Aprilia Tuono

FORGET the return of Sly Stallone in Rocky Balboa, the Aprilia Tuono is the undisputed Italian stallion, packing far more of a punch. While many other manufacturers use diluted engines from their flagship sports bikes in their big nakeds, Aprilia’s muscular streetfighter remains as full-blooded as its fully-faired sibling, the RSV Mille, and is as mad as a box of frogs.

This fabulous piece of European exotica is the RSV Tuono R, featuring a whole host of luxuries from USD Showa forks and Sachs-Boge shocks to lightweight OZ wheels and a steering damper. Brand new, the asking price was enough to put it out of range for many, creating an air of exclusivity. But for 2007, Aprilia have replaced the Tuono R with a Factory version - slightly less mad but visually more appealing with a hatful of trick parts courtesy of Ohlins and, usefully, a reduced asking price just shy of £8,000.

Combining Italy’s artistic heritage with the nation’s love of motorsport, it’s no surprise that Aprilia have created a stunning machine with outlandish performance. The Tuono’s one litre power plant has 60-degree V-twin cylinders, and more grunt than a Gloucestershire pig farm. Transmission lash is not as bad it can be with engines of this nature. In fact, at low revs in first or second it sounds more like a Chinook waiting for take-off. Twist the throttle though and, with 133 bhp on tap, the Tuono R’s power delivery is relentless. There is a slight mid-range dip at around 5,000rpm, but hit 6,000 and hell breaks loose. Make no mistake, for a big V-twin, this absolutely flies. And with its Aprilia Racing can, you may need to invest in some earplugs!

The Tuono has been blessed with a real will to wheelie and comes with wide handlebars for ease of leverage. Its Goldline Brembos provide awesome stopping power (or should that be stoppie power?) and its seat offers much more comfort than you might imagine.

Sadly I had nothing but foul weather for the whole week I spent with the Tuono, but all was not lost. Snow I don’t do for fun, but the rain has never really bothered me, and fortunately the Aprilia offered amazing levels of grip in the wet from its fat 190-section rear tyre. With firm suspension that still managed to smooth out the worst of the bumps, the back roads were there for the taking and I still came home after every ride grinning like a village idiot.

The handling takes a little getting used to as the Tuono is more top heavy than you might expect, making it interesting on slow corners. But you soon begin to plan for it. Just let the bike drop into the corner, pick your moment and then give it some berries. The rear bites the tarmac, your arms feel like they’re being pulled from their sockets, and the Tuono drives you out at full pelt. Engine braking is immense, meaning quick roll-offs leave the nose diving for the tarmac. Master the throttle though and you’ll find stretching your fingers for the brake lever becomes a rare event.

There’s never a dull moment with a bike like this. The Tuono is a demanding ride, but passionate and ultimately rewarding. It does have some issues though. Neutral can be difficult to find, the dash is overly complicated, the horn button is in the ‘wrong’ place and the manual choke is a pain to operate with gloves on. But these are quirks rather than faults and certainly wouldn’t be enough to put me off buying one.

A real hard-man’s bike, the Aprilia Tuono is quite possibly as much naked fun as you can have with your leathers on!

Article written: February 9, 2007

This Aprilia Tuono R was kindly loaned by Downend Bikes and Scooters, Bristol. For more information on the Aprilia range, call them on 0117 956 7899.

OUR STEER ON THE NEW APRILIA TUONO FACTORY

Price: £9,499 (@ Feb 07)

Engine: 60 degree V-twin 998cc

Power: 139bhp at 9,500rpm

Torque: 107Nm (79ft lb) at 8,500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed

Weight: 181 kg

Fuel capacity: 18 litres

Top speed: 160+mph

Seat height: 81cm

by Jon Bennett