Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC world launch

Tuono was arguably the first true factory streetfighter. The name – ‘Thunder’ in Italian – first appeared on a stripped-down Aprilia RSV Mille in 2002, and for the first time we were offered a naked bike based on a full-on, state-of-the-art superbike with its power barely diluted and retaining the full high-spec chassis. With high bars added, this was hardcore, and it’s how Tuonos have been ever since.

Happily the new Tuono V4R carries that spirit forward. Okay, the engine has had some changes to the cam timing and intake and exhaust modifications which knock a dozen horsepower off the peak, but with the original RSV4R superbike making huge power that still leaves the Tuono with a rudely healthy 123kW, and as a bonus, a boost to its low and mid-range torque.

The chassis is based on the Superbike’s but with the front half altered to extend the wheelbase, while the engine mountings are different to lower the centre of gravity, both moves made to improve stability.

There’s little by way of corner cutting: the forks and radial Brembo brakes are from the RSV4R, the rear shock is the same bar a ride height adjustment facility, and with the APRC version you get the full gamut of electronics, including an eight-level race-type traction control, launch control, wheelie control and three different engine modes.

The riding position, thankfully, is less cramped than you might expect, seeing as how tiny the RSV4R is. You do still feel perched up on top of the bike but there’s enough legroom and a good reach to the bars, even for taller riders. Shorter ones might find the stretch to the ground a bit far.

Fire up the engine and you’re greeted by an angry growl from the V-four engine, then snick it into gear, pull away and the fun really starts: this engine is magnificent, with prodigious amounts of torque supported by a massive hit of power at high revs.

The bike is furiously fast and the soundtrack is utterly compelling, a glorious mix of angry wails, snarls and sighs.

The rider might go weak at the knees but the chassis copes fine of course. The Sachs-built suspension is firm but its quality shines through particularly on bumpy roads where it keeps the bike in exceptionally good control.

You do feel road shocks, especially through the bars, but stability is excellent and agility impresses too. For carving up back roads the Tuono V4R makes a fine weapon, but don’t stray anywhere too far from civilisation as the fuel consumption then the range will come as a bit of a shock.

Even in gentle road riding the best the onboard computer could tell me was that I was achieving 7.2 litres/100km, and getting enthusiastic this quickly dropped to 10 litres/100km. Bear in mind too that I’ve yet to find a bike economy computer that isn’t optimistic, so the real figures are likely even worse.

In turn, this means the range is limited, and sure enough my low fuel warning was flashing after just 150km, after mixed riding. This means around 190km to dry, so you’ll do well to know where the fuel stations are on your route.

This is a high performance bike though and many riders won’t be bothered by range of economy, they’ll be more interested in fast blasts and track days, which is why Aprilia unleashed us onto the Valencia MotoGP circuit for an afternoon. Some changes were made to the bikes to suit track riding, many of which an owner would also do, such as altering the damping settings and sliding the yokes down the forks to quicken the steering.

An accessory steering damper was also fitted, but Aprilia also changed the standard 190-section rear tyre for a 200-section, then fitted an RSV4R rear shock so the rear ride height could be raised. An owner might conceivably replace the rubber, but not the shock so this wasn’t quite playing straight – I can tell you what the modified bike is like on the track, but not an out-of-the-crate one.

It is, in fact, fabulous, with sharp steering and an easy agility as well as stupendous performance from the engine and brakes. The traction control meanwhile takes your breath away: on the lower settings, 7-8, it intervenes too early, but increase it to 4, then 3 and if you’re very brave, 2, and it lets you crack the throttle open wide and leave big black lines behind you coming out of turns as the bike twitches and scrabbles for grip without ever losing control. 1? That’s reserved for Max Biaggi.

It’s a glorious sensation once you’ve overcome the years of conditioning that prevents sane riders from grabbing such big handfuls of throttle while leaning far over, but learn to trust the electronics and for most riders it will move their ability on by huge leaps.

The wheelie control impresses too, gently lowering the front after it lifts under acceleration, but the launch control, designed for fast and dependable getaways off the line, underwhelms. Few riders will use it after the initial curiosity plays.

A thrilling, wonderful sounding road bike and probably pretty impressive on the track even in standard form. It’s priced well too, considering the equipment levels and performance.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder V-four
Capacity: 999.6cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0mm x 52.3mm
Compression ratio: 13:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection, four x 48mm Weber-Marelli throttle bodies
Emissions: Euro 3
Claimed maximum power: 165hp (123kW) at 11,500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 111.5Nm at 9500rpm

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

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Aluminium
Front suspension: Sachs 43mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc with single-piston Brembo caliper
Wheels: Cast aluminium -- front 3.50 x 17, rear 6.00 x 17
Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa -- Front 120/70-17, rear 190/55-17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 25 degrees
Trail: 107.5mm
Claimed kerb weight: 183kg
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1445mm
Fuel capacity: 17 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $21,990 (available August)
Colours: Glam White or Competition Black
Bike supplied by: Aprilia Italy
Local contact: John Sample Automotive, www.aprilia.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres