2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R - Motorbikes Reviews, News & Advice

Laying claim to the (unofficial) title of the world's most sophisticated naked bike, the 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R was unveiled at the 2010 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

Based on the Aprilia RSV4 and making use of the high-tech traction control features of the RSV4 Factory APRC SE, the powerful Italian streetfighter gets all the good stuff seen on the race replica, minus the fairing. Other notable changes include the flat handlebars and a larger pillion passenger seat, and Aprilia has also made a few tweaks to the engine to deliver more accessible mid-range oomph.

A spokesman for John Sample Automotive, the Australian importer of Aprilia motorcycles, told the Bikesales Network that while nothing has been set in concrete, the new Tuono 'should' arrive in Oz half-way through 2011, and is expected to cost a couple of thousand dollars less than the $23,990 RSV4.

Powering the 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R is the donor bike's 1000cc V4 engine -- 999.6cc to be precise -- which has been detuned from its 182hp (134kW) peak, now delivering 162hp (119kW) at 11,000rpm. Maximum torque output has dropped 5Nm to 110Nm, but the twist now arrives at 9000rpm, a full 1000rpm earlier than the RSV4R.

The chassis components are largely borrowed from the Aprilia RSV4R, which means fully adjustable Sachs suspension front and rear (43mm upside down front forks plus the rear shock) plus a steering damper. Brembo brakes are also part of the package, with radial callipers and 320mm floating discs at the front and 220mm discs at the rear.

Unlike the RSV4R, the fresh-faced Tuono gets newly designed aluminium wheels, which weigh a whole two kg less, for a total kerb weight 179kg. Aprilia says the Tuono V4R is a motorcycle that "is in its element when accelerating and braking with unimaginable violence, that eats up curves of any radius and swallows straights whole."

Though PR spin should usually be digested with a large grain of salt, the 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R has the potential to be a fearsome naked bike, giving its class rivals (MV Agusta Brutale, Kawasaki Z1000, Ducati Streetfighter etc) something to chew on.

Another factor to consider is the new Tuono V4R's suite of electronic goodies designed to improve everything traction, corner speed and standing starts. The APRC, or Aprilia Performance Ride Control, has been pilfered from the top-sped RSV4 Factory APRC SE and features a ride-by-wire throttle, eight traction control settings, a launch control system and even a wheelie-control system. Combined with a six-speed gearbox with quickshift setup, the 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R looks set to become the new benchmark in the naked bike segment.

2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R Specs

Engine: 999cc, 65-degree, DOHC, 16-valve V4
Power: 162hp (119kW) @ 11,000rpm
Torque: 110Nm @ 9,000rpm
Compression ratio: 13:1
Fuel system: Airbox with front dynamic air intakes and four Weber-Marelli 48mm throttle bodies with quad injectors. Ride-by-wire engine management with three selectable maps – T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)
Gearbox: Six-speed, slipper clutch, Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) system
Exhaust system: 4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, lateral single silencer with engine management system controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (already meets future Euro4 regulations)
Chassis: Twin spar aluminium
Suspension: Sachs, 43mm USD fork, monoshock, both ends fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, and preload
Brakes: Dual 320mm floating stainless steel discs with lightweight stainless steel rotor with 6 studs. Brembo radial callipers with 4 horizontally opposed 32mm pistons. Sintered pads. Axial pump master cylinder and metal braided brake hoses. Rear: 220mm diameter disc; Brembo floating calliper with two 32mm isolated pistons. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose
Wheels and tyres: 17-inch wheels front and rear, 120/70 (front), 190/55 (rear) and rear tyres are also available in optional sizes of 190/50 and 200/55
Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres (including 4 litres reserve)
Kerb weight: 179kg

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