the name means “thunder” in Italian) feels impressively refined. At urban speeds its wide handlebar combines with a slightly lower seat and light weight to allow effortless control. This standard V4 1100 RR and the higher specification Factory version have Aprilia’s sophisticated APRC electronic system, which is updated with a new track-oriented Race engine mode option and gives crisp, accurate fuelling at normal road speeds.
Not that it’s easy to stick to those for long on such an addictively hard-accelerating bike. An engaging V4 character and a delicious exhaust growl are further bonuses.
The Tuono's seat is more generously padded now, but the ride can still feel harsh
The chassis is updated with steeper steering geometry plus a longer swing-arm, to boost high-speed stability, and is as impressively light and agile as ever. But despite a more generously padded seat the Aprilia’s Sachs suspension feels harsh on rough surfaces. Some rivals offer semi-active suspension, but even the more expensive Factory version of the Tuono makes do with upgraded conventional Öhlins springs.
Nor are features such as heated grips, cruise control and cornering ABS options on the Tuono, though it does have powerful, ABS-equipped Brembo brakes.
Although this Tuono is more rounded than its predecessor, rivals offer a more versatile yet still thrilling package for less money.
But if you’re a traditional Tuono rider – which possibly means slightly wild eyes, a rugby player’s neck from fighting the wind, and a wallet full of fuel receipts – rest assured that the original Thunderbike’s wild spirit lives on in the V4 1100.
THE FACTS
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR
Tested: 1,077cc V4 four-stroke, six-speed gearbox
Price/on sale: (Factory) £14,635/now
Power/torque: 175bhp @ 11,000rpm/89lb ft @ 9,000rpm
Top speed: 165mph (estimated)
Verdict: Gloriously powerful, light and sweet-handling naked bike that's more versatile than before but still lacks some rivals' all-round ability
Telegraph rating: Four out of five stars
RIVALS
BMW S1000R Sport, £11,600
The four-cylinder S1000R can’t match the Tuono’s V4 charm but blends 160bhp performance with fine handling, semi-active suspension, reasonable practicality and a very keen price.
Ducati Monster 1200 S, £13,350
This higher spec version of the liquid-cooled V-twin produces 145bhp with strong midrange, handles well and offers a slightly less exciting but more versatile Italian super-naked option.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R, £13,999
Still the most powerful and expensive super-naked contender, the Austrian V-twin combines 180bhp ferocity with excellent handling, refined electronics and improbable ease of use.
