2017 Aprilia Tuono 1100 RF review

Aprilia didn't take half-measures when it updated its famed Tuono nakedbike range, which encompasses the standard 1100 RR and 1100 RF (as in Factory).

I've already given part of the answer away in that first sentence, as instead of just taking the 999cc RSV4 engine, "retuning it" and shoehorning it into the Tuono chassis, Aprilia increased bore by 3mm to take out the capacity to 1077cc and engaged other weight-saving measures such as lighter connecting rods.

You can do that when you're not hamstrung by motorcycle racing regulations (although there is talk of a big-bore nakedbike series to replace world supersport, which would be awesome!) and, without even delving into the other updates to the Tuonos (such as the much comfier seat!), the 78cc hike in capacity has already done enough to transform the bike.

This is more than just a 'warm-over' from the previous model – it's the Italian company's sharp retort to the likes of BMW and KTM joining the top-end nakedbike party.

APRILIA TUONO 1100s IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Power to Aprilia's engineers
Power from the previous model wasn't languid by any means, but the increase in energy levels around the 8000rpm mark is profound on the V4 mill – Aprilia claims it's up around 20hp – while the bottom-end and mid-range grunt are sublime.

Apart from KTM's 1290 Super Duke R, which is the torque king in the hypernaked class, the Tuonos now have the rest of the competition covered.

There's just so much muscle from about 4000rpm, and every click of the standard-issue quickshifter introduces another glorious wedge of power. It really is a case of holding on tight to the one-piece handlebar – and we wouldn't want it any other way. This is no garden variety powerplant.

And when you've gone through that cycle, there's about a 5hp hike in peak power as well. Just to leave another smile on the dial.

The bigger engine also doesn't misbehave nearly as much at lower revs in start-stop commuting mode either, and the extra torque certainly helps to smooth things out.

First gear is quite tall on the $24,990 1100 RF (the bike we had on test), but with a light clutch pull the whole city stuff is cleaner than it ever was – but it's always nice to take off from the lights with some venom to get another fix of that melodious exhaust (see video below). It really is a glorious bark.

Electronics galore
As part of the updated aPRC electronics suite, Aprilia has ditched the 'Rain' setting on the Tuono, and there's now a choice between Race, Track and Sport.

They also produce the same amount of power – 175hp (129kW) at 11,000rpm and 120Nm at 9000rpm) – but the difference lies in the throttle response. However, with all that flurry of raw power, I couldn't really pinpoint a major difference between Track and Race. Heady stuff, either way.

The riding modes can be changed on the fly, as can traction control via plus and minus toggles on the left handlebar – I have always loved the simplicity of that system.

With all that heat coming from the V4 kitchen, there's also launch and wheelie control – which can also be switched off if the mood takes you. To change those settings, you have to scroll through the Aprilia dash, which occasionally borders on infuriating with its slow reaction times. Only in Italy…

The dash is also looked dated now, and well behind the schmick TFT setups which are now becoming commonplace.

I set the traction control on the lowest intervention setting (1) for most of the time, and surprisingly it did come to life a few times to pull back the power. It's not the smoothest intervention, but neither is it particularly harsh.

Meanwhile, the wheelie control is a three-stage affair, and at the lowest level of intervention you'll get the Tuono's front air in the air by a bout 25cm, and it goes down from there.

Switch off wheelie and traction control and all bets are off, though! As well as pulling incredibly hard and stitching together turns in the blink of an eye -- the Pirelli Supercorsa rubber working overtime -- the enjoyment actor is off the scale. It's an X factor which really puts the Tuono in the upper-echelon of two-wheel practitioners.

Chassis plays ball
All power and a poxy chassis is a nightmare in anyone's language, but the Tuono certainly doesn't fall into that category.

To make the Tuonos more agile on the road, Aprilia has reduced the rake from 25.1 to 24.7 degrees and the trail from 107.4 to 99.7mm. However, the tighter dimensions are countered by a 6mm longer swingarm to maintain high-speed stability.

The main difference between the 1100 RR and the 1100 RF is the latter has Ohlins suspension (complete with adjustable electronic steering damper) while the standard machine has Sachs suspenders.

Handling is quite neutral – so no nasty surprises while remaining one of the lightest-handling nakeds around at 184 (with no fuel). The one-piece handlebar is narrower than the previous Tuono's, which may not be to everyone's liking, but I could still carve the Tuono through a corner with absolute freedom despite the largish 200-section rear tyre.

I didn't feel any real nervousness or flightiness, even when punching out of tight turns with plenty of attitude and tracking over a lot of bumps. I'd put a lot of that down to the fully adjustable Ohlins shock, which handles serious weight transfer with aplomb.

Get out of the hullabaloo and the Tuono does a decent job of wind protecting – an improvement over past models but not something that I really don't pine for in nakedbike guise.

Race ABS
In addition to the third generation aPRC, the Tuonos have Race ABS, developed in collaboration with Bosch and weighing in at 2kg. There are three levels of Race ABS to choose from, catering from track to road. Each of the three Race ABS maps can be combined with any one of the three engine maps: Track, Sport and Road. ABS can also be switched off.

The upgraded brakes (pads, not calipers) are not only more powerful, but there's plenty of feedback as well. I didn't' feel the Race ABS system one, and I suspect you'd probably have to be well out of shape for that to happen.

The end result? My confidence grew even more, and I was pushing harder on the brakes as time marched on.

Vast improvement
A quick scan over the 'updates' list on the latest Tuonos doesn't make for an exhaustive list – but this is all about quality and not quantity.

As a result, it's a vastly improved motorcycle across all levels – from commuting to scratching. No compromises either – just a razor-sharp bike that's impossibly satisfying.

Is there a more enjoyable class than big-bore nakeds? I don't think so...

SPECS: 2017 APRILIA TUONO 1100 RF
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 16-valve, 65-degree V4
Capacity: 1077cc
Bore x stroke: 81mm x 52.3mm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Fuel system: Magneti Marelli Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 175hp (129kW) at 11,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 120Nm at 9000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet slipper clutch
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Aluminum Twin spar
Front suspension: Fully adjustable Ohlins upside-down forks
Rear suspension: Double-braced alloy swingarm with fully adjustable Ohlins shock
Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs with four-piston monobloc Brembo calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc
Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Corsa, 120/70-17 ZR front, 190/55-17ZR rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed weight: 184kg (without fuel)
Rake: 24.7 degrees
Trail: 99.7mm
Seat height: 825mm
Fuel capacity: 18.5 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $24,990 plus on-road costs (Tuono 1100 RR $21,990 rideaway)
Bike supplied by: Aprilia Australia
Warranty: 24 months unlimited kilometers