Test Notes
Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC
+ Powerful, flexible engine
+ Excellent chassis, good suspension
+ Full APRC electronics package
– Needs to lose a little weight
– Paltry fuel mileage/range
– Weak power off idle
x The best naked bike we’ve tested yet
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload — 5 turns out from full stiff; rebound damping — 6 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping — 7 clicks out from full stiff; ride height — 2 lines showing above top triple clamp
Rear: Spring preload — 10mm thread showing; rebound damping — 10 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping — 1.5 turns out from full stiff
Specifications
2012 Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC
MSRP: $14,999
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, 65-degree V-four
Valve arrangement: DOHC, 4 valves/cyl.; shim-under-bucket adjustment
Displacement: 999.6cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.3mm
Compression ratio: 13.0:1
Induction: Weber Marelli EFI, 48mm throttle bodies, dual injectors/cyl.
Transmission: 6-speed
Chassis
Front suspension: 43mm Sachs inverted cartridge fork, adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 4.7 in. travel
Rear suspension: Single Sachs shock, adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 5.1 in. travel
Front brake: Dual 320mm stainless steel discs, Brembo radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm stainless steel disc, single two-piston caliper
Front wheel: Cast aluminum, 3.5 x 17 in.
Rear wheel: Cast aluminum, 6.0 x 17 in.
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Rake/trail: 25.0 degrees/4.2 in. (107.5mm)
Wheelbase: 56.9 in. (1445mm)
Seat height: 32.9 in. (835mm)
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. (17L)
Weight: 472 lb. (214kg) wet (full fuel tank, all fluids); 445 lb. (202kg) dry (empty fuel tank, all fluids)
Instruments: Analog tachometer, LCD panel for digital speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, low fuel tripmeter, clock, coolant temperature, run time, maximum speed, average speed, current fuel consumption rate, ATC level, ALC level, AWC level, chronometer, rear tire diameter calibration, diagnostics; warning lights for shift point, “general alarm” (OBD fault), neutral, high beam, turn signals, traction control, low fuel
Performance
Quarter-mile: 10.13 sec. @ 140.20 mph
Top speed: NA
Roll-ons: 60–80 mph/2.95 sec.; 80–100 mph/3.00 sec.
Fuel consumption: 28–31 mpg, 28 mpg avg.
Opinions
Bradley Adams
The naked-bike segment has always seen lackluster sales numbers, but I truly think the new Tuono V4 R could change that. The bike is borderline sadistic, but I love it. There’s a ton of arm-stretching power past 5500 rpm and the tall handlebar allows you to manhandle the bike as you’re putting that power down. The APRC electronics makes the package that much sweeter and allow you to keep that power in check when need be. Ergonomics feel well sorted for a taller rider, and the narrow, lightweight chassis makes the bike feel more manageable around town.
As animalistic as the Tuono feels, I found the bike to work surprisingly well as a daily ride. Power modes help neuter the beast and more suitable gear ratios make leaving a stoplight a bit less of a headache. The bike lugs a bit below 2500 rpm even still, and fuel mileage is laughable, but where else can you get a MotoGP engine in a naked bike? Ok that’s a stretch, but I’m still sold on this thing!
Kent Kunitsugu
I always liked the original Tuono, so when Aprilia debuted the new RSV4, I knew the next generation Tuono soon to follow would most likely be one serious ripper. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. In fact, the Tuono V4 R basically makes the original V-twin Tuono feel positively asthmatic by comparison. And yet, despite its major-league performance (the thing isn’t that far off of a 9-second quarter-mile!), the Aprilia is capable enough to keep everything under control at a pace that would have many supersport bikes sweating.
Yes, there’s still a few issues that give me pause — the poor fuel mileage being one of them — but all is forgiven once you get into the twisties and start wicking up the pace. The Aprilia is one of the few naked bikes (OK, not so naked) that has all the performance components in place. And best of all, you don’t feel like you need a visit to the chiropractor after riding the Tuono V4 R all day long. I’d definitely consider buying one — despite the near $15K asking price.