CHASSIS The excellences continues with the chassis , handling and suspension action . Sachs suspension units are used at each end and are fully adjustable . Front wheel travel is 125mm with the rear having a little more at 130mm . I was super impressed with the action at both ends . Compliant is the word that springs to mind first , and yet it ’ s firm and very well controlled without being harsh – close to perfect for the kinds of surfaces that NZ roads can throw at you on any given ride - good and bad . Aprilia says the swingarm is lighter and stronger and said to offer greater stability , traction and control when hard on the gas than before . Well , I can ’ t argue with that . The 1100 drives beautifully from turns , but also knifes into them particularly well with great agility , accuracy , and confidence . The fairly light weight of 209kg wet helps here too ( only 10kg more than the racetrack refugee RSV4 ). The upright riding position with wide and high bars suits me well and in general the ergonomics are very comfortable . The taller screen on this model ( compared to the Tuono Factory ), while not looking that high , worked surprising well at keeping the wind blast off and certainly improved rider comfort . Unlike the Tuono Factory , this version of the Tuono has reasonable pillion accommodation , with a decent seat and a grab rail . This is the practical Tuono that gives mind-bending power and handling while still being a bike you ’ d ride for a Summer tour . It ’ s what every sports-tourer should be . Fuel range from the 17.9 litre tank was not huge , but no one should be looking for exceptional fuel economy from what is largely a superbike engine . In summary , the Aprilia Tuono 1100 is an amazing machine . It is fast . It stops . It turns brilliantly and has wonderful suspension for the road . The electronic control is vast , clever and yet it still feels very much a ‘ riders ’ bike – exceptional . The whole machine is a masterpiece . Your passion won ’ t be disappointed .

CONTACT : SHOP : ( 07 ) 850-6020 MB : ( 021 ) 209-7292

431c Te Rapa Rd , Te Rapa Hamilton , New Zealand EM : shop @ ntbracing . co . nz

OPENING HOURS MON - FRI : 9am - 5.30pm SAT : By appointment

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