Outside was the living
metallic embodiment
of my motorcycling
fantasies
me. I didn’t feel too big on the bike as some
Italians can. Within seconds I was comfortable
and that sensation grew stronger every ride. I was
about to learn just how extraordinary this bike
is. The 1077cc Tuono boasts a very real 175bhp
at 11,000rpm. Quite sufficient for sane mortals.
It’s light at 186kg, and the steering geometry
gives huge lean angles. A trap, on the TFT display,
is the offering that displays exactly what lean
angle you are reaching. Please don’t watch this
when trying to get low! Aprilia’s new TFT display
also has Bluetooth connectivity and you can
record your ride on your phone then, by using
an app you can review the data later. The bike
offers eight-stage traction control on the left.
This can be adjusted or deactivated as you go,
with a finger and thumb (+ or -) system on the
handlebar. There are three riding modes, Sport,
Track and Race, as well as wheelie and launch
control (I confess to leaving that one untouched)
and three levels of ABS intervention. You can
also switch off cornering ABS at the front, and
ABS at the rear. The “autoblip” quick-shifter
offers down as well as up, and cruise control
and a pit lane limiter are added. The front end,
brakes and aluminium frame are class-leading
and inspire confidence. The Ohlins suspension is
forgiving enough that it won’t rattle your neck
KIWI RIDER 51