Streetfighter with increased engine capacity, more power, updated ergonomics, and new electronics
Aprilia Tuono V4 - is one of the most popular and beloved street-fighter fans. This is a true embodiment of the idea of a streetfighter class - to uncover the superbike, removing the excess body and installing a higher steering wheel. The 2002 model with the RSV1000 twin-cylinder V-engine was first introduced to the public, and in 2011 a more powerful version of the Tuono, based on the RSV4 with a four-cylinder engine, was released. The Tuono V-4 engine, reconfigured for a straightforward, delivered 150 horsepower and surpassed the RSV4 engine at all points in the power range up to 12,000 rpm.
The slightly wider top cowl better takes the wind away from the Tuono 1100 driver. The headlights are new and lighter (1.3 kg.) compared to the previous generation, while the parking lamp is located in the center near the high beam lamp.
The slightly widened upper fairing better takes the wind away from the Tuono 1100 driver. Motorcycle headlights are new and lighter (by 1.3 kg.) compared to the previous generation, while the parking lamp is located in the center near the high beam lamp.
So, the Tuono V4 of the 2015 model (registered in the USA as the 2016 model) has been significantly improved. The most obvious upgrade is the larger engine, which is equal to 1077 cubic centimeters (77 "cubes" more than its predecessor). The declared torque on the crankshaft is now 120 Newton meters at 9,000 rpm (previously 120 at 9,500 rpm). Power has also been increased to 175 horsepower. According to Aprilia's designers, the most noticeable increase in power has been at medium speed - almost 20 additional "horses" at 8000 rpm.
You can believe all this information about improved performance by just pushing the throttle lever while moving along the racetrack. By the way, the bike was tested on the track Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, was also passed the test drive of the new RSV4. The powerful engine Tuono now responds much more agilely to the driver's commands at medium speed and allows you to lift the front wheel of the motorcycle even easier. Like his "brother", the Aprilia RSV4, the Tuono 1100 has received new Pankl connecting rods, which are 400 grams lighter in total, a new, more durable but heavyweight 450 grams crankshaft, and a new engine crankcase with improved ventilation.
The Tuono has always been a high-end motorcycle for such a compact and sporty streetfighter, but the new model is slightly lower due to changes in the fully adjustable Sachs suspension: the fork tubes have been raised in the crosshead (with an additional offset of 5 millimeters), and a new shock absorber has been installed at the back. This led to a change in the rail angle from 25.1° to 24.7°, a reduction in the trailer from 107.4 mm to 99.7 mm, an improvement in the steering wheel response rate and an underestimation of the overall center of gravity of the motorcycle. The pendulum, according to the designers, has become 6 millimeters long, and the wheelbase is slightly larger by 3 millimeters.
An additional plus of the reduced height of the Tuono is that the saddle height has also been reduced by 15 millimeters and is now 925 millimeters. It's still high, but it's more comfortable. The seat upholstery is made of a new material that will not harden due to crystallization and generally seems softer than the upholstery on previous models. The ergonomics of the motorcycle has been slightly altered: the steering wheel has already become 6 millimeters lower, but it is not actually felt.
What is undoubtedly felt is the power and clarity of the updated transmission. The clutch "picks up" quickly and easily, and the gearbox impresses with the smoothness of work and softness of escalations thanks to the clearness of a kvikshifter. Particularly pleasing is the sound of the V-shaped four-cylinder engine with a 65-degree angle of the collapse of the cylinder block. The sound is amazing, and it wouldn't be a shame to overpay for it. The improved mid-range performance mentioned above does not go unnoticed and makes the bike even cooler.
Tuono bikes have always been good at cornering, leaning easily at both high and low speeds, and the updated Sachs suspension with slightly modified steering system design has only improved handling. RR is equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires instead of Supercorsa SP tires, which were used to be. According to the manufacturer, Pirelli DRC tires warm up faster.
This seemingly unbridled beast is controlled by the third generation of Aprilia Performance Ride Control, which works in tandem with the more powerful Engine Control Unit (ECU). The engine's switching modes have changed: the power limiting Rain mode has been replaced by the new Road mode, which joined the Track and Sport settings. Each mode has been calibrated for a less aggressive response to driver commands and maximum performance. In addition, each setting has its own engine brake control parameters for slip clutch operation.
APRC's range of electronic assistants includes a state-of-the-art anti-slip system (adjustable on the fly), a front-wheel lift control system (Wheelie Control) and a start control system (Launch Control). The manufacturer should be commended separately for the fact that the anti-slip system and Wheelie Control work independently of each other.
Aprilia launched the first V-4 Tuono in Factory. This version ($1,700 more expensive in the U.S. against the background of the $14,599 RR model) is equipped with Ohlins suspension, steering shock absorber, aluminum (not steel as on the RR) flanges of the front brake disc, a wider rear tire 200/55-17 and red wheels. But these are not lighter forged aluminum wheels, which are sometimes put on the Factory model of the company.
Similar to RSV4, the new Tuono 1100 supports the V4-MP application, which connects the driver's smartphone with the motorcycle. The application records data such as speed, throttle position, and gear engaged and displays things like rear-wheel slippage, tilt angle, etc. Moreover, on the track, this advanced application can be used to select different modes of operation of the anti-slip system and other systems, as on a motorcycle MotoGP.
However, it is ridiculous that such a technically advanced motorcycle is not equipped with the most modern dashboard. The square LCD display seems to be old against the background of modern panels, especially with TFT displays. But this is a very insignificant flaw, which in this incredibly cool and modern motorcycle is almost absent.
But since we have started talking about the drawbacks, it is worth mentioning the weight of the bike. Judging by the technical characteristics given by the manufacturer, Tuono 1100 "has lost weight" on kilogram and now weighs 184 kilograms without liquids and the accumulator. However, our Tuono with a full tank of 18.5 liters has shown 215 kilograms, which is about 11 kilograms heavier than the filled BMW S1000R.
In the rest, the TUONO 1100 RR is a real miracle in the class of sports bikes. The bike is equally good for city rides, track races and even travel, and the number of smiles of the driver per one kilometer of travel can be even higher.