‘Compromise’ isn’t a word we associate with motorcycles. By definition, they expose us to the elements, and in return, they give us a rush that is very difficult to replicate in a car without spending stupid amounts of money. Whatever motorcycle grabs headlines does so because it is lighter, quicker, more powerful… and definitely more expensive.
However, as you grow in experience and age, you stop wanting a million different bikes. Or maybe it is simply that it isn’t practical to own many of them. So a motorcycle that does many things well will be a great addition to the garage, like a naked bike. But what motorcycles does it best? What is the perfect compromise between size, power, and control? That’s what we’re here to find out.
The Aprilia Tuono V4 Is The Perfect Compromise Between Size, Power, And Control
Aprilia has been known to make some pretty quick motorcycles, and the Tuono is right up there with the quickest of them in its class. In fact, it might just have started the movement of naked versions of sport bikes not being toned-down counterparts – just different versions with a more upright seating position and a smaller/no fairing. Given how much performance is on offer, the subliminal APRC electronics package, and its compact dimensions, the Tuono V4 is the perfect compromise between size, power, and control.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Price: $16,399
The Tuono V4 is priced quite well, at just under $16,500. Of course, there is the Factory version with more electronics and better components, but you’ll need to have almost $20,000 in hand for one of those. The standard Tuono V4 is more than enough for most people, and since we’re looking for a compromise here, it is the better option.
The Tuono V4 Has A Unique V4 Engine
The Tuono V4 shares its engine with the RSV4 sport bike. This is a 65-degree V4 that displaces 1,099 cc, a change that has happened recently. Power and torque are less than the sport bike, however, with 180 horsepower and 89.2 pound-feet. Yes, these figures are generated quite high in the rev range.
But this is actually lower than the revs where competitors like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 generate their torque and power. A by-wire throttle and six-axis IMU coupled with the APRC electronics suite means that you get every acronym that you can think of, with ride modes as well. A six-speed gearbox with a two-way quickshifter is standard.
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With a 0-62 mph time of 3.15 seconds, the most powerful naked bike here is also the quickest of the lot.
An Aluminum Chassis Underpins The Tuono V4
A lot of naked bikes are moving to cheaper, lighter trellis frames because they do a better job on the street. However, when you’re pushing your motorcycle to the limit, a twin-spar frame still gets the job done better. Aprilia has retained the aluminum twin-spar frame for the Tuono V4, with the aluminum swingarm.
It sources its fully adjustable suspension from Sachs, with a 43 mm inverted fork providing 4.6 inches of travel, and a rear monoshock with 5.1 inches of travel. 17-inch alloy wheels have 330 mm floating front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston radial calipers on them, and a 220 mm rear disc with a Brembo caliper as well. Cornering ABS is a standard function.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Dimensions
The Tuono V4 is a remarkably compact motorcycle, in part thanks to the easier packaging due to the 65-degree V4 engine, and partly due to its intent as a sport naked. It weighs 465 pounds wet, which isn’t too light, but not too heavy, either.
An Interesting Feature Set
We’ve already established that the Tuono V4 Factory offers a bunch of electronics over the standard Tuono. It is also available in a different black and red color scheme, while the regular one is available only in bright yellow. However, you can add a lot of the Factory’s features to the standard Tuono V4 with the optional ‘packs’ that Aprilia offers.
To reiterate, the base Tuono already has the APRC package that includes eight-level cornering traction control, predictive wheelie control, three engine maps, and three-level adjustable engine brake control. The Comfort Pack adds cruise control and cornering adaptive headlamps to the equation. The Track Pack adds three more ride modes, launch control, a pit lane speed limiter, and slide control. It also adds a dashboard layout on the 5-inch TFT display that provides track-relevant data.
The Race Pack turns the Tuono V4 into a true racing tool, with corner-by-corner traction control, wheelie control, and engine braking. Of course, since these are activated via the GPS, you also get access to the lap trigger and telemetry. You can mix and match these packs, or add all three, to the base Tuono V4 – an unprecedented level of customization.
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Aprilia Tuono V4 Competition
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 ($23,995), KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo ($22,149), and MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RS ($24,098) are all too expensive to be a real part of this conversation, no matter how good they are. At the other end of the spectrum, Honda and Suzuki both make liter nakeds, but they are both budget liter nakeds.
Kawasaki is a conundrum, because it has both a budget liter naked as well as a premium one. The $14,999 Z 1100 fits the description and price, but is too low on power to be taken seriously. The $21,999 Z H2 has all the power in the world from its supercharged engine, but is too big and heavy to be considered a decently small motorcycle.
That leaves us with two possibilities. The BMW S 1000 R is based on the S 1000 RR. It does away with the variable valve timing, and it also powers its power output to 170 horsepower for better torque. However, it being an inline four, the 84 pound-foot torque figure is less, and comes in at higher revs than the Aprilia. The $14,745 price is extremely tempting as well, but you’ll have to add packages to it for even a two-way quickshifter, and that will make its price leapfrog the Aprilias.
One nearly forgotten liter naked that still has it is the Yamaha MT-10 SP. It costs more than the V4, but that price is all-inclusive. You don’t need to add anything to it because it has the ammunition to fight the Aprilia. It starts with the CP4 crossplane engine, which generates lots of torque at low and medium revs. It more than makes up ground with Öhlins electronic suspension and Brembo braking components, including a radial master cylinder and radial calipers. It also has an aluminum twin spar frame, just like the Tuono. Racebike-derived electronics are also standard.
Aprilia Tuono V4 Vs Yamaha MT-10 SP
|
Model |
Aprilia Tuono V4 |
Yamaha MT-10 SP |
|
Price |
$16,399 |
$17,499 |
|
Engine |
65° V4 |
Crossplane I4 |
|
Displacement |
1,099 cc |
999 cc |
|
Power |
180 HP @ 11,800 RPM |
163 HP @ 11,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
89.2 LB-FT @ 9,650 RPM |
82.6 LB-FT @ 9,500 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
465 LBs (wet) |
472 LBs (wet) |
Source: Aprilia USA