Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory
If you’re worried that you already ride too fast and want to slow down then the obvious thing to do is buy a naked bike. Oh, wait, hang on…
Look, I know this comparison test is supposed to show ways to go blindingly fast without resorting to a sportsbike, and I know that the Aprilia has got cowhorn ’bars and upright seating. But the Tuono Factory is a sportsbike. Not only that, but I’ll be as bold as to say it’s the best road-going superbike you can buy. Nothing steers like a big Aprilia. Their delightful RSV4 race replica is remarkable, and this supernaked Tuono stablemate is also sensational despite its measurements and angles being tweaked for its nakedness. True, Triumph also make a sweet-steering motorcycle and the crisphandling Speed Triple RR is a perfect example of their prowess. But it doesn’t have the Tuono’s heady medley of response, accuracy and feel. This pointy front end doesn’t mean instability though – supported on electronic suspension with a great balance of sporty control and acceptable ride comfort, the Aprilia’s chassis somehow has a reassuring weightiness to it, the feel of substantial engineering. Factor in just-so control from the elbow-out streetfighter stance, and the Factory’s mix of nimbleness and steadfast composure sees it devour winding roads in exemplary fashion.
And, of course, it does it without tormenting any ageing joints. Footpegs are high – as they need to be with a chassis so corner capable – but the spacious seat and nicely weighted riding position mean you can do another pass on that favourite valley road when your wrists would be calling time on the Suzuki or Triumph.
Nothing responds like the Aprilia either. The way the 1077cc V4 reacts to small throttle openings in the midrange is spectacular, building revs and ushering you onwards like some explosive nitrofuelled savage. It’s like you wind in 10% of throttle but the excitable ECU dishes out 25% more oomph; nail the gas in top gear and it’s even sharper than the Triumph. Next to this gargling, booming, raspy motor the Ducati’s V4 seems a bit ho-hum and even Triumph’s surging triple occasionally feels flat. OK, maybe that’s stretching it, but you get the idea. The only other place you can get this sort of mechanical sensation is from Kawasaki’s miraculous supercharged H2 models, and then it’d still be a close-run thing. With its sticky tyres and cutting-edge electronics allowing stick-yer-chest-out confidence, it’s the Tuono that I’d probably choose for barmy evening capers. Its noise, looks and immediacy give the quickest fix of speed, and there’s endless fun to be had from trying to convince myself that crossed-up corner-exit wheelies are because I’m a riding god, and not because the chassis, engine and electronics are such a balanced package. It’s the bike I’d choose for a trackday too. The Triumph would obviously also be brilliant, and its superb chassis and racy plugged-in riding position would shine on fast circuits. But I’m nowhere near as fast as I used to think I was, so the Tuono’s fabulous connection and sense of commanding control would be more flattering. The Aprilia would also be kinder to wrists than the Speed Triple RR on the ride home. Its screen is deceptively effective too, and it has decent mirrors, averages a respectable 43mpg (not impressive in the grand scheme of things but it’s the tree hugger of this thirsty quartet), and though clearly nothing like as practical or distance friendly as the Multistrada it’s a viable daily ride. The Tuono also boasts a pleasing indicator switch that’s fighting with the Suzuki’s for the illustrious Bike magazine ‘Winker of the Year’ award.
Start picking at nits and there are a few small grumbles: the dash has the air of an old kid’s games console next to the slick displays of the Ducati and Triumph, and has none of the class of the Suzuki’s array of gauges. Switchgear and handlebar grips feel the cheapest and the seat material bunches up. The Aprilia also hasn’t quite the premium air of the other three bikes. Quality isn’t in question, but the way the Tuono delivers its epic output doesn’t have the luxurious feel of the refined Triumph. It doesn’t have the effortlessness of the bounteous Suzuki either – despite its fiery performance, the Aprilia can’t rival the sense of wonder generated by the hyperdrive Hayabusa.
‘I’ll be as bold as to say it’s the best roadgoing superbike you can buy’