2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Rr

2016 APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

IGNITION

FIRST RIDE

More V-4 is a good thing

Thomas Montano

SPECS

2016 APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

PRICE: $14,599 ENGINE: D0HC V-4 DISPLACEMENT: 1077CC SEAT HEIGHT: 32.5 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 4.9 gal. CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: 406 lb.

I found myself wondering why I felt the need to pass several cars at once while enjoying a nice motorcycle outing in the countryside. I should have been perfectly happy sitting back and taking in the sights, but, no, I was stricken with the need to explore the massive amounts of power available at the twist of the right grip. I just couldn’t resist.

I was in Italy, flogging the new 2016 Aprilia Tuono V41100 RR on some great back roads. The bike shares the same high-performance chassis as the RSV4 superbike and has been equipped with the latest version of Aprilia’s Performance Ride Control (APRC) suite. The key difference between the $14,599 RR and the $16,299 Factory is the use of Öhlins suspension on the latter.

As soon as I hit the road I knew I was in for a good time. The new i,077cc engine

has excellent low-end torque that blends into an awesome top-end. Aprilia claims that maximum power has increased from 170 to 175 hp, with as much as 20 extra ponies found in the midrange. In Sport mode, the engine was smooth and controllable, and the bike behaved nicely at slower street speeds too. As I got higher in the mountains, the pace increased. I was impressed with how well the Sachs damper units front and rear worked to keep the Tuono in line. Suspension compliance on the bumpy, uneven, and slippery roads was quite good. The new front fairing is more aerodynamic and, when combined with the lower seat, provided good wind protection.

The 2016 Aprilia Tuono V41100 RR is an impressive bike that manages to combine the capabilities of a modern superbike in a package that’s comfortable and practical in everyday riding and commuting.