02-05 Tuono Vs. Futura

[DaddyO]

I'm saving for my next bike, and just got a new job.  I will have about $6000 to spend.  I've condidered new bikes, but that only buys SV or Vstrom 650's.  I started looking and have seen Futuras and Tuono's go for bout 6500.  So I have a question.  I have ridden a 03 Tuono and LOVED this bike.  I like it's looks better than the Fut, but like the touring abilities of the Futura.  Anyway, here are my questions.

1. is there a difference in power, of so what
2. Which has more leg room and which has higher bars.  Thanks.

[FuturaPilot]

I am here to play devils advocate, and help you answer some of the questions I had last November!


1. Have you been over to the Aprilia forum?  http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

2. What are you gonna use the bike for?  You already have a naked/hooligan bike so why buy another?  

Here is the two cents I can give you.  I came from two Gen 1 FZ1's.  Now I have a Futura, my top two choices for replacement bike for the FZ was either the Oh-No or Futura.  After much consideration I decided to go with the Futura because of a few reasons.   I commute alot, approx. 8 months out of the year and the added weather/wind protection of the Futura is NICE!  As well the fact that it has hard bags makes it hard to beat, they are so handy.
Looks, well to each his own.  You can fall in love with the lines of the Futura, and personally I like the look of the older Tuonos as opposed to the new ones.
Also are you gonna do any two up riding?  Well I am quite sure you s/o will appreciate the Laz-Boy sized pillion seat of the Futura as opposed to the small slab on the back of the Tuono.
Don't get me wrong, I still want a Tuono, and they are an absolute blast to ride..  It is a hard decision, but one that you and only you can make.  Try to get a leg over both and give them a spin...
Good Luck,
JCIII

[scott-sts]

I owned a Falco and the bro-in-law has a Futura...
Contrary to press releases stating different HP numbers, tuning, etc, It seems all Aprilias have similiar engine characteristics.  I did top speed runs, 1/4 mile and twisty road rides and the Falco made similiar time against the Futura.  That being said, I know several Falco owners that "Switched" to the Tuono and never looked back.
I think your decision is an easy one: The Futura is a sport tourer and the Tuono is a hooligan bike.  It's that simple really.  If you need the bags, long range comfort and a large gas tank buy the Futura.  If you want to do wheelies, get crossed up coming out of turns or do the occassional 500 mile day, buy the Tuono.
I think it really is that simple.

[DaddyO]

I've about changed my mind due to some horror stories read on the net about dealer support and part avaliability.

[AV8OR]

Thats lame.....you can find really anything you need online. The Tuono is worth it.  I have owned an RSV, Tuono, and a futura. I have not regreted any of them.....do it...the tuono will be the best bike you have ever ridden.

[scott-sts]

I guess I can't say much considering I bought a Buell.

You are passing on two great motorcycles.  To each is own...

[DaddyO]

I know those bikes are great, there is no denying it.  IMO Buell and Aprilia both have not been smart in setting up dealers.  But Triumph has done a much better job around here at least.

I think a 1st gen Tuono is the ticket, but I may go 1st gen FZ1.

[AV8OR]

if you can ride a 1st gen tuono that has a pipe, new fuel map and a bigger rear sprocket you will leave with it at that moment.....they are awesome!!

[thatguy]

My Tuono has 40K on it.And has needed only gas,tires and oil.And no one can catch me.

[Shooter]

I bought a 04 Futura last summer, and put 8k miles on it, I love my bike, but my wife just bought a 04 Tuono and I have not rode my fut once sence she got it home!
Now this is for quick runs and 2-3 hours out with friends or running around town.
The Futura is what I will take for work when I need my Camera gear and change of clothes, possible 2-up which does not happen that much now that she has her own bike, But I have to say, If I was going to do it again I would get the Tuono for myself, this is what riding a motorcycle is all about! oh, Quick, light, snapy and torque everywhere!, and the sound of her shotgun exhaust is the kicker that makes me giggle every time I leave a light.

Her Tuono,


My futura,

[DaddyO]

Beautiful, and I don't doubt that Aprilia's are good bikes.  I've just heard parts are expensive and sometimes hard to get.  Is this true or not?

[Shooter]

You get what you pay for
I have been able to get what ever I need locally or ebay, or ebay europe.
Need 3 left side fairing pieces after a tip over, got them from France for $368 delivered.
Or just go here...
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp

[Sign Guy]

I have an '02 Futura w/ almost 20K on it and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. As for parts there were issues before and during the Piaggio take over and moving HQ from GA to NY but from what I understand the situation is much improved. Not that you will really need much more than the standard consumables all of which can be order through AF1 and be anywhere in the country in a few days via UPS Ground. The only part that I've had to order that was not a consumable was a TPS (which I ended up not even needing) and I had it in 3 days. The maintenance is straight forward with the only thing being up there on the difficulty scale is the valve adjustment (shim under bucket) but most bikes don't end up needing that until the miles are well in to the 10's of thousands. Checking them is easy although time consuming the first time around.

[keystonejenks]

Beautiful, and I don't doubt that Aprilia's are good bikes.  I've just heard parts are expensive and sometimes hard to get.  Is this true or not?

All of this sounds so familiar to me because I heard all the same things before I bought my Triumph. I think a lot of it is said through ignorance and some of it feelings left over from the past.

Now, the dealer network isn't there but as far as being expensive and parts taking forever - nope.  My Triumph was actually cheaper maintenance wise than my Suzuki I had. Plus, the longest I had to wait for a part was 2 days (fuel sensor).

Plus, (in my area at least) the Aprilia dealers are smaller and very personable. There seems to be a family atmosphere and they take your business very seriously. I cannot say the same for the big 4 dealers in my area.