REVIEW – The New Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC (2011)
Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:31 am #1 adly80 1522 posts [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2L0YrMB8Ww[/youtube]
MCN overall verdict rating is 5
Aprilia’s new Tuono V4 R APRC has genuine superbike performance, advanced electronic rider aids, a MotoGP soundtrack and a real-world, roomy riding position. Could this be the ultimate real-world superbike?
Producing a claimed 167bhp, it’s more powerful than its closest super naked rivals, like the Ducati Streetfighter, KTM 990 Super Duke and Triumph Speed Triple. It’s a serious weapon on the track thanks to its balanced chassis, strong brakes, powerful engine, quick shifter, traction control and anti-wheelie. On the road it’s loads of fun when you turn the anti-wheelie off and setting the traction control high to deal with the unexpected, is a useful safety feature.
You can be the first away from the traffic light GP too, if you use the electronic launch control. With a wide spread of smooth power and an impeccable throttle response it’s far less brutal then the V-twin Tuono of old. It’s also available without the APRC package for a grand less.
MCN rating rating is 5
The Tuono uses the same compact 65° V4 engine as the RSV4 superbike, but tweaked slightly to make it friendlier for road riding. Claimed power is 167bhp@11,500rpm and there’s 82ftlb of torque at 9500rpm. The rev limit is set at 12,300rpm.
Compared to the RSV4, the motor has new valve timing, 20mm longer fixed intake trumpets (opposed to electronically-operated in the superbike) and a heavier flywheel. The first three ratios in the cassette gearbox are shorter and it still has a slipper clutch.
The motor is soft and friendly at low revs, builds strongly in the midrange and explodes into an arm-wrenching frenzy at high rpm. It’s fabulous. Both the APRC and non-APRC versions have three power maps to choose from: T (track), S (sport) and R (road).
Ride and Handling
MCN rating rating is 5
Handling and braking on-track is as good as any superbike and it’s impressively stable for a super naked machine with high handlebars, thanks to its superb chassis set-up and anti-wheelie control. It’s the same confidence-inspiring story on the road and your body isn’t contorted into a race crouch, like on a superbike. The seat is very hard, though and becomes a pain within an hour’s riding.
Compared to the RSV4, the chassis is the same but the engine is positioned 5mm lower, the front end kicked out by 10mm and the swingarm pivot lowered by 5mm, to suit the Tuono’s more upright riding position
MCN rating rating is 5
Plump for the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) version and you get anti-wheelie, launch and traction control and a quick shifter. That’s on top of a beautifully-crafted aluminum frame and swing arm, fully-adjustable Sachs suspension, Brembo brakes and a switchable display (road/race) LCD dash. You get an amazing amount of equipment for your money.
Quality and Reliability
MCN rating rating is 5
The Tuono is superbly built, has robust paintwork and a polished frame and swing arm. Reliability should be top notch too.
MCN rating rating is 5
When you consider how much the price of Japanese machinery has increased over the past few years, the Tuono V4 R look like the bargain of the century, especially when you consider its high performance and level of equipment.
Specifications
Top speed 165mph
1/4-mile acceleration secs
- Motorcycle Blog – Black ‘n Blue Blog Archive …
- Aprilia – Dorsoduro 1200 tested – Canada Moto Guide
- 2003 Aprilia 1000 R Haga Replica Only 60 in US
- Might want to let go my APRILIA SHIVER 750 ABS!!
- 2005 Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory – Used 2005 RSV1000 R FACTORY at Motorcyclist…
