Been considering the latest Tuono Factory though colours are muted compared to last year 

Anyone had a crack on the electronic suspension yet? 

I keep reading how great the latest one is but of course they may well be loaded reviews. Certainly sound incredible, that’s a given, especially on the full akra system I’ve been offered with it. 

Plenty of reviews claiming it is the best road bike above the Ducati street fighter V4 and the KTM but have any of you ridden any of these latest offerings ? 

I’ve not had one bit of advice telling me not to get it. All Griff told me was if I’m not keeping a V2 I would miss elements of it. Mainly the chilling riding around part and not the head banging fast part. At the time I was moving one on to consider it but now I’m more into keeping both road bikes and flog one of the race bikes maybe just for space 

I have watched quite a few comparison vids on them from various countries. From what I’ve seen they all pretty much come to the same conclusion. The Ducati Is quite a bit faster because it revs much higher ( Desmo top end ) in much the same way as the panni v4 does compared to the rsv4 but it’s more of a challenge to get the best out of it.  If you can it’s more of a sense of occasion to ride but if you can’t it’s more intimidating. In the real world they thought the Aprilia is the better buy simply because it’s cheaper and less focused for real world riding. 

My only caveat would be Aprilia support ( or lack of ) and that the Tuono and RSV4 are at the end of their development cycles so at some point in the not too distant future I suspect something will change. They were designing an rsv4 replacement as early as 2014 but it has never seen the light of day. That’s only really an issue if re sake value is a concern. 

Don't see how. Doesn't the V4 make more torque at all revs than the V2? Seems to me it would do the chilling riding around part well. If not better, being a little smoother. 

Thank you Colin for the advice. I didn’t know Aprilia were looking at its replacement though it makes sense. I’ve felt that KTM are doing similar with the super duke also and that bunging the v4 in the Ducati was a similar attempt to keep all the models fresh as can be 

I don’t doubt that many big sports bikes are sold to people who rarely or never ride that way either because they can’t given the roads locally or they aren’t capable of using it’s ability but then you have to wonder if they are being honest with themselves, what the point was.  

Not sure about replacement so much as they have nothing similar in the wings to replace it as far as I know but alternatives might be a better word.  I don’t know that Aprilia have the will to make it euro 5 compliant which has to happen by jan 1st unless they get another extension.  Sub 1000cc territory is where sales and model ranges are heading generally.  

Ah right, yeah I get you. I think Aprilia had the same thought which led them to making the 660. An addictive top end probably isn't the best idea for the road.

Spoonz wrote: I don’t doubt that many big sports bikes are sold to people who rarely or never ride that way either because they can’t given the roads locally or they aren’t capable of using it’s ability but then you have to wonder if they are being honest with themselves, what the point was.

That's exactly where I find myself unfortunately,I was ready to just forget about bikes as I really don't get much if any enjoyment riding the roads these days, I also find myself having to be in the right frame of mind to get into a trackday.

The Super Duke R just tickled my interest as a bonkers road bike that just gives and gives at whatever speed you choose to ride it at,at least going by all the reviews and videos I've watched.

My ego says I should get one just because,and my head reminds me I said I'd never again buy a new bike and watch it lose 20% value as I rode it off the forecourt. 

Also I'm reminded that being the owner of new model can lead to all sorts of grief as they iron out any development bugs

As people have said the 44T guys are much more believable than that cheap advertising rag MCN

I’ve not ridden a new bike for sometime and all mine are no newer than 2008. I have borrowed the odd bike here and there but not in the Tuono style 

The thing is incredible however. I’ve never found riding a bike so easy and enjoyable in the two hours I spent with it. Grin factor off the scale. Comfy, effortless and fast if you wanted. The dash was a bit of a faff but once I’d worked out traction control and wheelie control I was pretty happy. Electronic suspension was amazing too. Bumps Id clench at the look of normally, where dealt with no issue whatsoever. 

Really impressed with it. Took an S1000r out also but didn’t come back with the same impressed opinion. May try the Speed triple the weekend too 

If you decide to go the v4 route push very hard on that basis or play a wait and see game. Losing £3 or £4k off your bikes value in 6 months wouldn’t be ideal. 

My mate's got a fairly immaculate Daytona 955i he bought from his dad who had it from new. Been very well looked after and stock apart from full system and something to do with the special ECUs they have. He's had two blown reg/rec and wants shot of it  Bought himself a new CBR600rr to replace it and much happier with that. Personally I don't think the pre-675 bikes are in the same league. Can put you in touch if you're interested.

from 103 rw bhp to 114 and was as smooth as silk from 2500 rpm

Know what you mean

Hard to see it eclipsing it 

Super points as ever Spoonz and I’ve just sent an email to question it because of your helpful tips 

😁

I think it’s probably near 25% now Ian 😳

But I can live with that as I’d be keeping for a long long time. Happy to swindle another couple of grand off the two grand discount already on offer for the reasons mentioned though if possible

We shall see and let you all know naturally 

That's a deal breaker for me I'm afraid,been shafted on the last 3 new bikes I've bought when I came to trade them in 

Shame really as I've always wanted to screw a dealer on price and then just throw a credit card on the table and say 'I'll collect it tomorrow'.  

Actually I nearly did do that once,although that was actually a trade in and cash balance to them, and I ended having to drive 40 odd miles to do the paperwork and register it and they got their own back by not doing a proper PDI,as I had to completely check it over when I'd gotten it home with the headstock bearings loose as f*kc

Reluctantly I've decided enough's enough between that and being used as a guinea pig by being an early adopter for the aforesaid bikes. 

Although I guess 'early adopter' can't be applied to the Tuono as it's nearer the end of it's life than the beginning so they should be well sorted by now

Still I believe there are really good deals to be had if you look so you can probably get one over a dealer especially if they're desperate for sales,and the way things are going closure wise I expect quite a few of them are starting to get twitchy as the year rolls on and less people are buying for whatever reason.

Go get 'em

Ref V4 grunt. If I was pushed I think my V2 felt a little bit gruntier at very low revs but that as much the noise and vibration. Certainly after 4K the V4 was definitely moving along and sounding like a gp bike. Over a standard V2 it is definitely gruntier across the lot but against a Heavy modded or big bore like mine the low end was similar but not superior in the seat of the pants if compared to my modded bike.

The way it handled on the electronic suspension however and all it’s electrical gizmos made it so easy to ride you wanted to do just that, ride, and a lot of it. 

As you say Adam, a lot has changed in 10years and whilst I’ve not ridden the early one, I would hazard a guess that it’s moved on and then some. As Spoonz says it’s near the end of its sales life, as well as, Ian’s mention it would have heavy depreciation at the start. It is also the most sorted of the V4’s really and after 2017 they seem reliable compared to the early conrod or valve recession models which is , again in line with Ian’s 2009 Tuono being the most sorted Gen2 model as all its quibbles and stator issues were finally put to bed as an example. 

Had a few sleeps on it and now Ad and working out Zoe’s bike plans as I would then have two maybe three Gen2’s to sell as I’d need the space! 

Loved my 955i daytona. Apart from being so heavy it was fantastic. 140 odd bhp. Always been tempted to get another one...... 

Was going to ask about that. I read about a lot of engines blowing on RSV4s over on AF1 but you don't really hear the same about the Tuono 4s. I think the valve guide issue only really came into effect towards the top of the rev range where a track/race RSV4 is going to spend a lot more time than a road Tuono. 

Good to know they've sorted it for 2017 though as it's one thing that's always put me off the RSV4s. Would love one otherwise for the advancements in chassis etc. as much as anything. Not that I could afford to replace my Mille. Or even have a burning need to replace it. Funny, it's only when looking at other bikes that I get a wandering eye. The bike itself is the last thing on my mind when I'm actually riding. 

 I think it was Micah that said that to get the power they went for revs on the rsv4 and compensated for the valve bounce by fitting super stiff valve springs. Hence the regression and valve head failures some suffered. 

blacklines wrote: Funny, it's only when looking at other bikes that I get a wandering eye. The bike itself is the last thing on my mind when I'm actually riding.

That's where I found myself,I hardly bother doing any mileage these days as I find the pleasure I used get is now diluted by watching out for dozy drivers and camera vans.

Tbh I blame the technology,most bikes are so smooth and capable you could almost go to sleep riding them if it wasn't for road hazards.

This is especially true of the top end sports bikes where you really need to be doing 'go straight to jail' speeds before they wake up

That's why I sat up and took notice when I saw the 1290 SD R tested,that just seemed to be a bonkers bike that would keep me fully engaged at normal road speeds on the sort of B roads I use.

Truthfully though a 250 2t would probably be quite adequate and still be capable of showing up  superbikes on my local roads.

Certainly given equal local knowledge and training I couldn't ride away from my mate on his 250 2t Honda while I was riding my Mille, he had the drop on me in the corners certainly.

But really ignoring dozy drivers and camera vans you're still left with most corners being blind, 20% chance of there being gravel/manure/cyclists in your path just out of sight and then drivers who swerve out to try to block you when overtaking. Road riding for me is rarely more than a gentle pootle. There's so much restraint needed not just with the throttle but also how fast you enter corners.

Best kept as just a nice relaxing ride I think, not a race with your mates. My first track day I went with a group of friends who are all quite experienced and fast road riders. I'd not long passed my test so was much slower on the road. Funnily enough we were all about the same pace round Cadwell which made me realise 20 odd years on the road counts for next to nothing when it comes to riding ability. Stopped being impressed by mph and only really care about minutes and seconds.

All very true, although for me on track minutes and seconds are rarely relevant,I tend to use a sun dial

I've done my time being competitive on track back in my side car days,now I just treat it as a Volvo less one direction fast road ride in the novice group.

Had a supermoto once though and really don't fancy another,damned uncomfortable things although frequent stops to refill the tiny tank helped.

I think riding has almost run it's course for me sadly,I get more fun out of just tinkering with them now

The KTM would have been nice but I'd probably have been enticed into behavior not becoming.

As a consequence I never seriously considered  the 1100 Tuono in spite of all it's good points as most people have said it's just the Rsv4 with straight bars and no bodywork.

I know that's not strictly true but spiritually not far off the mark I'd guess 

So would you actually track a new Tuono then?   Fair play if the answers yes I could just about afford to buy one but I couldn't justify tracking one.

I'm a firm believer in the ' Don't track anything you couldn't afford to write off' mantra

Horses for courses in the end I suppose,we all want something slightly different.

Be interested to see where you go

Very interesting,and very believable as it seems to echo the 44t and others opinions

Notice they didn't address pricing or perceived value for money though

I've just watched the latest 44t testing the Streetfighter V4s against the Pani V4s and things are so close at that end of the market there's some overlap as the opinion was split between the bikes as when it comes to spending that sort of money other questions are asked

By the time you start considering spending £20K on a bike I'm long out of the discussion though unfortunately, the depreciation on £16k was too much for me 

   

Thank you thank you 

It is super impressive. Photos do not do it justice ! 

Fitted R&G titanium rad and oil cooler guards that already have that purple/blue sheen to them. 

R&G crash bungs 

R&G tail tidy (still to fit) 

Genuine Aprilia rear carbon hugger 

Akrapovic slip on and Akrapovic Carbon hanger 

RSV4 RF air filter kit 

Aprilia LED indicators 

Just back from being ceramic coated. 

Bonamici brake and clutch levers plus fuel cap still to arrive, along with tank pad and knee grip thingies 

May look at rear sets if I can’t find a tidy way to make it race shift. Aprilia wanted £600 for an arm only �£

But very happy 

I've never had anything ceramic coated before, is it a one time thing or does it get redone every so often?

Do those nasty reflectors on the front mudguard come off easy ? 

The coating the guy used gives a five year covering. Normally on exotic motors. Very impressive 😁

Yes it’s hard to explain but it’s even better when you’re next to it colour wise. 

And yes they come off easily. I asked if I could have one without them but all of them come with them fitted. 

I was thinking of removing them and finding some small rubber grommets to fill the holes or may just leave the holes if I can’t find what I’m looking for 

It’s a shame they are bolted as sponge sticky stuff would of come off easily and left a clean look 

Thank you Adam 

The chap worked on it all night. Sent me a load of videos. Last one revived at 4am! 

I said he need not of sort all night on it but he explained it kept him out of trouble and it was his hobby after all! 

Thank you it is stunning ☺️ 

Hoping AP day may go ahead 

Compared to my RSVR, it is more comfy. But the discomfort there is in my shoulder so a Tuono should overcome that in whatever guise. I’m 6ft 1” and it’s about right for me. I’ve not had a Tuono or even a super naked as they now get badged so kinda hard for me to give an accurate comparison. 

Had to keep my Gen2 as just now I could face parting with it so I’ve got great options 

Stunning, no other word

At last Aprilia have dumped those horrible graphics that must have been created in a primary school competition - and the selection being the worst design! Now a simply stunning and classic colour-way like the early RSV's.

Yeah certainly is mate

Got a tail tidy to fit I suppose though and some bonding 😋

Thank you 

Yeah totally 2002 classic era RSVR colours with the mix of latest moto gp colours. 

I did like the other loud silver and red with APRILIA all the way down the side BUT it will look dated soon because of that imo. 

That comes from the guy who has a Red Lion (bar mitzvah edition) Gen2 however so what do I know about subtle �£ 

Indeed mate nothing wrong with them. They grab attention from outer space! 

Shell suits rule  

Must be the first time in a generation that Aprilia have done 'subtle' and it's much better for it imho

😂 it’s good to have both. I still love my shell suit for certain occasions. But yes the subtle look is great. Doesn’t sound subtle though 😆

Test riding one was the worst thing I did 😂 

It’s much more fun when common sense is not a purchasing criteria. ..............

But don’t tell my wife cos I told her my bikes all made perfect commercial and practical sense. 

If you're into ceramic, get the exhaust done in satin black; to me it looks so good.

https://www.camcoat.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.camcoat.com/

Thanks both,I'll look into having that done 

I only have a standard system but it would save having to keep them clean,not sure it would be worth having them done internally though