First Ride: Aprilia Tuono - Motorcycle.com
Noale, Italy, July 31, 2002
Better get that gunslinger pose perfected, cause Aprilia's new little toy will accept nothing less than fully committed cowboys; no half measures whatsoever on this one, oh no. Wasn't that what we've been asking for since this naked craze began?
A streetfighter has been badly missing from Aprilia's line-up since their 1000cc power unit declared war on the Bolognese L-twins in `98. Naked show models from Aprilia have come and gone while Monsters, Speed Triples and 919's have gotten the drop on the sales floor. It took 'em a while, but Aprilia has finally responded with a guns-blazing, no nonsense tool that's equipped with the RSV Mille R's 130-horse power unit, no less. The overkill doesn't stop just yet. The Mille's twin spar frame is all there, complemented by tasty Ohlins suspenders at both ends, including trick titanium-nitride coated fork sliders and finger licking good forged OZ Racing rims. Aprilia has decided to make a big splash in the pond with its Tuono. In order to totally overshadow nifty rides such as the Ducati Monster S4 and Cagiva Raptor 1000, they went the expensive and exclusive way, namely a Mille R that's been stripped of its fairing, and crammed full of carbon fiber.
Further limitations of the Tuono come to light on our way back to Noale, on a fast highway. The thing is sure enough able to romp into the 150s, but there is no way you could ever hold on to it at those speeds, even with the D-cup bikini fairing. The handlebar is way too high and too near the rider to allow a proper crouch behind the bubble. Just as well, the sail effect of having your arms flapping in the wind induces some weaving and prevents the Tuono rider from keeping up with a proper supersport mount, such as the accompanying RSV R, in fast sweepers. In the unthinkable situation that I'd own a Tuono, I'd definitely try and fit narrower and lower handlebars. Why am I so pessimistic? 'Cause having a streetfighter that's equipped with soooo much top of the line componentry means a price tag that's way up there too. And there lies the built-in contradiction of the Tuono. It might be the best ever canyon carving tool I've ever swung a leg over, but can you really pull all the stops out on a 17K limited-edition cycle? Is it the kind of tool that you'd take on to practice your wheelying and burnout techniques in a deserted parking lot?
As it is, the Tuono is an expensive two-wheeled creation but it never really flaunts it. Just like a camouflaged interceptor jet, from a distance those subtle satin black surfaces don't grab much attention. It's only when you get up close that you start going all "ooh" and "aah" about the sexy light reflections of the carbon fiber panels and all the rest; no funky war colors or bold new graphics BS. A kill 'em all canyon tool in the most understated of packages. A factory special that's almost subversive. I like that.
Specifications
ENGINE
998cc Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC 600 V twin, 4v/cyl.; with anti-vibration double countershaft
Bore and stroke: 97 x 67,5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.4 : 1
Max.claimed power (crankshaft): 96 kW (130 hp) at 9,500 rpm
Max. claimed torque (crankshaft): 10.3 kgm (101 Nm) at 7,250 rpm
Fuel delivery: Integrated electronic engine management, indirect multipoint injection; two 51mm throttle bodies
Ignition: digital electronic,two spark plugs per cylinder
Lubrication: Dry sump
Primary transmission Straight tooth gear, 60/31
Gear box: wet multi-plate clutch with hydraulic assist, six-speed
Final drive: chain; 16/42
CHASSIS
Frame: Aluminum alloy box-type double beam frame.
Adjustable double-chamber Ohlins steering damper with single block mount
Saddle height: 820 mm
Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Rake/trail: 25 degrees/99mm (97mm with 120/65 tire)
Front suspension: inverted 43mm Ohlins fork,titanium nitride tubes, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Ohlins Racing coil-over shock, fully adjustable (including length); 135mm travel
Front brake: two 320mm discs; four-piston Brembo four-pad calipers
Wheels/tires: OZ Racing forged aluminum alloy wheels
Front: 3.50 X 17" 120/70-ZR17 Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa
Rear: 6.00 X 17" 190/50-ZR17 Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa
Capacity: 18 litres (including 4 litres reserve)
MSRP: $17,299
More by Yossef Schvetz
Comments
Join the conversation