Aprilia Tuono

Mad Hatter

NOT SO MUCH

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain: 4.0/5.0
Chassis: 5.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
In the saddle: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 5.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
You could be forgiven for being a little cynical at times about so-called limited edition motorcycles, which often add up to little more than the same old thing in a different wrapper. However Aprilia cannot be accused of that sleight of hand when it comes to the Factory version of the Tuono.

The wrapper is different in this case, but so too is the content, with greatly uprated suspension and more exotic powerplant claiming an additional six horses over the 'cooking' version.

There is also a host of carbon-fibre goodies, plus a paint job that's about as subtle as a smack in the head.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
When you see the phrase 'limited edition' you know it's going to sting the hip-pocket in a big way, and this is no exception. A price of $25,990 is right up there in naked bike land and would buy you an awful lot of motorcycle from other makers.

However it's doubtful you would get more performance. Boiled down, this is a purpose-built track-day bike with the mapping already available for a range of aftermarket exhaust systems including Akrapovic. Even in stock form, it's unlikely to be easily embarrassed.

DRIVETRAIN
Aprilia's V-twin litre series engines have served the company well and it's only a matter of time before we start to see the new 1200 configuration creeping into the sports rang.

In the meantime, this highly developed twin is no slouch with a very respectable 139 claimed horses and a decent torque figure to match, albeit a long way up the rev range. Typically for a V-twin, it might be revvy, but still packs a wide and very convincing mid-range wallop and therefore makes getting out of a turn in a hurry a breeze.

This version of the powerplant is shared with the RSV Factory, which means the same 57mm throttle bodies for the injection, plus bigger exhaust valves than its Tuono sibling - up 2mm to 33. The mapping is also different, with the exhaust options mentioned earlier. That gives it a claimed six horses over the Tuono - not earth shattering perhaps, but significant.

Of course the 60-degree twin also runs the firm's double countershaft balancing system which means that while the powerplant has a distinctive cackle, it's surprisingly smooth.

Our experience with it was the injection was very well sorted, with the powerplant responding crisply and predictably to the throttle once off the very bottom end. It was difficult to fault as a sport unit. A unique feature for a naked bike is the ram-air system.

CHASSIS
Without question, this is the real highlight of the machine. Motorcycle Trader tester Rob Smith simply summed it up by saying, "It's better than me," to which I can only add my agreement. It's better than most mortals, I suspect.

It's not rocket science perhaps, but the designers have ditched the standard Showa suspension (itself perfectly capable) for top-shelf Ohlins kit. The difference is a matter of increments, but they're significant ones. There's the usual full range of adjustment.

The bike turns in fast, with good accuracy and seemingly sticks like glue to pretty much most things you throw at it. It has enormous reseves of cornering performance which, frankly, you're extremely unlikely to be able to explore on the road. This is one motorcycle that really demands the occasional track session to get the most out of what it has to offer.

Braking is essentially the same Brembo package on the stock Tuono - four-piston Brembo up front - and is more than up to the job. Meanwhile the wheels are forged rather than cast alloy, with a three alternative sizes offered for the rear hoop. I'd be tempted to stick with the standard 180 width (the others are variations of a 190) on the basis of maintaining the machine's very light turn-in.

PACKAGING
Styling is inevitably a subjective call, so not everyone will agree when I say some elements, such as the gold-coloured frame, are a bit over the top. The bike overall is a collection of angles and bits sticking out in all directions and that visual chaos is part of its charm. However a bit less bling for me, please...

As a ride, the package is going to be difficult to beat. Once you're in the saddle and have flung it through a few turns, you don't give a damn what the thing looks like.

COMPETITORS
Exotic nakeds is not a huge market, but the model which immediately springs to mind is MV Agusta's 910R Brutale, which claims similar performance, albeit with a four-cylinder engine. It's about $1600 more and has at least as much street cred.

If all this talk of high twenties sounds a bit rich, there is a huge range of offerings lower down the scale, such as Aprilia's standard Tuono ($21,490), BMW's muscly K1200 R ($22,000) and let's not forget Suzuki's awesome B-King 1300 ($18,990). Lack of choice is hardly a problem in this sector.

ON THE ROAD
You biggest challenge with this bike will be keeping your licence. It loves to go fast and a few track days sessions over a year would be a wise investment - as a legal way to clear out the proverbial cobwebs.

It's enormous fun to ride quickly, less so at a sedate pace, and the more or less sensible ride position means it's not a chore to spend time in the saddle. All up this is one very memorable toy.