Aprilia TUONO 1000 V4 R 2012

To create its first Tuono, Aprilia had largely stripped and fitted out its RSV 1000 (a sporty twin-cylinder with extraordinary efficiency). Thus was born a deliciously explosive roadster. The years go by, the philosophy remains – but in 10 years performance, technology and electronics have taken a huge leap forward.

Aprilia has been working on its new Tuono for a long time, especially since with an RSV4 from the fire of God as a working base, the engineers are just asking to demolish their brains to create THE roadster that will replicate all the others.
“Well, in fact, we have a sporty World Superbike champion. How do we do it, boss ?
– Simple: do something crazy! “
Ah OK. Okay, drop the fairing and…. Trash can. We will only keep the minimum to have a very nasty look, hence this fork crown strongly inspired by the RSV4. Some optimizations for accommodating a passenger with a more welcoming saddle and handles integrated into the shell, a handlebar to adopt a roadster riding position, and for the chassis ….
“Chief, the frame ?
– You don’t touch anything! The RSV4 is at the top, we keep the top.
– But she is a tracker; we are not going ….
– Get out! “

It is said. The Tuono V4R captures the best of a current sports car. With a double aluminum spar frame, an inverted Sachs 43 mm fork, 4-piston Brembo radial brake calipers (the monoblocs will surely be planned for a future Factory version), suspensions adjustable from everywhere, the streetfighter of Noale s’ already provides very good dynamic services. And his heart, his V4, his fabulous engine did not provide to cause cold sweats for the competition and beautiful sessions of fantasies for the populace.

Well, not crazy either the engine manufacturers. They calmed down the 1000 cc, reducing its fieriness to 167 horsepower. Enough to get into orbit, extend your arms a few inches with each throttle, and nab cramps in your fingers from hanging on to the handlebars. The loss of a good ten nags is largely offset by the 11 mkg of torque available 1000 very earlier and the new gearbox staging; the first 3 reports are tighter. The crankshaft has more inertia and the intake ducts are longer – all in order to promote the distribution of torque at mid-range. Nervous mechanics? Almost dangerous, in fact. The Italian block is really on fire. Open wide is like a one-way ticket for a Space Moutain without a safety harness. Better to know your abilities and not overestimate yourself, especially in Track mode where the engine management puts you in permanent apnea as it moves.

Based on the RSV4-R, the Tuono V4 manages to hold on to the same weight as the RSV4 Factory, ie 179 kilos. We owe this feat to the new exhaust plus two kilograms ledg and to the mass gained on the rims (also 2 kg). The chassis is none other than that of the RSV4, with however its small set of modifications. The steering column is more open by half a degree, or 25 °, while being further forward by 10 mm. Suddenly, the wheelbase gains 2 cm. This has the effect of making the motorcycle more stable. Handling also gains in action thanks to the position of the engine. The V4 is anchored 5mm lower in the frame. Detail but still: the steering damper is only supplied as standard on the APRC version.

The 1000 Tuono V4R is also equipped with 3 injection maps to modulate its driving according to the mood of the day or the environmental conditions (Track, Sport, Road). Given the level of sportiness achieved by the sportswoman, this roadster version is already at the top of the category. Not to be put in everyone’s hands: this machine is simply devilish.
2012 is the last year of the Tuono V4 R in this version. The market having largely approved the APRC model, it will be the latter which will defend the stronghold of Noale in the catalog.