2007 Aprilia Tuono R Thoughts?

[Clive]

I found a great deal on a new Tuono R.  I've done a good bit of reading online, and I was hoping to get some feedback from this forum.  I'm after a more upright riding position, but I like the sportier capabilities and motor of the Tuono V-twin compared to something like the Yamaha FZ-6/FZ-1 inline-4.

My riding is mostly around-town (no trafficky commuting, though), with occasional half-day sportier outings and the odd weekend tour once or twice annually.  I'm not a kneedragger, but I do like a sportier handling machine.

I'd been looking at the Triumph Speed Triple as well.  Anyone who's ridden both, I'd love to hear your views.

I'm especially interested in the throttle response going closed-to-open or decel-to-accel.  I hate a snatchy power delivery, I do.

[keystonejenks]

8=======================D

[bizarro]

They're both absolutely fantastic bikes. I guess it will come down to whether you like twins or triples and which bike you think looks cooler. You can't go wrong either way.


Test ride test ride test ride!  

[garry]

Here's a good read on Euro streetfighters:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4023

As I'm pondering what single bike I would get to replace my ZX-6R and Wee Strom (Multistrada leading the short list), I'm leaving open the option of a naked Euro streetfighter such as the Tuono, Speed Triple and KTM SuperDuke. Can't wait to attend an Aprilia factory demo day at the end of September. I want to see if the rumors of cramped legroom on the Tuono is true for me (34" inseam).

[UFO]

8=======================D

 

+1"

[keystonejenks]

They're both absolutely fantastic bikes. I guess it will come down to whether you like twins or triples and which bike you think looks cooler. You can't go wrong either way.


Test ride test ride test ride!  

Totally agree. Isn't the Tuono lighter than the S3 though? I mean, if you're a Nancy that might come into consideration.

[s.ga.rider]

I have an 07 T. Its a great bike and an absolute blast to ride. Its comfortable and has no vibrations in the bars or pegs whatsoever. Thats a first for me. Put on a set of pipes and the vtwin sounds great.

[Clive]

I have an 07 T. Its a great bike and an absolute blast to ride. Its comfortable and has no vibrations in the bars or pegs whatsoever. Thats a first for me. Put on a set of pipes and the vtwin sounds great.

How would you rate the throttle when first coming on?

And if you had to point to the one thing that you'd like to change (other than to an aftermarket pipe or similar change, that is) or wish was better, what would it be?

[s.ga.rider]

The low rpm throttle response is a bit poor. From reading on the aprilia forum its hit and miss, some have no problems and some do. Mine had some problems around 3500rpms but I had the dealer set some of the adjustments (which were off), I added the pipes, map2 and a pc3 and its good now. There is not much I would change about the bike except what I just said. It has good power and the rotax is more like a sport bike than a vtwin. It makes its peak hp in the 10k rpm range and a simple wack of the throttle in 1rst at 4k rpms will have you in an instant wheelie.
 It handles like a dream. Once you get used to the handle bars vs clip ons you can run with any sportbike. I am actually faster on the T than I was on my zx10(in the curves of course). And you also get upright sitting and all day comfort.

[R Doug]

The Aprilia Demo Truck is going to be in my area at the end of September and the Tuono is the only bike I want to ride.  

In last year's Cycle World comparro of naked bikes (October 2006), the Tuono came out on top.  And on a side-by-side comparro of the Tuono w/ the 07 Super Duke in the July 2007 issue, they gave the nod to the Tuono because it's $1,000 less than the SD (sticker).  Of course, opinions are like butt holes as you know.  Everybody has one... some stink... some don't.  

But, several people working for Cycle World believe the Tuono is the best Naked bike you can buy in the US.  So, that has to count for something.  

[keystonejenks]

Where is thatguy, he'll tell you all about it.

[MilleArp]

Have demo'd a couple '07 Tuonos this year.  Am thinking a Tuono Factory may replace my Mille-R one day soon.

[MisterSmooth]

I own an '07 Tuono.  Picture of my T on tour last week below; we rode 2100 miles in five days and although there's the obvious windblast issue with a naked, it was pretty comfy.







The Tuono is one of the best bikes available in the market. But it's got little weather protection, not much steering lock, a relatively small dealer network, no provisions for hard luggage or even really any luggage at all (the tank is plastic, so no magnetic tank bags), relatively poor pillion accommodation, and is slightly snatchy off the throttle. It wants to be run hard all the time like a thoroughbred racehorse.  You adjust (or maybe match to) the Tuono. It is not compromising or easy to ride like a Honda is.

What it is, is bags of fun. If you can hold on to your license, and it suits your personality, there are few bikes that can give you the satisfaction of ownership that a Tuono will.

Keep in mind that at first there wasn't one ride on my Tuono where I didn't do something that I probably shouldn't have. But it's been a year and now I'm much more sedate.

And I have yet to see another '07 Tuono actually being ridden on the road.  Or parked, for that matter.  Anywhere.  I guess that's sorta cool from an exclusivity standpoint, but they're great bikes and should be better represented out there.

The pre-2005 versions are about an inch taller in the seat, so definitely more suited to somebody tall.



I rode etachell's Speed Triple very briefly.  It felt smaller than the Tuono and more planted, and top quality, as if it was made from a solid chunk of unobtanium.  Great smooth peach of a motor with lots of go.  In comparison the Tuono feels roomy and lighter somehow, like riding a 125 horsepower mountain bike.  It's like smooth versus chunky peanut butter:  The triple is creamy power and the Tuono is lumpier.



But whatever you choose remember to think about what you really want. Ride for you, not for us boneheads.

[MilleArp]

"Keep in mind that at first there wasn't one ride on my Tuono where I didn't do something that I probably shouldn't have. "

heh  

STILL that way on my '03 Mille-R.  My GF rides with me a lot.  She doesn't like it when I take the Ape, she sez I morph into someone else.

heh.

I hope that morphing never goes away!
 

.

[MisterSmooth]

"Keep in mind that at first there wasn't one ride on my Tuono where I didn't do something that I probably shouldn't have. "

Yeah, it was bad.    Every ride started out the same "this time will be different."  But then twenty minutes later I'd be popping wheelies (both intentional and unintentional), passing on the right, literally riding on the sidewalk, not to mention my habitual speeding.  

But what a way to go!    And I'm much more law abiding now.

[MilleArp]

....... And I'm much more law abiding now.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiigghht !!!!

 


.

[garry]

Got to ride a couple 2007 Tuono demos last weekend. Didn't do anything special for me on any front. Pegs were too high for that style bike IMO. Didn't feel particularly fast when given a handful. Handled like crap probably due to the spanked tires all the demo bikes on the factory demo truck had. I think they all still had the larger front sprocket too. You'd think Aprilia would put a better foot forward with the demos. Keep the bikes in top condition, put the sportier sprocket on and maybe even have models that have been uncorked to show what you'll really be riding after you do the usual mods.

The peg height is a deal breaker for me, even if all the other sins of the demo bikes could be fixed with the usual mods and fresh tires. I already own a sportbike with high pegs and am looking for a bike with more leg room, upright ergos and no loss of sportiness...

[keystonejenks]

Got to ride a couple 2007 Tuono demos last weekend. Didn't do anything special for me on any front. Pegs were too high for that style bike IMO. Didn't feel particularly fast when given a handful. Handled like crap probably due to the spanked tires all the demo bikes on the factory demo truck had. I think they all still had the larger front sprocket too. You'd think Aprilia would put a better foot forward with the demos. Keep the bikes in top condition, put the sportier sprocket on and maybe even have models that have been uncorked to show what you'll really be riding after you do the usual mods.

The peg height is a deal breaker for me, even if all the other sins of the demo bikes could be fixed with the usual mods and fresh tires. I already own a sportbike with high pegs and am looking for a bike with more leg room, upright ergos and no loss of sportiness...

Were you at the demos in Deep Creek, MD? I wanted to go but my son had other ideas. I heard they did have Factory versions there but somebody wrecked the Factory Tuono.

[garry]

Were you at the demos in Deep Creek, MD? I wanted to go but my son had other ideas. I heard they did have Factory versions there but somebody wrecked the Factory Tuono.

Yes, I was there. The Tuono Factory was wrecked at a previous demo day as were a bunch of other bikes. They stayed in the truck. They had two Tuonos, several RSVs, one RSV Factory and a Capo to demo. Plus a few scooters. Very nice folks at the shop. I heard they cut some nice deals too. But based on my demo rides (one on each Tuono and one on an RSV), I didn't even ask what the red/white Tuono in the shop would go for.

I also rode R Doug's SuperDuke for a bit. Now THAT'S what I expected from the Tuono...

[keystonejenks]

Yes, I was there. The Tuono Factory was wrecked at a previous demo day as were a bunch of other bikes. They stayed in the truck. They had two Tuonos, several RSVs, one RSV Factory and a Capo to demo. Plus a few scooters. Very nice folks at the shop. I heard they cut some nice deals too. But based on my demo rides (one on each Tuono and one on an RSV), I didn't even ask what the red/white Tuono in the shop would go for.

I also rode R Doug's SuperDuke for a bit. Now THAT'S what I expected from the Tuono...

What were your impressions of the RSV Factory?

[Mookie]

I gotta say most Aprilias I've ridden behave kinda wonky until you uncork em.  They all come from the factory with a terrible hick-up right at 4000 rpm.  It's easily fixed but it's one of those emissions things I guess.  Really affects the overall feel of the engine, since there's a huge dead spot right where you always tend to be.  But, all that's needed is to take out airbox plug and to put in a decent chip (or switch to map B with the wire snips).  Then when you wack upen the throttle bad things happen to good people  

[garry]

What were your impressions of the RSV Factory?

Loved the black, gold and carbon fiber look. Didn't get to ride it. I did ride a regular RSV and it was just OK. Engine was the same as the Tuonos (uninspiring but not bad), typical sportbike ergos, but it seemed to handle a little better (less spanked tires?). Truth be told, the demo route left a LOT to be desired. Mostly poking along a meandering, but not particularly twisty, country road, then a short bit of highway back to the shop.

[keystonejenks]

Loved the black, gold and carbon fiber look. Didn't get to ride it. I did ride a regular RSV and it was just OK. Engine was the same as the Tuonos (uninspiring but not bad), typical sportbike ergos, but it seemed to handle a little better (less spanked tires?). Truth be told, the demo route left a LOT to be desired. Mostly poking along a meandering, but not particularly twisty, country road, then a short bit of highway back to the shop.

Interesting. I thought it was a non-factory led ride. Maybe all the wrecked bikes changed their tune.

[AV8OR]

I rode the factory and didnt expect much difference than the RSV. But I was wrong. The bikes was much more stable and felt solid. I really enjoyed my ride on it. I personally loved the tuono. Sure it was beat on, but I just beat on it myself. Thats why they are a demo. The bikes do need uncorked and that changes their whole performace. But if you dont like the pegs, well the only cure is rear sets. Good time down at extreme.


All rides on friday were not led by anyone from the shop/factory. Saturday was a tad different, but they had some non led rides that day as well.

[Clive]

I did ride a regular RSV and it was just OK. Engine was the same as the Tuonos (uninspiring but not bad), ...

For reference, what kind of bikes do you normally ride?  A 139hp V-Twin in a 408-lb (dry) package should have decent jump ... unless you're a jaded GSXR-1000 or Hayabusa rider, I guess.

[garry]

For reference, what kind of bikes do you normally ride?  A 139hp V-Twin in a 408-lb (dry) package should have decent jump ... unless you're a jaded GSXR-1000 or Hayabusa rider, I guess.

I ride a Wee Strom, a DRZ400S, and a 2005 ZX-6R. None of which make much torque, but the 6R pulls pretty hard over 10K. Maybe that makes my impression of the Aprilia mill even more telling. You would expect me to be blown away by all that torque given what I'm currently riding. The stock engine was just OK. Nothing wrong with it, but it wasn't grin-inducing acceleration. Ride one yourself and make up your own mind. Just relaying my honest impression. I'd love to ride an uncorked one with decent tires someday to compare to.

[MisterSmooth]

I ride a Wee Strom, a DRZ400S, and a 2005 ZX-6R. None of which make much torque, but the 6R pulls pretty hard over 10K. Maybe that makes my impression of the Aprilia mill even more telling. You would expect me to be blown away by all that torque given what I'm currently riding. The stock engine was just OK. Nothing wrong with it, but it wasn't grin-inducing acceleration. Ride one yourself and make up your own mind. Just relaying my honest impression. I'd love to ride an uncorked one with decent tires someday to compare to.

Surprised you weren't more impressed; the first time I rode the Tuono I felt like it was roomy and upright, and nimble and tossable, sort of like a bigger DRZ400 with a ridiculously strong motor.  Different strokes, eh?  

[garry]

Surprised you weren't more impressed; the first time I rode the Tuono I felt like it was roomy and upright, and nimble and tossable, sort of like a bigger DRZ400 with a ridiculously strong motor.  Different strokes, eh?  

Interestingly, that's what the KTM SuperDuke I rode the same day felt like (R Doug's bike). Same with the KTM 950 Supermoto I demo'd earlier this year. Neither KTM has a really *strong* engine, but both have a nice midrange hit that brings a smile to your face and possibly a wheel into the air. I expect to spend quite a bit of time on both those models this Saturday as I help the local shop with their KTM demo rides. I hope the KTM demo bikes are in better shape than the Aprilia ones, at least regarding tires.

Like you say, good thing we all don't like the same thing or the world would be a boring place...

[AV8OR]

Just dont spend all the time on the 950smr....I wanna ride that the most

[garry]

Just dont spend all the time on the 950smr....I wanna ride that the most

There are supposed to be a lot of bikes in the truck per a guy's post from Georgia on KTMtalk. Half of them could be wadded up. Guess we'll see on Saturday. I don't think there will be any shortage of bikes to ride. You aware of the SM vs SM-R differences? The SM-R has a narrower seat and smaller tank (3L) than the regular SM. I dig the orange frame and color scheme on the SM-R, but the tiny tank is a deal breaker for my needs.

[AV8OR]

Yeah Ive read about the differences. I think the R looks fantastic. I have not ridden either so that could be a deal breaker for me as well. But on looks alone, the R takes the cake.

[Nesbocaj]

I ride a Wee Strom, a DRZ400S, and a 2005 ZX-6R. None of which make much torque, but the 6R pulls pretty hard over 10K. Maybe that makes my impression of the Aprilia mill even more telling. You would expect me to be blown away by all that torque given what I'm currently riding. The stock engine was just OK. Nothing wrong with it, but it wasn't grin-inducing acceleration. Ride one yourself and make up your own mind. Just relaying my honest impression. I'd love to ride an uncorked one with decent tires someday to compare to.

  Maybe they put you on a 'baby' Tuono?

I have an 'o4 Tuono, it is an amazing ride. As it should be, I sold the FJR for it

[espa]

I have been riding Harleys for the past 20 years and am considering a move to a Tuono R. Currently have a 2006 Road King. My dealer offered an even trade for a new 2007 Tuono R. I ride solo and do mostly daily commuting and weekend rides. Therefore, I no longer need a tourer and would like a lighter naked style bike. I like the looks of the Tuono, the seating position, and the performance. Has anyone else made the move from heavyweight tourer to a Tuono? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.

[DogBoy]

I own an '07 Tuono.  Picture of my T on tour last week below; we rode 2100 miles in five days and although there's the obvious windblast issue with a naked, it was pretty comfy.






The Tuono is one of the best bikes available in the market. But it's got little weather protection, not much steering lock, a relatively small dealer network, no provisions for hard luggage or even really any luggage at all (the tank is plastic, so no magnetic tank bags), relatively poor pillion accommodation, and is slightly snatchy off the throttle. It wants to be run hard all the time like a thoroughbred racehorse.  You adjust (or maybe match to) the Tuono. It is not compromising or easy to ride like a Honda is.

What it is, is bags of fun. If you can hold on to your license, and it suits your personality, there are few bikes that can give you the satisfaction of ownership that a Tuono will.

Keep in mind that at first there wasn't one ride on my Tuono where I didn't do something that I probably shouldn't have. But it's been a year and now I'm much more sedate.

And I have yet to see another '07 Tuono actually being ridden on the road.  Or parked, for that matter.  Anywhere.  I guess that's sorta cool from an exclusivity standpoint, but they're great bikes and should be better represented out there.

The pre-2005 versions are about an inch taller in the seat, so definitely more suited to somebody tall.



I rode etachell's Speed Triple very briefly.  It felt smaller than the Tuono and more planted, and top quality, as if it was made from a solid chunk of unobtanium.  Great smooth peach of a motor with lots of go.  In comparison the Tuono feels roomy and lighter somehow, like riding a 125 horsepower mountain bike.  It's like smooth versus chunky peanut butter:  The triple is creamy power and the Tuono is lumpier.



But whatever you choose remember to think about what you really want. Ride for you, not for us boneheads.

Mister Smooth,

What kind of mileage/tank range do you get on your Tuono? And how much does it change riding like an idiot (kidding) vs. the long trip to WCRM 4.5?

[MisterSmooth]

Mister Smooth,
What kind of mileage/tank range do you get on your Tuono? And how much does it change riding like an idiot...?

Oh, no, you've seen me riding it.

Actually, mileage changes a lot depending on use.

Tank takes 4.6 gallons.  In city, the light comes on after about 90 miles, which is generally about 3.2 gallons used.  So it's a thirsty bugger, and only gets about 30 mpg in town (!).  The light coming on with a gallon and a half left seems pretty conservative, but whatever.

On the road the light comes on at just about 135 miles, though.  That implies 42 mpg and perhaps more importantly about 50 miles of reserve.  This mileage didn't seem to matter regardless of speed; across the Oregon desert we rode at triple digit speeds for about 40 minutes and the light came on right on schedule after about 130 miles.

And I appreciate the implication that on the WCRM 4.5 we didn't ride like idiots.  Your faith in us is a beautiful thing if perhaps misplaced.  

[DogBoy]

Thanks.

And I appreciate the implication that on the WCRM 4.5 we didn't ride like idiots.  Your faith in us is a beautiful thing if perhaps misplaced.  

Just keeping up appearances.

[MilleArp]

.....am looking for a bike with more leg room, upright ergos and no loss of sportiness...

Goldwing?

 

.

[MilleArp]

.... Has anyone else made the move from heavyweight tourer to a Tuono? .....

I used to own a '95 K1100LT, which I put 76k on.  Before that, a cruiser.  

Now, in my mid-40's, I own an R11S, Mille-R, and DRZ.  

My bikes seem to be getting faster as I get older....  

.

[Clive]

Well, after the long-awaited date with a new Street Triple didn't pan out, I'm now decided on either a Speed Triple or Tuono.

Regarding the Tuono, can anyone provide insight on the ride quality over "normal" roads?  I was unpleasantly surprised by the Street Triple's harshness over all but the smallest bumps, patches, and cracks.  I think I can get a test-ride on the Tuono ... but extra knowledge never hurt!  

[garry]

You should include the KTM SuperDuke in that mix if you have a dealer nearby. Great bike.

[kurtw]

Well, after the long-awaited date with a new Street Triple didn't pan out, I'm now decided on either a Speed Triple or Tuono.

Regarding the Tuono, can anyone provide insight on the ride quality over "normal" roads?  I was unpleasantly surprised by the Street Triple's harshness over all but the smallest bumps, patches, and cracks.  I think I can get a test-ride on the Tuono ... but extra knowledge never hurt! 

When I traded bikes with a etachell on a Speed Triple this summer, we got a chance to compare. (note - I weigh 165 in street clothes. My Tuono is an '04) Mr. Smooth also traded his new-gen Tuono with etachell on the same ride and commented on it above. He may be able to give some suspension comparisons too.

With a click or two less compression damping in the front, I find the Tuono works well for me on normal roads. It's "harsh" to the extent that you feel the bumps more than on a soft touring bike. But normal bumps don't upset it significantly. Bigger bumps and rotten pavement will upset it some in a corner.

In comparison to a Speed Triple...Both in a straight line over normal pavement bumps and in moderate riding through twisties, I thought both bikes seemed pretty similar in terms of suspension and road feel. However, they DO feel much different in how they respond to control inputs, but I'm not sure that's suspension. etachell commented that he liked the Tuono suspension better. 

Ride them both. They have surprisingly different handling feel. Both capable and fun, both great engines, just different in more ways than I would have suspected.

[From Kapuskasing]

I'd be kinda surprised if you could get a Tuono into the operating range for any length of time on a demo ride! These bikes start to get fun after 6500 up to 11000, but in first at 8000, you're doing around 50 mph - you can see where I'm going!
I put a couple of years on my FJR before buying the T - this year, the FJR cover got pretty dusty while I put around 20,000 miles on the T. I did a lot of touring - Deals Gap, Vermont/New Hampshire, PA, WV x2 etc. Never had an issue with comfort, and was able to find some roads to let it rip. For me, it's a great bike for the city, it's great on day trips and for touring, and next year I'm going to do my first track day. My FJR is up for sale.
And I've never seen another Gen II Tuono on the road, and I've never had an issue getting parts! I lead a charmed life!

[MisterSmooth]

...I put a couple of years on my FJR before buying the T - this year, the FJR cover got pretty dusty while I put around 20,000 miles on the T. I did a lot of touring - Deals Gap, Vermont/New Hampshire, PA, WV x2 etc. Never had an issue with comfort, and was able to find some roads to let it rip. For me, it's a great bike for the city, it's great on day trips and for touring, and next year I'm going to do my first track day. My FJR is up for sale.

And I've never seen another Gen II Tuono on the road, and I've never had an issue getting parts! I lead a charmed life!

Yeah, I'm not surprised to hear this.  Parallels my experience as well.    I'm seriously considering selling the BMW, and I've never seen another second gen Tuono on the road.

[Clive]

Well, I made my choice and I'm living with loving it.

 

[garry]

Well, I made my choice and I'm living with loving it.

 

You know it doesn't exist without pics  

[Clive]

You know it doesn't exist without pics  

 

Yeah, but I've been too busy riding it to bother with a camera.