X-RATED TUONO UNLEASHED
Aprilia reveal limitededition, lightest and most powerful super-naked yet
This track-only Aprilia Tuono V4 has just been unveiled and is claimed to be the lightest and most powerful production super-naked ever. Called the Tuono V4 X, it’s being built by Aprilia Racing, bristles with the latest in track tech (including wings) and is a followup to the success of the Italian firm’s exclusive RSV4 X track-only superbike last year.
Just 10 examples of that 225bhp, 165kg missile were offered for sale online last March to mark the model’s 10th anniversary – hence its name and production number – yet, despite its €39,900 (£34,233) price, it sold out within hours. Now Aprilia are attempting to repeat that success by applying the same recipe and expertise to the super-naked version of the V4. Aprilia say the main focus was cutting weight. To achieve that, all bodywork, including the new aerodynamic wing, is carbon fibre. The fuel tank, which replicates the shape of the original, is also lighter, the electrical system is simplified while parts such as the clutch lever, fuel cap and pegs are all billet aluminium. The bike also loses heavy road components such as lights and sidestand.
At the same time the X’s power has also been boosted over that of the 173bhp Tuono V4 1100 Factory production roadster. The X actually uses the high compression, 214bhp engine from the latest RSV4 1100 Factory superbike and is boosted further by having a titanium/carbon trackonly Akrapovic exhaust with the engine remapped to suit. Aprilia’s universally praised electronic rider aids, namely engine braking, traction control and anti-wheelie, have been revised and the Tuono X has an up/down quickshifter, speciallyreprogrammed TFT race dash that shows lap times via a built-in GPS sensor while its lightweight forged Marchesini wheels come with racing slicks fitted as standard. Aprilia MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro tried the new bike around the Red Bull Ring in Austria and said: “It is out of this world. I’d never tested a high-handlebar bike on the track and I was surprised. The engine is insane, but the riding position and the electronics make it a lot of fun. It is a pure sportbike with a hooligan side!”