In the early 2000s, Aprilia made a name for itself in the U.S. with a series of bikes powered by a 998cc, 60-degree V-twin built by Rotax, including the RSV Mille, SL1000 Falco and Futura RST1000. But the bike that galvanized Aprilia’s reputation for audacious performance is the Tuono, essentially an RSV Mille superbike with an upright handlebar and skimpy bodywork that sliced and diced corners like a Ginsu knife and lofted its front wheel at the slightest provocation.
Redesigned for 2011 based on the RSV4, winner of three World Superbike titles, the Tuono is now powered by a 1,000cc, 65-degree V-4 designed in-house by Aprilia. For street duty, the Tuono was given more midrange, a heavier flywheel, lower ratios for gears 1-3 and a lower center of gravity. Like the RSV4, it features three engine maps (Track, Street and Road) and APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), an electronics package that includes 8-level traction control, 3-level wheelie control, launch control and a quick shifter. Updates for 2014 included Race ABS (three maps plus off), Brembo M432 Monobloc radial front calipers, a new Sachs fork, revised suspension settings, a larger and more ergonomic fuel tank and a reshaped seat with softer padding (ha!). For 2015, a redesigned exhaust system boosts claimed horsepower to 170 (up 3). Factory accessories include a windscreen, a comfort gel seat, a tankbag and frame sliders.
Joining the lineup later this year are the Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory, both powered by a 1,077cc V-4 rated at 175 horsepower and 88.5 lb-ft of torque.
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