Aprilia Tuono V4

Aprilia’s fierce naked superbike updated for 2017

GIVEN JUST THE briefest details about Aprilia’s latest Tuono V4 1100 Factory, you probably wouldn’t be impressed. Its bodywork and Superpole paintwork are unchanged, so is its power output – and it has put on a couple of kilos. But there’s more going on here. The updates to the Factory’s engine, chassis and electronics combine to make an already brilliant bike even better.

The 1077cc, 65° V4 has internal tweaks that reduce friction, allow an extra 500rpm and retain the maximum of 173bhp at 11,000rpm despite the heavier exhaust required for Euro 4. The biggest engine-related change is arguably the revised quickshifter, which allows throttle-wide-open changes in both directions through the box.

The most-obvious electronic update is a full-colour TFT display, showing lean angle. The least-obvious but arguably most-important is the updated Bosch IMU, part of an electronics package that includes updated traction control – adjustable via paddles, as before – plus new buttons for pit-lane limiter, and either anti-wheelie or cruise control.

The Factory’s Öhlins suspension is tweaked with lighter, slightly softer forks. Its brake system is upgraded with bigger 330mm Brembo discs, M50 Monobloc calipers and cornering ABS. On the road the engine is huge, the quickshifter works flawlessly and the other electronics are superbly refined and very easy to use. The chassis is every bit as captivating, combining light weight – still only 209kg wet – with sublimely damped suspension, improbably supple ride quality and state-of-the-art braking.

It all adds up to a stunningly fast, torquey hyper-naked headbanger with oodles of V4 character, a sumptuous soundtrack, a delightfully sweet-handling chassis and even some useful wind protection – despite its upright riding position. Okay, so its £15,999 price is high. As before, there’s an RR with Sachs suspension and Pirelli’s Diablo Rosso III tyres (instead of stickier Supercorsa SPS) for £1000 less. But the key pricing fact is that the Tuono Factory is four grand less than the RSV4 RF – and it’s arguably the world’s fastest, finest streetbike, with or without a full fairing. ROLAND BROWN