Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 MY2017, the total weapon that can also be docile [ROAD TEST]

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 MY2017 – After Gianluca Cuttitta tested the queen of road Superbikes a few days ago, the RSV4 RF MY 2017 (here is our article complete with video), today we are in Trento for the test, this time on the road, of the 2017 version of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100.

The technical presentation, before getting into the saddle, enlightened us on the fact that, despite being theoretically "just an update to the Euro 4 regulation", the Tuono that we will test today is actually a motorbike identical to the previous one only in terms of aesthetics. In fact, to comply with the increasingly strict anti-pollution regulations (Euro 4) the new Tuono has undergone technical changes that have allowed it to maintain the 175hp of the previous version (which has actually become even worse), all while polluting less. Marketing magic? We would say no. In fact, the new V4 from Noale has adopted new solutions to comply with the new regulations. Among these, the most surprising are two: the entire engine compartment has been revised and enriched with technical processes aimed at lightening the moving mechanical parts, now treated with specific materials for reduce internal friction and optimize performance. This process, aimed at making the V4 more environmentally friendly, has benefited the end user a quicker engine, more rev-hungry (the limiter has been moved 500 rpm higher, now at 12.500), but also noticeably more elastic and which digests "under torque" speeds well.

Another detail that Aprilia technicians worked hard on is the exhaust. Of generous dimensions, only by seeing the technical overview can one understand its complex functioning. A exhaust valve with “paddle” operation and not "butterfly" like other competitors, makes this mysterious object a true concentrate of technology. Explaining its operation in words without the diagram in front is certainly not simple, but suffice it to say that this valve makes the sound, at idle and in the lower part of the rev counter, pleasantly delicate and polite but which, when needed, once reached the right path where the potential of the motorbike can be expressed, when the throttle is opened there is an immediate opening of the valve (electrically controlled), which allows the exhaust gases to flow quickly out of the main duct, creating an aggressive and threatening sound, typical of the Aprilia V4.

Then supported by a new electronic gearbox with assisted downshifting (the new AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift), the sound is enriched with violent explosions in the most severe gear changes, both up and down! We were talking about new electronic gearbox, impressive. You can practically forget about the clutch, except when restarting from a standstill. Once in motion, the gears go up and down at the slightest pressure of the foot on the lever, without any hesitation or hesitation. In addition to this, the new inertial platform has been repositioned, which has also made it possible to improve all other aspects related to electronic management. The new traction control (ATC), new launch control (ALC) and, above all, the arrival of theCornering ABS (the 9.1 MP system from Bosch), work in sync and better, because the inclined positioning of the inertial platform of 45°, compared to the previous horizontal position, also allowed the pitch angle to be used as a parameter for the electronics. Each system can be calibrated on multiple levels, so we have many adjustments that allow you to "customize" the 2017 Tuono as you see fit and based on your driving style.

An “all electronic” motorcycle then? Not exactly

In fact, electronics have been added a decidedly advanced “mechanical” technical part, which leads Sachs suspension for the RR versions and all Öhlins for the Factory version, the one we tried. We were saying mechanical suspensions, which do not have any type of electronic control, but which as we will see on the road, have nothing to envy of electronic ones. They are combined with these fine suspensions new 330 mm discs at the front. Both diameter and diameter increase thickness, now 5 mm (was 4,5), which allows you to have braking is decisive and powerful, but also more resistant to fading and very adaptable. Also thanks to the Brembo M50 monobloc calipers Equipped with pads with a new compound, which has in first attack phase a very gentle action, to then move on to the ultra powerful braking of which it is capable.

It is therefore with these indications that we are preparing to drive the new Tuono 1100 V4 under a cloudy sky threatening rain. Right from the start it seems that the Aprilia magic has worked, given that in the morning traffic of Trento the bike moves without the slightest grumble or jerk, turning without problems at speeds that until a few years ago would have caused a "normal" 4 V1100 to shut down cc! The exaggerated couple, 121 Nm at 9.000 rpm allows the Noale supernaked to trot along without problems from 2.500 rpm onwards, without hesitating in the slightest if you open the throttle decisively. The 175 horses reach 11.000, but the acceleration doesn't stop yet, because as mentioned the V4 reaches 12.500 before "touching" the limiter.

We begin to climb towards the mountains, where we discover that the threatening clouds we saw from the city have unloaded their fury on the surrounding roads. Let's set it up with handlebar controls traction control in the most invasive and safety-oriented mode (with an operation that can always be done, even when moving with the throttle open, with two easy buttons positioned on the left block) and we continue. The Aprilia ABS, now of the Cornering type, the new traction control and the rounded delivery of the engine, make the uphill and wet road a very pleasant experience and without too many mental worries to manage the beast we are sitting on. We remind you that the Factory version being tested comes with tires as standard Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa, excellent, but not exactly the most suitable tires for water you could ask for. Yet, despite this, we never get to see the traction light come on, because the linearity of the engine's output allows you to drive by dosing the gas with your right wrist, now equipped with a facility full ride-by-wire.

Giove pluvio probably wonders how a motorbike can be called “Tuono”, so he decides to give us a break to show him all the fury of which this naked is capable. In the afternoon, in fact, a magnificent sun comes out and we find ourselves, despite being on the road, keeping a decidedly fast pace, finally making full use of the excellent cycling qualities of the Tuono. The wide handlebar allows you to have truly total control of the vehicle, even in the case of ruined asphalt and the small fairing still manages to repair just enough to avoid finding yourself "hanging" from the handlebar itself. The hot tyres, the dry asphalt and the new chassis invite us to dance between the curves and so we realize how, on this new supernaked, the limit inexorably ends up being the pilot!

Speaking with the Aprilia test riders during the stops we discovered how they too struggle to exploit more than 50/60% of the potential of this bike on the road, which although enjoyable even in this context, ends up being adequately exploitable only between the curbs. The Tuono in fact derives from the queen of track Superbikes, the RSV4, but its 1100 engine makes it a deadly weapon for use on the street, where however it can never be exploited beyond a certain limit. However, this doesn't mean that you can't have fun, on the contrary, having an engine like this at your disposal, a commendable chassis and electronics at the top of the category, you can have fun better and in complete safety. There is no denying it, on the road it may happen that you have to carry out emergency maneuvers caused by other vehicles, perhaps driven carelessly. A sudden stop? No problem, the Tuono responds without the slightest problem with its ABS Cornering, perfect for braking even with the bike folded, while the anti-tipping system prevents the rear wheel from lifting if it grips too far straight. The superb chassis then supports aggressive changes of direction without any uncertainty, being able to count on perfectly calibrated Öhlins and excellent tyres.

Then when the road opens up and you can dare more, upon rotation of the throttle, a rush of force, accompanied by a powerful sound, catapults us forward with a rush that impresses, but does not scare, also in this case the anti-wheeling and the holy hand of the electronics make everything easier to manage. Finally, to demonstrate that the naked version is dedicated to the road, we were able to appreciate it along the motorway journeys the new Cruise Control, which makes driving on the "boring" sections a real tourist walk, without thinking too much about the limits or speed limits. In short, as you may have understood, With the 2017 version, Aprila has decided to place itself at the top of the Hyper Naked category and, without too much presumption, we are convinced that, to date, it is an absolute reference. What back in 2002 was a "stripped" version of the RSV (then with only two cylinders), today is a mature motorcycle with its own distinct character, which draws heavily on technology and experience in MotoGP and Superbike, which takes advantage of the innovations of the faired version, but which stands out for the unique character of its engine and the driving position which make it 100% ambivalent: born for the track, perfect for the road. The Italian nude continues to proudly carry our flag at the top of its segment.

The price for this little gem? The Factory we tested, with Öhlins suspension and a magnificent and very aggressive single-seater tail (but also a 200 rear tire instead of the 190 and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa instead of the Diablo Rosso III) is listed at 18.190 euros, while the RR (in this case with Sachs suspensions and a small saddle also for the possible passenger), it stops at altitude 15.790. A curiosity: a new version of the V4-MP is available as an option, the Aprilia multimedia platform which allows you to connect your smartphone to the motorbike, introducing a true corner by corner calibration system of the electronic settings, the data of which can subsequently be downloaded onto a laptop (or directly on the smartphone screen) for analysis, as happens in racing.

The V4-MP includes the new infotainment system, introduced for the first time by Aprilia on the new Tuono V4, for managing voice commands and incoming/outgoing phone calls from your smartphone. The Aprila Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two colours, Portimao gray and Assen black, while the Factory is offered only with the Superpole graphics, which recovers that decidedly non-conformist spirit typical of Aprilia's stylistic tradition, which demands bright and very distinctive colours. Among the options we find, for the RR, the Öhlins steering damper which is standard on the Factory, the reverse gearbox for the more track enthusiasts, fine forged rims, but also protections for the frame and two exhausts made by Akrapovic could not be missing: one slip-on racing type and a complete racing type, both with carbon silencer.

Test clothing:
Jacket: Spidi Tronik Tex
Pants: Spidi J-Strong
Gloves: Spidi S-4
Shoe: Stylmartin
Helmet: X-lite 1003 Ultra Carbon