I almost consulted a doctor but remembered I don't take Viagra

[keystonejenks]

I finally had some time to kill so decided to do some window-shopping. I drove to the new Aprilia dealership in Frederick, MD Fun On Wheels.  Judging from their website I knew it was going to be a small place.

I pull into the lot and they're advertising every known scooter under the sun.  I walk into the small dealership and it's packed wall-to-wall with scooters. A peer right and catch some sportbikes to the left (hidden behind a HUGE bike rack).  My 4-year-old was with me because I dare not venture to a motorcycle dealer and not take him (he loves it).

I get over to the wall where there is a super-moto leaned up against a dirt bike (both UMs and I must say the super-moto was very nice and just under $3K).

Anyway, my excitement soon turned to dismay. Not a single stinking Aprilia. I see a door slightly cracked to the garage/storage area and a catch a glimpse of a red rim. I push this door open slightly that reads "Employees Only" and see the RSV staring right back at me. "I HAVE TO GET SOMEBODY'S ATTENTION HERE!"

This place is packed with people checking out scoots and one customer starts talking to me how great this such-and-such 500cc scooter is - he even starts pointing out some of the features and INSIST I listen to the automatic side case locks.  HEY BUDDY; I HAVE AN RSV TO LOOK AT!!!!

A salesman spotted me and I told him I came to check out the RSV (keeping my fingers crossed that it's not sold so I can seat test it).  He told me to follow him and he rolls the bike out to where I can get a better look - OH MYYYYY It was black w/ red rims and I was freaking in lust.

We talk about the bike and he's doing his best sell job (he didn't need to   but I wanted to hear what he had to say). He then pointed me to the '07 Tuono which I didn't even notice! I tell you what, the new Tuono is a lot better looking in person than it is in photos.

I ask the salesman if he minded if I sit on the bike. He told me to go ahead while he gets some literature. When I sat on the RSV a song from the heavens began to play. Man, this thing was comfy. The salesman soon returned with my brochure and I told him I was not going to be in the market until the end of this year beginning of next; but I'm interested.

I also told him I was not going to pay retail which he soon said, "I'm sure we can work something out." I told him I spoke to a Diane about a month ago and he said it was his wife and that this is a small family owned business; so just call in when I'm ready - talk to anybody.  He was a really cool dude.

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to catch one of the two "local" demo days left on the calendar.  I called my wife on my way home and before I could tell her about the bike she said, "We're not picking up a bike Monday are we?!" She knows me too well.

I told her no, but I was close.  

[Andrew]

AHH Yes, also said "Lust at the cycle shop"

Yep that is one sexy ride, hope the wife doesn't mind

What did your son think?

[kendenton]

The Aprilia truck is going to be at my dealer next weekend, I'm planning on heading up for a ride on the Tuono.  I'll make sure to leave my credit cards under lock and key before I head in.  

[keystonejenks]

AHH Yes, also said "Lust at the cycle shop"

Yep that is one sexy ride, hope the wife doesn't mind

What did your son think?

My son loves going to the dealer. I always have to fight him to get him off the dirt bikes but today he was drawn to the ATVs.

[keystonejenks]

The Aprilia truck is going to be at my dealer next weekend, I'm planning on heading up for a ride on the Tuono.  I'll make sure to leave my credit cards under lock and key before I head in.  

I'm actually going to try and make that. It's out of the way but I have to know.

[thatguy]

I just got finished a little 70 mile ride on my Tuono.

[JohnnyReb]

I'm actually going to try and make that. It's out of the way but I have to know.

Unless you are ready to drop some cash DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO......I REPEAT.....DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO.

Caught the demo rides at AF1 in New Braunfels, TX.  Once under way on the Tuono I could not stop laughing in my helmet.......seriously!

[keystonejenks]

Unless you are ready to drop some cash DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO......I REPEAT.....DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO.

Caught the demo rides at AF1 in New Braunfels, TX.  Once under way on the Tuono I could not stop laughing in my helmet.......seriously!

Of the two Aprilias I'd consider a RSV before a Tuono.

[kendenton]

I'm curious to see if they'll have the new Shiver 750 there - 99% sure they won't.

[keystonejenks]

I'm curious to see if they'll have the new Shiver 750 there - 99% sure they won't.

Now wouldn't that be a dream!

[kendenton]

From Martin's website:

Stop by Saturday July 14th for the official Aprilia Demo Days at Martin EuroSports. The guys will be here from Aprilia U.S.A. and there bringing their full supply of bike's including the Famous Tuono and the lightning quick SXV's and RXV's to sample, also will be a RSV-r and if you ever wanted to try a full out Adventure Touring bike the Caponard will be here too.

[MisterSmooth]

Unless you are ready to drop some cash DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO......I REPEAT.....DO NOT RIDE THE TUONO.

Caught the demo rides at AF1 in New Braunfels, TX.  Once under way on the Tuono I could not stop laughing in my helmet.......seriously!

Yeah, I came back from my first demo ride just grinning like a fool.  I told Dave [Richardson at Moto International in Seattle] "This is a ridiculous bike.  But damn it's fun!"

I came back from my second demo ride a couple of months later figuring out how I was going to work the deal.

Week later, deal done.  

[keystonejenks]

From Martin's website:

I didn't get to make it.  

[kendenton]

I didn't get to make it.  

I did  





Got there around 9:30, got a demo on a Tuono at 11.  The Capanord was booked until 1!  Pretty short group ride, maybe 15 minutes.  Not nearly as nice a route as the Boyertown store does.

As for the Tuono, it was a very interesting bike.  Sound was to die for, lots and lots of power from down low on up, unbelievable easy to turn in.  Sweetest gearbox I've ever sampled (and I've demo'd A LOT of bikes).  If only the pegs didn't fold my legs up like a Gxxr....

[keystonejenks]

I did  





Got there around 9:30, got a demo on a Tuono at 11.  The Capanord was booked until 1!  Pretty short group ride, maybe 15 minutes.  Not nearly as nice a route as the Boyertown store does.

As for the Tuono, it was a very interesting bike.  Sound was to die for, lots and lots of power from down low on up, unbelievable easy to turn in.  Sweetest gearbox I've ever sampled (and I've demo'd A LOT of bikes).  If only the pegs didn't fold my legs up like a Gxxr....

Oh sweet mercy!!!!!  

I don't know why Aprilia decided to change the riding position on the Tuono. The pre 2005 models have more relaxed ergos.

[MisterSmooth]

Oh sweet mercy!!!!!  

I don't know why Aprilia decided to change the riding position on the Tuono. The pre 2005 models have more relaxed ergos.

The 2007's seat is closer to the ground which is nice for short guys like me.

But there's not much to complain about.  There's lots of room to move around on the 2007.  Like a couch next to my R1.

And even though my 13 year old, Hallie, is still giving me crap about selling the R1 (she loved it), Hallie has to admit that the Tuono is pretty civilized for a passenger.

If you're really freakishly tall (say, 6'-3") then the previous generation is a better call.  Otherwise gimme the 2007 any day.

[MilleArp]

My pants are too tight now.......  

[MisterSmooth]

My pants are too tight now.......  

Took the Tuono to its second track day yesterday.  What a gas!  Being a naked, it's not the fastest bike at the end of the front straight but it oozes confidence everywhere else.  It's fast, now if only I was fast...  


My R1 was so much better than I was, it always felt like it was faking its orgasms with me and saving the real ones for times I was out of town whereas the Tuono is just pure fun.


My bike looks just like the black one in the first pic.  

[JamesG]

My R1 was so much better than I was, it always felt like it was faking its orgasms with me..

It was, AND imagining you were Haga instead.  

We have a similar small "everything else" (Aprillia, MG, Victory, UM, etc. etc.) dealer here in Columbus. Mostly scooters with token bike content.  The only difference is that they are/were (haven't set foot there in years) absolute dickheads.

[MisterSmooth]

It was, AND imagining you were Haga instead.  

No doubt, or maybe Rossi; it was/is a Yamaha, after all.  

[keystonejenks]

We have a similar small "everything else" (Aprillia, MG, Victory, UM, etc. etc.) dealer here in Columbus. Mostly scooters with token bike content.  The only difference is that they are/were (haven't set foot there in years) absolute dickheads.

When a Japanese dealer has a bunch of tools working there - not big deal, just drive down the road to the next one. When a Euro dealer has a bunch of tools working there - it can be business suicide because most likely they lost a sale to one of the 20 Japanese dealers within a 10 mile radius.