New, chic appearance. More torquey V4. New, stiffer pendulum. New aerodynamics, new ECU from Marelli with new, more innovative electronic assistants, new 5-inch color instrument panel...
An impressive list that complements the already undeniable advantages of this model. And after a track day in ideal conditions on grippy slicks, I can say that the 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory is the best Tuono ever.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory on the track
So, the disposition is this: track, magnificent summer weather, the brand new Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2022 is on stands, and the heaters are preparing its tires for the race. It looks simply gorgeous in real life.
Its V4 sounds even more luxurious through the standard Akrapovic, which produces pulsating vibrations. I’m leaving - the warm slicks tenaciously grip the surface, the Tuono accelerates superbly and leaves traces of the sliders in every turn.
The atmosphere in the saddle is simply magical: the tone of the muffler that can put Pavarotti to shame, the sounds accompanying the softest and smoothest quickshifter, the squeal of the engines of the guys ahead and the distant rumble of those lagging behind... The quickshifter, by the way, is gorgeous: it shifts instantly, perfectly matching the revolutions, and the footrest, foot and gearbox seem specially selected. After a couple of turns, having gotten used to it, I try to keep up with the crowd of more serious riders, and the motorcycle is unquestioningly obedient.
New ECU
The response and character of the engine is no less ideal than the gearbox. Aprilia has improved the on-board electronics and installed a new Magneti Marelli ECU - the brain that controls the fuel system and electronic assistants. The new ECU is four times faster than the previous one, and this means not only more frequent sensor polling, but also ideal fuel delivery. I must say that the new Tuono V4 Factory is one of the most correct motorcycles in terms of throttle response. Not only does it clearly respond to the smallest movements of the throttle, but it also does so correctly depending on the selected driving mode. It would seem that the Racing mode, one of the six available, should be too sharp and not very suitable for average riders - but no, the motorcycle is just as sensitive to the slightest changes in the position of the throttle (electronic, of course), the engine just works at full strength.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2021
I drove the old Aprilia Tuono quite a lot, and it always seemed that there was nowhere to improve the response and electronic assistants of the previous version, especially the quickshifter. It turns out there is somewhere. But improving something that already worked perfectly is a serious task, which the Aprilia designers successfully coped with.
By the second lap I became so comfortable and bolder that I decided to chase the lap time. The new Tuono seemed familiar, familiar and loved (do you believe in love at first sight?), as if we had known each other all our lives. And all because the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory simply does what you say: if you want to change gears, it switches, you add gas, it accelerates... I haven’t been to this track for several years, and I literally just got acquainted with the motorcycle, but I rode as if I was spending here every weekend.
Despite “only” 175 horsepower, which seems to be less than Italian competitors MV and Ducati, members of the “200 horsepower” club, every horse in the Aprilia herd is docile and useful. This is a fast motorcycle, but it is completely controllable, and this is helped by electronic assistants, which are as precise and precise as the gearbox and engine.
Wheelie control manages to combine powerful, jerk-free acceleration with complete handling. Traction control, like antiwheelie, is adjusted on the fly, even at full throttle when trying to beat your own lap time. You don't have to pull into a pit stop, fiddle with menus, or turn off the throttle like you do on some other bikes.
The combination of traction, electronic assistance, gearbox, aerodynamics and everything else makes the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory an ideal motorcycle for the track - not only super fast, but also excellent handling , and therefore light and comfortable to ride. Of course, I wasn’t able to keep up with the local riders, but I understood the main thing: you don’t have to be a pro to ride the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2022. This is an extremely comfortable and easy-to-ride motorcycle, despite again having 175 horsepower.
In the two-cylinder motorcycle segment
In the twin-cylinder motorcycle segment, the undisputed leader is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. In 2015, this model did not have any changes, except for an increase in price. And that's not bad at all. We especially like the fact that this motorcycle is equipped with a high-torque motor, a suspension with long vertical travel that absorbs huge bumps, and a comfortable riding position that will not tire you even on the longest journey. Readers can't wait to compare the Tuono to the orange bike, and that's exactly what we're about to do.
After a long absence from the segment, Suzuki enters the arena with its latest model GSX-S1000 ABS. The GSX series dominated the segment for a decade with its redesigned GSX-R1000 powerplant. The longer stroke engine is mounted in a straight chassis equipped with traction control and ABS.
We held our competition at our usual track, with each bike going through a series of routine tests to help us find out which was superior. Then we compiled all the data into a final table and revealed the winner.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory semi-active suspension
By the end of the first race, I was deciding whether to adjust the settings of the Ohlins electronic suspensions to suit my weight and riding conditions, or to completely abandon their semi-active operation and switch them to manual mode. I stayed in the recommended A1 (automatic) mode, which suited my weight and riding style flawlessly.
In the second race I got a little crazy and started making mistakes in an attempt to go even faster, but there was no particular reason to worry: Tuono makes life easier. Even with late braking, you arrive at the apex of the turn with perfect precision. Open earlier and the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory still holds its trajectory well. Everything is under control, nothing scares, nothing creates a feeling of struggle. You just go fast - but at the same time relaxed, which allows you to choose the trajectory, braking style, and just enjoy the atmosphere of the track.
Of course, on heated slicks and on the high-quality track surface, there were no issues with the grip at all. The new tank makes it easy to carry weight while still providing something to hold onto with your knees. The lean angles are excellent, which is especially nice considering that the Tuono corners willingly and happily.
Semi-active suspensions can be quite vague. But Tuono is doing great in this aspect: the feedback is simply wonderful. You trust the chassis of the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory so much that you go into a turn in fifth gear and at a fairly high speed - and the steering wheel barely conveys small irregularities, practically only indicating them.
Third place - Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS
Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS
A fresh metal body was hung on a liter naked bike, the result was a Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS. Based on the iconic K5 generation of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 engine, the Model S should attract buyers with its affordable price.
Of course, in today's world, price is often a big motivator, so it's hard to ignore Suzuki's great deals. If you turn on the calculator on your smartphone, you can quickly calculate that a motorcycle from Suzuki costs 30% less than Tuono and 40% less than KTM. But at the same time, you don't get much for the money you pay.
If we talk about electronics, the blue baby is equipped with traction control (three levels, plus complete shutdown) and ABS (always on) , the same way European steel horses are equipped. The bike also has adjustable suspension, inverted forks, digital instrumentation and comparable power-to-weight ratio.
Yes, the in-line single-cylinder Suzuki, which has a smaller displacement, is inferior to 6 “horses” to the 302 cc KTM and 12 “horses” to the powerful Tuono. We see a similar difference in torque: 5% less than the Aprilia and 21% less than the KTM monster. But in the 0-100 km/h test, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS was only a few hundredths of a second behind the V-four, and at 402 meters it was only two tenths behind the two-cylinder bike.
The press says this about this motorcycle:
Perhaps Suzuki should have created the S1000 years ago, like 10 years ago. The engine of the bike is based on the K5, and we all know that it is a great engine.
Smooth, powerful and full of character, at least for a traditional Japanese inline-four, the Suzuki engine undeniably ignites the senses. However, in low gears there was a dip in throttle response, which is not typical for the engine.
Suzuki motorcycles are generally smooth to take off from a standstill and have always been easy to ride. This year we were surprised that the new bike felt a bit choppy. It's not that bad, but cornering this way is very difficult. Compared to the Tuono, the Suzuki doesn't take off as smoothly. But once you get past that initial dip, there's more than enough torque and you're sure to hear those signature GSX traits.
When you step on the gas, you can hear a nice GSX-R-like growl coming from the airbox. But the sound from the exhaust pipe is not so powerful; the sound test showed the most modest result in decibels.
When it comes to power, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 surprises everyone unexpectedly. Although it ranks third in terms of horsepower, you'd never guess it while driving. Energy is supplied linearly. The motorcycle performs best in the mid-rpm range. The R's rev limit is higher than the KTM's. (11,700 rpm versus 9,900 rpm for the orange bike.)
Despite its power shortcomings, the Suzuki has class-leading fuel economy of 15 kilometers per litre. But due to the smallest fuel tank (17 liters), it has a range of a couple of kilometers less than the most voracious Super Duke.
Both the clutch and six-speed transmission work well, but first gear is too long, requiring extra clutch slip. We also noticed that gears need to be shifted carefully and carefully. The bike is not equipped with a slipper clutch, while it is part of the Aprilia's standard equipment and is a great help when downshifting.
The GSX-S was the lightest on the scale (210.5 kg). In addition, it feels like the most compact, but not at all miniature; even a tall driver can sit comfortably in the saddle.
Test riders unanimously found the ergonomics pleasant, and the bike itself extremely comfortable: the motorcycle seat is soft, the legs are in a relaxed position, and the handlebars are located high.
Agile and powerful, the Suzuki is easy to handle and impressive, whether on city streets or on concrete. On tarmac, the chassis absorbs more bumps and bumps than European bikes.
The braking components are not overly specced, so the brakes overall don't feel as sharp or race-like as those found on rivals. But still, according to the results of the braking test, the braking system is very effective. However, we still wish there was an option to turn off ABS completely.
We praised the agile chassis, class-leading fuel economy, and competitive price, but it's hard to ignore its mediocre handling especially on hard surfaces and odd throttle response, which is why the GSX-S relegates to third place.
Advantages of Suzuki GSX-S1000:
· Great motorcycle
· The most economical consumption in its class
· The lightest bike among the test participants
Disadvantages of Suzuki GSX-S1000:
· Throttle valve is “buggy”
· Rigid suspension
· Cannot disable ABS
Brakes Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2022
Aprilia decided to keep the brakes the same - Brembo M50. Three-level tilt ABS, developed jointly with Bosch, can be switched off in the rear if desired. This system works in conjunction with a rear wheel lift suppression system (anti-stop), which, as the name suggests, prevents the rear wheel from lifting under heavy braking.
The new Aprilia Engine Brake (AEB) system allows the rider to customize the bike's off-throttle behavior regardless of the selected engine maps. In short, despite the fact that the mechanical components of the braking system remain the same, its algorithms have become even more accurate and faster, first of all we are talking about ABS.
TEST DRIVE: Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS – Smart racefighter
One of the most powerful race fighters has become a little closer to a street fighter. The Aprilia Tuono V4R has not lost any of the features of a “naked” superbike: although the 999 cc V4 has only become more powerful and now produces 170 hp, the bike has acquired a more civilized and road-going character, thanks to an additional set of aPRC electronics and high-tech ABS.
MOTOGONKI.RU, October 29, 2013 —
Aggressive but comfortable. Tough but soft. Black. But there is also white. This is Tuono.
Instead of the old “board” of the seat, the 2014 model is decorated with a very comfortable “cushion”. Let's face it: most customers would rather ride the mighty Tuono than dig its rear wheel into the asphalt at the start and the front at the finish. Having received a higher and wider handlebar, the Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS has become much more comfortable and friendly than before. Even on the damp test track after the rain, I felt at ease. The new model is also equipped with a larger gas tank - 18.5 liters versus 17, like the previous version, and its design allows you to rest your knees comfortably and provide better traction when cornering.
Test drive Aprilia Tuono V4R (2014)
We were given Pirelli racing wet tires for this test, which allowed grip levels to be as close to normal conditions as possible, so I opted to set the traction control system to the same settings as if I were driving on a dry road. Starting with a high level of TC involvement in my actions, which was probably required for the first minutes of familiarization with the bike, very quickly reduced the influence of the electronics - from level 8 to level 2, and the ride took on a much more “real” feel. There are also three modes for ABS. I preferred the “Track”, given the qualities of the super grippy tires, which, in fact, literally eliminated the need to use the “rain” mode on drying asphalt. Of course, given the torque on the rear wheel, this will be necessary in the rain on standard tires with fewer sipes.
Test drive Aprilia Tuono V4R (2014)
The San Martino del Lago circuit has a 950-meter switchback. Long enough to rev the engine almost to the limit in 6th gear and feel how serious the Tuono V4R ABS is. We're talking about accelerating to 260 km/h in 800 meters straight, and then braking hard for the remaining 150 meters. The wet tires gave me a lot of chatter when I tried to rev the engine to redline in every gear, so from the next lap I opted for short shifts of 10-11,000 rpm to avoid this. This straight line is one of the longest in my practice. I just wanted to avoid unnecessary troubles. On the same day, on the same track, we tested the new RSV4 Factory ABS. The superbike of course offers a much higher peak speed with better stability on that straight line.
Brembo brakes with Bosch 9MP ABS, same as RSV4 Factory
Despite the fact that you have the entire straight line to spare, both it and the short start-finish line are always followed by a turn. In San Martino they are steep, with very heavy braking before entering, so during the day we were able to fully test the reliability of the Aprilia racing version of ABS. The Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS is equipped with the latest production Brembo radial calipers with a computer-controlled ABS unit, which allows precise control of rear wheel lift-off before corners. One day I got so carried away by late braking that I suddenly found myself plowing through a gravel trap.
The cockpit of the Tuono is very close to the RSV4 Factory aPRC
But no drama! The stability with which the bike entered and then emerged from the gravel, thanks to the sensitive work of the traction control, prompted the idea to completely disable the traction control for the rest of the track time. But what I immediately noticed was the sophistication of the braking system - from the brackets to the software that controls ABS: the brakes are incredibly powerful, but the anti-lock braking system has never made my life difficult; The algorithms built into the Bosch 9MP are good right out of the box. On highways and city streets, such ABS will pay solid dividends and expand safety horizons.
Test drive Aprilia Tuono V4R (2014)
A masterpiece V65 with a displacement of 999 cc. became more powerful and softer
Some nice changes to the Tuono engine have not gone unnoticed. Both curves - torque and power - have grown noticeably, and from the very bottom. The engine now produces 170 hp. at 10500 rpm. and 111.5 Nm at 9500 rpm. But the sensations at high speeds are much richer, the “arrival” now begins earlier, and the “meaty” middle of the range will provide comfortable aerobatics on everyday trips. The previous version of the Tuono V4R was much closer in feel to the RSV4 - it was true hardcore, but the factory took into account the real wishes of customers, cutting off all the sharp corners (here - both figuratively and literally). At the same time, the pilot has a complete set of control instruments in his hands, with which he can turn off all auxiliary electronics. When we did the photo shoot, turning off the Anti-wheelie was even more enjoyable than riding in the “On” mode: the stability that the motorcycle chassis provided when riding on one wheel gave confidence in the complete control of the process. At the same time, I clearly understood that the Aprilia V4 will never be easy to learn, and when reaching the 10,000 rpm mark. can escape from your hands, you should slightly “loosen the reins”.
Tuono V4R frame and swingarm - from Aprilia RSV4 Factory: a work of art
In terms of handling, the Tuono V4R ABS is a piece of cake. Winning the World Superbike championship for the third time, the RSV4's chassis allows the bike to be controlled at any lean angle. Tuono, in this vein, is a little more “untethered” if we are talking about the street; on the track, it provides no worse cornering speed and would allow it to keep up with the superbikes running next to it (if a pilot of the appropriate caliber is behind the wheel). It’s a different story on the straights: we don’t have the stability that the plastic-encased RSV4 Factory provides. The Tuono comes with a Sachs steering damper, which, however, did not earn my complete trust during the test day.
Aprilia Racing factory team pilots testing Tuono in Portimão: should you get one of these?!
Tuono vs RSV4
First of all, there is no doubt that the 184 hp Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS is faster in any way. The RSV4 Factory is also much more stable at higher revs and speeds, thanks to better aerodynamics and other important superbike features. For the Tuono V4R ABS this is not a loss, quite the contrary, because it is created for pure pleasure. I wonder how many times owners will take their Tuono to track days after purchase? The Tuono V4R ABS is one of the best naked bikes for this, but it will give you even more pleasure on the way home from that same track day! New for the 2014 Tuono is the same electronics package found on the RSV aPRC - all controlled via a one-touch remote control. In general, Tuono is much softer - in everything, but this gives the same preferences to the pilot. This is a bike capable of rocking every day. If I were given two bikes - just like that, without any payment - take one of the two, either one, then I would choose Tuono.
Aprilia aPRC: Wheelie control, Launch control, 3-level ABS and 8-level traction control
Total:
The improved V4, with its much smoother power delivery and mind-blowing meaty mid-range, was a revelation to me. Throttle response and feedback are better regardless of whether you use TC or turn it off. Together with a larger gas tank, the soft standard suspension setting provides better comfort and will allow you to travel more kilometers without shoulder and back fatigue. Confidence and stability at peak speeds are not the Tuono’s strong point, especially in the rain, although we are talking about a naked “streetfighter”!.. But what really makes it a “racefighter” by nature is the package that includes The same racing ABS package as the RSV4 Factory, so taking to the track with the plastic-clad rockets won't be a disappointment for the owner of the new V4R.
Pros: + This V4 will never disappoint the driver + Next generation ABS brakes are fantastic + Better handling and comfort than the previous version Cons: - Lack of stability at high speeds
Ton Sagen, specially for MOTOGONKI.RU Photo: Milagro
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory road test
Then all that remains is to complain about the injustice of fate: they didn’t allow us to take the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory for a road test. So I can’t say anything about fuel consumption or comfort on long trips, but I know that previous versions of Tuono were very good in this matter. The V4 is equipped with standard cruise control, and the new, clearer 5-inch TFT instrument cluster is informative and easy to read. The motorcycle is equipped with three road riding modes, Touring, Sport and User (customizable), which affect the power characteristics, the level of intervention of electronic assistants and the operating modes of semi-active suspensions. The base Tuono comes with conventional suspension and more road-friendly driver and passenger ergonomics, but it has the same performance and virtually all the modern technology as the Factory.
Versions and colors
The new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 is available in two versions, which differ in technical equipment and color schemes: the Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two attractive color schemes: grigio Portimao and nero Assen, while the Factory version is available in a special “Superpole” color scheme, emphasizing the decidedly non-conformist a spirit so typical of the Aprilia stylistic tradition, which calls for bright and highly expressive colors. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory differs from the RR version by Ohlins components: front and rear suspension, as well as an adjustable steering damper. In addition to Ohlins components and a special color scheme, the Factory version received the tail section from the RSV4 model.
The cast aluminum alloy wheels are the same for both versions: their light weight helps to minimize the gyroscopic effect, which benefits handling. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory is equipped with sportier Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with a rear tire size of 200/55, which are approved for city use and are available for installation on the Tuono V4 RR version, which is equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires with a rear tire size of 190/55
Electronic assistants Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory
Separately, I would like to note that all electronic assistants are installed as standard, and there is no need to purchase or unlock them. All this is managed by the new Magneti Marelli ECU, which works four times faster than the previous version. Data is supplied to him, among other things, by a six-axis measurement device from Bosch - in particular, tilt angles, pressure in the brake lines, acceleration, wheel speed, and so on.
The ATC traction control has eight levels of adjustment and is controlled on the fly, even when accelerating. On new tires I set the sixth stage, and after driving a lap, having gotten used to it and accelerating well on the main straight, I set it to third. As a result, after another lap I set the first stage - and all this at normal speed and without being distracted from the track. Everything is controlled easily and quickly with triggers on the left remote control.
Wheelie control AWC has five levels of intervention , and, like traction control, is adjustable even at open throttle. This not only reduces lap times, but also makes the bike easier to control and more fun: if the track turns out to be too difficult, you set the wheelie control tighter and continue to go fast without the fear of tipping over or losing your butt.
There are also three engine maps (AEM), three levels of engine braking (AEB) and three levels of launch control (ALC), plus a pit lane speed limiter (APL) , which can be conveniently used on the road by setting the maximum allowed speed to avoid paying fines. Plus there is also ACC cruise control and an excellent AQS quickshifter, which allows you to downshift while on open throttle.
Add to this the magic of tilting ABS - and you get a long list of electronic assistants and safety features, in other words - space-level technomagic, accessible through the new TFT instrumentation and convenient remote controls. The dashboard itself is a major step up from the previous version (which looked a bit outdated compared to its rivals).
Don't be afraid to get confused with the riding modes - they work easily and transparently, allowing you to get the most from the track, conditions and riding style. Yes, the test took place in ideal conditions, but if the weather had turned bad or I felt tired, I could have increased the level of intervention of the electronic assistants and remained safe.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2021
Engine
The main purpose of the changes made to the Aprilia Tuono V4 engine was to increase torque, especially in the low and mid-range, to improve efficiency and driving pleasure on public roads. To achieve this goal, the engine capacity was increased to 1077 cc. by increasing the piston diameter from 78 mm to 81 mm. The increase in engine displacement led to an increase in performance: maximum power increased from 170 to 175 hp. and improved engine performance at high speeds (at 8000 rpm, the new engine produces 20 horsepower more than its previous version). This makes the sports naked bike from Noale a great tool for driving thrills, while high performance with excellent torque and maximum power values allows you to dominate both on public roads and on the track!
Ride by Wire technology eliminates the need for cables to control the throttle valves, which are now controlled by the latest generation Marelli control unit, which also controls the ignition and four injectors. The engine is equipped with four throttles controlled by a special servo drive.
The powerful ECU now makes it easier to control three engine maps, each of which varies the level of throttle response and engine braking. All three maps have been improved and provide smoother, more accurate throttle response. This allows riders to achieve reduced rear tire wear and more precise control of the high power that the Aprilia V4 engine is capable of delivering.
