2009 Streetfighters Shootout: Aprilia Tuono 1000 R, Buell 1125CR, Triumph Speed Triple

[Dr_Sprocket]

Nice review. Seems as if the Buell was a little twitchy. Just wondering, Duke and Pete, do you think the higher handlebar option played into the twitchy feeling (as opposed the the OEM spec'd clubman bars)? Or was it just the lack of steering damper?

Nice write-up. I was disappointed to hear that Buell has still not sorted their fuel delivery issues as yet.

[ShamanWS6]

There was a version of the S3 with a union jack on the tank. I've seen it myself. Either that or the painter got it to look factory mint.

[sachiwilson]

Triumph, bah. Nortons rule!



(Now if Norton would only BUILD something!)

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by sachiwilson

Triumph, bah. Nortons rule!



(Now if Norton would only BUILD something!)

I thought they were (going to build something). I loved the look of the prototype that Kenny Dreer and crew were trying to bring to market. Wonder if we'll ever see the Norton badge on new bikes.

[newagetwotone]

Originally Posted by nesbit

Hey Brissette: Really nice article, but y in the world would U now test 3 bikes in the same price range? Couldn't U have included a 1098R so U could really skew this comparo like U did in the Luxury Touring Shootout?

Why do you keep b*tching? No one cares

[mscuddy]

Personally, I like the Buell's short-track design and the way it wants to shake its head out of corners on the gas, like a big dirtbike. But those radiator scoops have got to go. Looks like half a giant mutant ladybug. The other two bikes are boring compaired to the Booel. Whatchagonnado? Great article btw, nice photos & video there Fonz.

[seruzawa]

Or, as a Klingon would do:

[ShamanWS6]

The Tuono is boring? Hahahahaa... yeah, OK. Facepalm on that one, myself.

I tried a Buell out late last year. The guy had seven (that's right, 7) ECU reflashes by the dealership and it still ran like crap at anything but hard throttle. The bike itself was quirky to ride (it was NOT the one with superbike bars, I guess the 1125R?) and went like stink at full throttle, but the fuelling ruined it. The brakes were grabby and felt like they had an oil patch on them because they liked to shudder. With the problems fixed, it could be a nice bike... certainly looks interesting if not pretty. BTW, one of the ECU flashes stranded the guy... as soon as the bike got cold, it wouldn't start anymore.

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by Dr_Sprocket

Nice review. Seems as if the Buell was a little twitchy. Just wondering, Duke and Pete, do you think the higher handlebar option played into the twitchy feeling (as opposed the the OEM spec'd clubman bars)? Or was it just the lack of steering damper?

Nice write-up. I was disappointed to hear that Buell has still not sorted their fuel delivery issues as yet.

The higher bar would contribute slightly to the twitchiness, but the the bulk of the blame must go to the CR's steep rake and minimal trail. An electronic steering damper would make a nice addition, but I must say that the Buell never actually went into a tankslapper when I rode it.

On a related note, Buell has improved the fueling on 1125s greatly this year. The CR (and the R) got major revisions to the cylinder heads and fuel injection that greatly improve the driveability compared to last year's 1125R. In fact, I'd rate the Tuono's low-speed fueling as worse than the Buell's. The Aprilia surges and coughs annoyingly at steady throttle below 22 mph, its one obvious blemish in its otherwise polished refinement.

From a MO article: "The 1125R and 1125CR models models for 2009 also gained targeted fuel injectors, relocated O2 sensors along with updated engine spark and fuel maps. The combination of these features offers improved drivability below 6,000 rpm, crisper throttle response, improved heat management, and significantly improved fuel economy. The updated engine spark and fuel maps will also be made available for 2008 1125R models."

[Pete_Brissette]

"In fact, I'd rate the Tuono's low-speed fueling as worse than the Buell's."

And here's what makes riding bikes, and in the case of these three, so fun: everyone has a different experience.

Kaming and I felt the Buell to be quite difficult at times to ride at low rpm/small throttle openings. In our two opinions, the Tuono's abruptness as noted by Kevin was easily overshadowed by the Buell.

Even the "pros" don't always agree entirely.