2007 Aprilia Tuono R Thoughts?

[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.