Normally such base things as money
would not make it into a review, but with
this bike, I apologise, all bets are off.
The Tuono RR, essentially, is a semi-naked
superbike with sit-up rideability, staggering
performance, sensational handling and
is regarded by most motoring writers as
peerless. I agree. I fell hopelessly under its
spell. The V4 1077cc engine is astounding
and I’ve seen it written elsewhere as ‘the
most inspiring engine in motorcycling’.
So, not just this infatuated chap then.
The Tuono V4 1100 RR and Factory share
the same 330mm front brakes, wheel sizes,
and rubber dimensions. Their electronics
packages are also virtually identical.
The Aprilia Performance Ride Control system
(APRC) offers all the riding and safety
assistance functions that were originally
developed for racing, including configurable
launch, traction, and wheelie controls, and a
ridiculously exciting autoblipper/quickshifter,
with cruise control, cornering ABS and lean
angle indicator. The ride-by-wire throttle
offers three rider-selectable settings.
Sport, Race and Track. All of this takes a little
time to master, moving around the menus
in the full-colour TFT screen, takes a bit
“
WHEN THE LEVEL OF CONTROL IS
FINGERTIP, PIN-POINT AND PERFECT,
ONE IS TEASED BEYOND THE
PLODDING REALMS OF LEGAL LIMITS
KIWI RIDER 45