Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR Long Term Review #1 

Well then... if my words are that powerful... I urge you to send money to my Paypal account immediately (need new tires and want to take a moto-trip to Europe)! Ha! Seriously, you won't regret it if you enjoy power, precision and control in your life. Take a test ride before buying if you can to be sure. Good luck!

Thanks for writing and congrats on the new ride. Drop back in and let everyone know what you think once you get some miles on her! Life is about to get really good....

wradford1 next time you're out, let me know and I'll meet you on the hill. Thanks for the comment!

These bikes are truly amazing in how they make us feel. I've had my bike for a year, so you've had double the joy that I have. Bastard! ;)

Congrats on the new bike! I'm with you... just thrilled with this machine, even after nearly 13k miles. I still have a grin on my face every single time I ride her. Good luck with the mods and thanks for the comment.

How much was your ECU? i tried to contact the company but i haven't heard back yet.

I'm testing his ECU at the moment and don't know what he's charging for it. Whatever the price, it will be worth it. Completely changes the bike and makes it far more rideable.

Your making it harder!! lol well hopefully they get back to me soon.

I know he's been super busy prepping for the race season. He told me orders have him swamped as well. Stay on it, he'll eventually get to you. He barely responds to my messages and I owe him money for this ECU as I'm NOT sending it back!

Man, that gasoline lap dance was always a disaster for me. Cutting out a larger opening helps tremendously as does holding the nozzle backwards (pointing at your crotch) while dispensing. Thanks for the kind words and stay safe!

I totally agree... this bike is the shit. Enjoy the ride and thanks for the comment! Oh.. and the bike will break in nicely as you round out the 10k mark. Just butter.

Hey Carl. I'm glad you had a chance to ride both bikes back to back for a nice real world comparison in the hills. The off throttle gurgles are a result of both the Graves pipe and the V4's throaty growl. Nothing fancy... it's all baked in from the factory, though the Graves helps highlight the effect. And yeah... one shouldn't sleep on the 1250!

Once my schedule slows I'll get off my ass and shoot an update. Soon...

Thai Long Ly Excellent. Looking forward to it.

The 1000cc is absolutely still a beast! That's what piqued my interest in these machines to begin with. With a 15T sprocket, the bikes are close!

Congrats on the new bike and my condolences to your bank account! These bikes are great out of the box, but with a few tweaks become truly exceptional. Journalists the world over speak one common language and it seems Tuono is always on the tip of the tongue. This bike just satisfies like none other. Come back and let us know how she is once you take delivery.

Thank you.

Congrats! Longest. Wait. Ever.

You cannot go wrong owning a V4 1100. If you get one, be sure to come back and comment on your thoughts. It's a worthy upgrade over the STR in just about every meaningful way.

Thx Thai, ride safe! Cheers

Thanks. Get one... and enjoy the shit out of life!

AAAAANNNDD...How is she?! Congrats! That color combo is completely tits!

Thanks T. It really looks great in person. I was initially wishing the frame was black but the polished vs brushed surfaces look sweet. The swing arm is the arm of Hurcules. Man, I'm still laughing at that fart analogy you penned but now I totally get it. There's a reason it's called a super naked. It really does take the Street Triple experience to the next level. It's similar though in that it begs you to ride it hard. In 2 days (work days) I've done 240 miles. I'm taking it easy for the most part but I've gotten some tasty glimpses of what we're going to do together (naughty shit). No regrets. I will probably sell the Streetie since I don't see when I'm going to not want to ride the Tuono. I'm new to modern aids and dashes. Love the quick shifter. It sounds so f-in good up or down. Not using it till I'm broken-in but the cruise control is amazing. I'm definitely taking this bike on some trips. It's just awesome. A performance beast. And you really can't emphasize enough how incredible that V4 is, or how it sounds. F-n thing whips up the rpm's so fast. Pulls like a motha bitch! And I'm not even revving it out yet. How is it so loud with the stock pipe? That thing is huge but my first dollars are going to crash protection. Forged wheels next season. I love it dude. It's sick. Buy one, everyone.

Excellent! The bike is truly a game changer in the way we look at human propulsion. The bike is just a flat out party and we all end up getting laid. Every time. Every ride. Haha! I have the feeling your poor STR won't see much street time. There's really nothing that bike does better than the Tuono except for maybe commuting. Mostly due to fuel economy and being smaller. Turn the TC to 1 or 2. Turn the WC off. Now go rip. You're welcome. :) Congrats again and stay safe!

thanks bro! Party time!

I, too, had the STR ('14) before this bike and found the upgrade worth every penny. And I'm pretty sure this bike can get ANYONE in trouble stupid quick, regardless of riding experience. At least if you define trouble as a threat to one's license or insurance rates. Only you know if you're ready for a bike like the Tuono. Some guys ride for 6 months and are ready. Some ride their entire lives and will never taste the fruit. Regardless of where you fall in that timeline, if/when you decide to take one home, you'll be laughing inside your helmet the entire way. With that said, the new 765 looks to be about the perfect blend of being lightweight, powerful, quick, and efficient. I think it'll immediately be THE middleweight bike to beat.

Your, sir, have the most thoughtful reply ever, always impeccably worded, treating a biker's conundrum like a philosophical inquiry. I am sure you made the right switch and a STR to Tuono as it is a natural progression. But after seeing that loving tribute you wrote on the STR forum, I sometimes wonder if you ever miss the STR's nimbleness and ease-of-use from time to time. The STR for me is like a well-oiled bolt-action rifle, hits the apex wherever I point it to, while the Tuono may feel like a laser-guided missile, accurate but also too explosive, lol! Just out of curiosity, what is your daily Triumph bike while the Tuono is tucked away during the week? I currently have a fully decked out 2015 Ducati Scrambler Urban Enduro and a bone-stock 2016 Triumph Street Twin... Debating if I should trade the Street Twin for 765 RS and have two distinct flavors, or trade both of my bikes in for a Ducati Supersport S 939 or the ultimate forbidden fruit - the 1100RR Tuono... A huge headache from so many great bikes to choose from...

Thanks for the kind words. I do miss the STR every single time I hear or see one; which is just about daily. The STR is excellent, with very few (if any) downsides. The Tuono is a beefier version of the theme that's been to the gym and hopped up on steroids! Is it overkill on the streets? Absolutely. But that's part of what makes it exciting to own. I have a 2011 Sprint GT that's my commuter/distance/pillion hauler. Sort of a portly, slower revving 675 in that the 1050 triple takes a bit longer to spool up but delivers much better punch in the low end. Not nearly as exciting or fun to ride as the 675 but she serves her purpose. Buy the 1100. You won't regret it. Remember, the throttle goes both ways.

The Gabro ECU is simply better all around. Better low end response. Smoother fueling overall with far more punch and stronger pull throughout the entire rev range. Completely eliminates the dreaded 4k surge that plagues all shorty pipes. Bike runs cooler and you gain a few ponies (I gained 4hp on the dyno). This is a "must-do" mod in my opinion if you're a performance junkie of any sorts.

I appreciate the comments and congrats on the sweet bike. I ride mine daily in the canyons for fun but have a commuter for when I have to work and battle traffvck. The bike is brilliant in stock form with very little need for any modifications, but it's always nice to customize and suit to taste. That AR sounds great. Pure MotoGP. Loud as hell, that's for sure! I re-valved the Sachs suspenders for better front end feel and more composure over crappy surfaces. I'm happy with the upgrade for now and don't think I'll step up to full cartridges unless I'm racing for hardware and can't find the podium. On the street, the Andreani Valves are perfect for my needs. Be well.

cheers mate. Take care & ride well.

Hi Varun. The maintenance has been no different for this bike than any other I've owned except for that it chews through tires and gasoline like mad! Of course, that's why we buy these things, right? The 12k services will be the expensive ones and you'll have to check with your dealer about pricing. Considering it's the valve check service, expect there to be several "hours" billed. Seems like prices range from $650-$1250, depending on who you take it to. Other than that, the bike has been solid up until its recent demise. More on that later...

Thanks for the comment. I miss my STR for sure and will probably have another some day for commuting and daily utility. I rode the S1KR and liked it. But didn't LOVE it. Found the bike to be what I call "sneaky fast" and a bit unemotional. In that the bike is so smooth and refined you don't realize how fast you're going until you peep the speedometer and see triple digits. It's borderline boring (all inline 4's to me) in that even though you're hauling ass, it never really feels like you are. The Tuono, OTOH, conveys speed and power regardless of how fast you're going. When you're just cruising along, you still feel badass. And when you're hauling nuts, you KNOW you're hauling nuts! I just GET this bike and it speaks to me. The BMW is a brilliantly engineered precision machine. It does so much right and very little wrong. I'd happily ride one if presented as a gift. The pretty girl next door with a brain, a solid job who loves to read to her cats. But I bike for the sensations and visceral impact. And the Tuono delivers "feel" and stirs my emotions like none other. The crazy hot temperamental ex-stripper with daddy issues you can't wait to see again and again. Ha!

Thanks, Niels. I appreciate the comment and wish you luck with your goaltender. Hope you can get this one past him or her! Cheers.

Is it having valvetrain issues??

I hardly experience any numbness, at least not in my hands or upper body. I do have aftermarket heated grips, but they're actually harder than the stock grips. I'll sometimes get numbness in my feet, but that's usually when I'm riding lazy and not moving around properly in the seat when transitioning from side to side. The higher set rearsets contributes to this phenomena, but it's mostly from my lack of stretching combined with lazy technique. Glad you liked the video. Ride safe!

Thai Long Ly I appreciate your feedback . Exercising and stretching helps me a little but I still get numb after riding a bit , Am glad this bike has cruise control But I am going to add a new grips hopefully that helps me I love this bike by far the best motorcycle I’ve ever ridden.

wascar G You might want to try changing your bars to ones with more rise like the gen 2 Tuono bars. You can buy them online from AF1.

I currently have 17,600 miles on the bike. Not sure what the metric conversion is in KM. As for problems, they're highlighted in the video. There is an annoying stalling issue that's related to descending from altitude but I've heard there's a map update that fixes it. I have yet to see the dealer for the update, so I cannot confirm nor deny its effectiveness. Gabro ECU is less efficient but well worth it! I lost 1-2 miles per gallon once I installed it. No big deal as the bike is way more fun with his map.

The bars I opted for are actually lower than stock, but with a slight bit more sweep back towards the rider. I've heard of riders putting Aprilia Mana risers on without any clearance/cabling issues, so that's worth looking into if you're after more height. That or some Gen 2 Tuono bars should get you some more upsweep as well. Good luck!

Thanks for the comment. I looped the retaining straps under the passenger seat using a carabiner in an "x-like" fashion. A little duct-tape to hold the straps in place from underneath and I'm good to go. From there, the bag just clips on!

Excellent! Let us know what you think after you get some seat time on her.

Hello Thai Just a quick update from me. I have traded my 2016 Factory in for a new 2018 model. Needless to say that I am hooked on Aprilia now, and in my opinion it must be one of the best street bikes on the market.If you get time check out this video from my short first ride. cheers Niels. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hRIiJelvqmY.html

Hello, nice vid. Your tuono also pretty. Could you please tell me about oil usage between service time. My 2018 needs 1.5 lt at 4400 km after first service

I ran the bike for nearly 25k miles without any mechanical issues before an exploding carbon fiber wheel ended our relationship. I'm on a '17 now and it's been solid as well. Still gives me a chubby with every twist of the throttle!

@@TL2BASS exploded carbon wheel 🤯 Wow, maybe you some video about that? I will go check.

@@TL2BASS So do you now stay away from carbon wheels? I'm seriously thinking of getting this model, just not sure of the reliability.

Hey Adrian. Not knowing your skill level I cannot confidently recommend any Tuono to a new(ish) rider. I know you've had dirt experience, but the streets are different in many respects. The main one being that when crashing on dirt, you crash yourself. When crashing on the streets, you crash into things that can ruin you - like oncoming cars, telephone poles, walls, mountains, curbs, etc... You may be the next Casey Stoner and can manhandle a bike with ease and if that's the case, you'd still be best pressed to work your way up to one of the most aggressive bikes money can buy. I say this with only one thing in mind... your safety. Yes, the throttle goes both ways and if you're respectful of it, you can have a long healthy relationship with the bike. You may not crash while owning it, but I'd be willing to bet you'd be a far faster and skilled biker if you progressed to something less aggressive first, before finally landing on a Tuono (or similar class bike). Learning to truly control a fast middleweight bike will make the transition to literbike far easier and funner. I'm sure you'd tell a beginning MX'er to NOT buy the new YZ450F when coming off a YZ125. They'd probably be a better rider in the end if they spent some time on a 250 learning to really toss it around with authority. This advice is worth exactly what you paid for it, btw. Ultimately, only YOU know if you're ready. If you think you are, you couldn't have found a better dream bike! Good luck and report back with what you decide.

Hey Carl, Congrats on the shopping spree.... quality problem you have here! Having ridden both bikes you're after, I'm not sure I'd put them in the same category. The Aprilia is simply sublime. There's a reason it dominates all the comparisons and shootouts. It makes you feel alive and just responds in a way other bikes can't. Most dealers will allow you to test ride them... try Pro Italia and tell them I sent ya'. As for the sound... I don't know what to tell you. There are aftermarket slip-on options available that will allow you to tailor the tone to your liking. The GSXR is a great bike. Fast, agile and fun. But, to me... it doesn't compare... especially on the street. The inline 4 really needs to be wound up to be fully appreciated... a hard thing to do when surrounded by speed limits. It's a more clinical feeling bike to me as well... as is the case with most I4's. Don't get me wrong... it's a great bike and if I were 90% track 10% street, I'd consider it (but then, the RSV4 or CBR would be my top contenders). The body position is far more aggressive and the lack of bottom end grunt make it far less appealing than the Tuono. If we ever run into each other on the hill, you're welcome to take my bike around the block. Come introduce yourself as I'm always up there.

Interesting...was surprised to hear you say the GSXR lacks the low end grunt, given all the hoopla in the media about the VVT, which in theory I thought would give me something closer in low end to what I now have with my Bandit which is a low end monster. Definitely makes a difference. I'm a 3 track day a year guy, so..hmm. Another thing that worries me about the Tuono is how loud it is. An after market power commander is a given, so I wonder if the stocker pipe is pass through because I'd leave it if it was (meaning that it's not gas restrictive) because where I live (Palos Verdes) cops will ticket you for that. BTW - that ugly stock pipe on the GSXR does not restrict breathing, in fact you can look right through it from end to end, and despite the extra weight is perfectly compatible with aftermarket power commanders (Brock Davidson confirmed). Going to test ride later this year, right when I'm ready to buy. That is... unless I run into you at Newcombs :)

The GSXR is an inline 4 and in no way pulls down low like a V4 can. It's not that it lacks pull... but by comparison, doesn't have the grunt of the Aprilia. The Tuono has a nice rasp once you get beyond 5k rpm.. that's when the flapper valve opens and lets the bike go full throat. The cat is in the silencer, so any aftermarket pipe should get you unrestricted flow. Your best bet is to ride one and see if it does what you need. A test ride is definitely worth a thousand words!

Hey Noah, For the STR, I'd probably cut a hair bit off as the MA0010's are pretty long to begin with. The STR is so light and flickable, it doesn't need the extra leverage wider bars will offer. I left them stock for the Tuono and quite like them that way. The heavier bike likes the extra width when I get my boogie on in the tight stuff. And I appreciate the comment. I answer as I can and feel if a stranger takes time out from their day to ask something, I can take time out of mine to answer. I'm not always quick, but I'll always respond.

The '16 MY bikes are mostly solid, with the occasional dropped valve here and there for the unlucky few. My bike was solid, mechanically, up until it's timely demise from an exploding carbon fiber wheel. Valve checks usually run $600 to $1100, depending on the dealer you take it to and severity of the work involved. Good luck and enjoy!

Thanks, Constantine. It's an Ogio tailbag... though I'm not sure the model number or name. If I had to do it again, I'm not sure I'd buy another. The bag itself isn't structured, so unless packed to the hilt, stuff flops around and presses against your ass cheeks. Also, the material that separates the two compartments is quite thin and has already started wearing through. As for space, there's a ton. Keep it filled with clothing and soft stuff and you'll be OK. Put a camera in there or bulkier pieces and you'll probably want something with structured sides. My $0.1.

Thanks for the reply and info, Thai. My '18 Factory is coming next week with Arrow mirrors, crg carbon levers, rizom race cap ... can you tell me what the model of the screen extender is. Safe riding!

Seems as if it's a natural progression for many. These bikes are just amazing, right? Congrats on the ride.

Yes amazing bike. No regrets. Have just started with the basic mods so far, adjustable levers, tail tidy, remove passenger pegs, clear tank pads. Next is crash protection, then suspension, then maybe muffler and Gabro ECU. Interesting to hear your experiences with the muffler pipe length and Gabro ECU. Mine definitely surges at low speed, have to slip the clutch when in trafic (which isnt often) You could talk about tyres too in your next update. Ive put on metzeler sportec m7 rr's as we are going into winter here in New Zealand. Will see how they go on wet roads over the next few months as I want to ride over winter.

Glad you're enjoying her. The shorter pipes definitely exacerbate the surging around 4k. The RACE ECU is tuned for more back pressure than what the shorty pipes offer and anything resembling the Akrapovic's dimensions should work great. I find Q3's to be the perfect aggressive canyon and STREET tire for this bike. Interestingly enough, I get nearly double the mileage out of them on this bike than I did on the STR. Go figure.

hi guys and thai what a superb review! one of the best and useful ive seen 😊 ! so i bought a tuono 1100 factory 2016 and.i need yours advice cause i heard they are some mod ..on the bike you must do before riding it ..to avoid some issue in the futur like radiator guard and oil pan guard ? it is real issu or just false thought ? can you tell me some ? thanks a lot for replying 😊

congrats on the new bike, I have the same bike as you and am still in the break-in period. I just ordered a set of radiator guards off ebay, search for the seller racingradiatorguards . Think Thai is using the same ones... Not sure if there are any recommended mods to do to avoid known issues...? Thai might know more about that... Ive done some basic mods so far, adjustable levers, evotech tail tidy, removed the passenger pegs, installed stompgrip clear tank pads. Next is crash protection, then suspension and get the sag set for my weight, then maybe muffler and Gabro ECU.

The seat height is fine for my short stubby legs. In fact, the Ohlins I added raised the rear slightly over the stock Sachs. Even with the extra height, I don't have any issues with the reach. I can't flat foot both sides (tip toed) but just use one solid leg over two half-assed ones when stopped. As for heat, it's fine. Considering it's an 1077cc engine, the heat she throws is minor. The ZX10, EBR 1190RX and Panigales (all of them) throw off far more heat by comparison. And I chose the RR for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I preferred the understated look of the RR's paint scheme. The Factory looks great, but screams a bit too much "look at me, I watch racing". And secondly, I could upgrade the bike cheaper than the extra up front cost. The RR is more rare, too. Not that it means anything, but NOT seeing everyone on the same bike as yours is kind of a bonus!

+Thai Long Ly thanks for the reply, it is a toss up between this and the S1000R for my next purchase only issue is uncertainty with Aprilia reliability, can't wait to see more updates from your ownership experience. subbed !

The S1000R is a great bike... does everything well and ticks all the boxes except for 1. And that box would be Excitement. It's a fast and capable bike. Much like an ice cream sandwich is delicious. But it doesn't excite like a double decker triple fudge silky velvet whiskey soaked cake does. Of which the Tuono is akin to. The 1100 invokes passion and makes you want to do things you're much to shy to speak of. The S1000R wants to watch a men's figure skating marathon. Ha! Seriously, I'd say ride both bikes and see which one makes you moist.

Thai Long Ly haha interesting similes there. How would you rate the MT10? I have just heard one with a full exhaust and it sounded earth shattering

This Gabro ECU is "da balls". Do you have one, too? Yeah.. the clicking... I can't seem to figure out where it's originating from. It's happening as I convert and Final Cut Pro just blows as there are very few options to dig into. Google reveals nothing as a fix. The original audio is clear and is fine as I'm editing. The clicking only appears once I've rendered.

no, not yet as I'm selling my S1000R right now and heading towards the 2017 Tuono. I think Gabro will need a bit to understand and refine the 2017 ECU. yeah for the sound problem I also can't help you. maybe ask in the forum for the editing program?

The BMW is a great bike, if not a bit bland by comparison. I've ridden a handful of them and I think they're "sneaky" fast. Meaning, you look down on the speedo and go "holy shit... I'm hauling!". On the Tuono, you ALWAYS know you're moving as the bike conveys a certain sense of energy and motion that's simply intoxicating. Whether you're rolling around at 35mph or 135mph.

I'm down to 431 lbs fully gassed. She handles like a dream now!

195,498 Kg

The RACE ECU is an Aprilia approved product, so I doubt the warranty would be compromised and neither would a slip on exhaust/system. But please check with your dealer before acting. The Gabro tune is compatible with any aftermarket slipon and highly recommended. Completely changes the character of the bike for the better!

Thank you. It's hard to say how anyone would fare on a Tuono without knowing their skill level, but I'd venture to guess you'd be fine. The bike CAN be a monster when ridden aggressively, but is also quite tame when gentle with the throttle. The biggest change for you will be the more upright seating position and lighter front end. Also, you'll have to adjust to having less "feel" from the front as you're not hanging over the front of the bike like you would be on a race replica. You'll, too, find the bottom end punch will be far more thrilling than anything in the middleweight class can offer and the top end will still pull strong until redline. I say buy the bike and ride the snot out of it!

I thought about the Factory but preferred the more subtle look of the RR. Plus, the difference in price for the suspension upgrades was cheaper than the difference in purchase price for me. That and upgrading and modifying is half the fun, right?

I preferred the more subtle look of the RR. That and the cost of the suspension upgrades for me was far cheaper than the difference in purchase price. Plus, I love tweaking and modifying my bikes and this gave me an opportunity to experiment while racking up frequent flyer miles. The D675R is a brilliant bike. I'm thinking of picking up another as a track-only bike. Kinda wish I had kept my STR as it was built up pretty sick before I sold her.

I'm not sure if they have remedied the situation or not, but my '17 has been solid. I've heard of '16's with weak valve springs but I'm unsure if they've addressed it with the latest models. Time will tell.

My Tuono is a joy to ride anywhere at any speed. Above 6k only? No... this thing feels amazing above 2500rpm. It feels even better above 7k! The Race ECU helps with low speed response and the Gabro Map even more so. The STR is a great bike... very smooth and very rideable. The Tuono, though not as refined, is excellent considering it's 155/160hp to the rear wheel. Buy one. You won't be disappointed. :)

Hi Thai L Y. I can't wait to test it. If the Tuono is good in town - with low rpm as the Speed or the Street triple are, then that's the bike for me. I am confident that is going to be an awesome bike to ride on B roads, twist and motorways, but I had some reservations: how the Tuono behaves in a congested traffic with low rpm. I can't wait!

I certainly wouldn't consider the Tuono any sort of commuter chariot... partly from the mediocre gas mileage and the engine's incessant begging for open space... but it's quite fine as a commuter if the commute isn't awful. I ride in and out of Hollywood with her from time to time and I wouldn't hesitate to do so daily if I didn't already have a 1050 that did it better. Triumphs have arguably the best low speed fueling from the factory.. the Tuono is close but not as refined.

The Tuono V4 is an engineering miracle and by far my favorite bike of all time, I owned a 2016 Tuono Factory and love it so much I just upgraded it to the 2018 Tuono Factory which is even better, it's a joy to ride just starting the engine will produce an instant grin and yes it's fun across the board, so versatile and improving every year, for a super naked it's amazing at low speed, high speed, canyon carving, track days and very enjoyable on a commute. I've ridden almost all naked bikes and owned several of them including an MV Brutale 1090 RR which was great but the Tuono is king in my book.

Hi Enrique, Many thanks for your response. You are right, all reviews that I read and saw rate very high the Tuono, especially when it is ridden in twisty roads and canyons. What vey often is missing, is how Tuono behaves in low traffic through town. Is it smooth and comfortable as the Speed Triple?

Thanks for writing. I think both bikes are exceptional for both canyons and twisties. The main differences being seating position (ergos) and power delivery. I find the RSV4 takes more effort to turn over, but is more solid/stable once there. The Tuono with the upright bars flicks and steers easier (due to increased leverage) and has slightly less "feel" on the front than the RSV4. This is because your weight is canted back as opposed to being stretched over the front. The 1100 engine is a better lump for the street in just about every scenario. To really enjoy the RSV4's 180rwhp, you need an empty stretch of road and a guardian angel. The 1100 has more usable power on the street and can rip a track day as well. I say if you're predominantly riding streets with occasional track days, the 1100 is the best road bike made. If you're mostly track with occasional street rides, the RSV4 is king. You can't go wrong with either.

Thank you so much for replying!!! I think the tuono is my bike! I love the sporty look of the RSV4 though.

Great choice. Come back once you get her and let us know what you think. Until then, stay safe!

Sure thing! Thank you so much!

No worries. Glad to help. The Andriani valves are excellent and highly recommended. You'll find them much more controlled yet compliant than the stock Sachs valves. Plusher, for lack of a better word. Just make sure you order the proper ones (there are 2 versions) that will fit your model year bike. Also, have them properly installed and you'll be good to go!

Hey. Just to be clear, you say "valves" but I'm seeing an Adriani "piston" kit. One for older RSVs and one for current model Tuonos. Same thing? Pistons , valves?

That's them. I think the Italians call them pistons while we Yanks call them valves. They're available through AF1 or Fast Bike Industries.

Glad you like the bike... I tend to tweak everything I own to taste. The bike is pretty brilliant out of the box if I were to leave it alone. However, I now have just the right amount invested to make it feel tailor made and couldn't be happier. Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and ride!

I've run Q3's, Rosso Corsa's, and Pilot Power 3's. I have a new set of Rosso III's in the garage ready to spoon on any day now. Of all the tires I've run so far, the Q3's are my favorite for grip and feel in the canyons. Looking forward to testing the Rosso III's as well as the new Q3+.

Hi Kristian, I haven't ridden the '17 Monster, but have spent time on just about every iteration made including last year's. The Monster is a good motorcycle, but I don't think can compare to the Tuono as far as performance goes. And it's not meant to. It's a comfortable, all-day upright bike with a large wheelbase and torquey L-Twin power plant. The Monster might be a bit more comfortable due to the more upright position and the larger passenger seat may be more accommodating for those in search of longer miles. However, the Tuono just kills it in all areas performance (and therefore, fun) related. Better handling, better chassis, and better at exciting the senses. If you're looking for a bike that thrills like none other, the Tuono is your only choice. Look at every single shootout all the magazines / websites do that contain the Tuono. It wins. Motojournalists across the globe all agree it's the best performance street bike out. Me included. Ride them both and see which tickles your fancy and makes you moist. You really can't go wrong with either one. One is just far less wrong than the other! :)

Hi Thai, Thanks alot for such a comprehensive response! what a cool guy I agree, a test ride would clear up a lot of my questions but i guess i have been avoiding it after just getting my license back again When i start entertaining the idea of another sportbike the Tuono and the Monster are battling it out in my mind. I appreciate cutting edge performance but also looking for something that can take passengers frequently and comfortably as i often carry a pillion particularly during the summer and really appreciate that versatility The idea of having a single bike that you can take any time any where sounds perfect to me, a multiple bike garage wouldn't work My previous bike was a brutale r which was a ton of fun but the passenger accomodations was worse than a full on sportbike and the build quality was questionable. How do you feel risers, handlebar change and a tribo seat would improve passenger comfort on the tuono? would it be comparable to the monster in your opinion? The tuono sounds like the ideal bike to me in my mind to ride in isolation but the perceived passenger comfort ( i may be wrong) of the monster and the classic looks makes it 'appear' to be a great versatile urban bike with some guts I know my heart is saying tuono but my mind is saying monster, funnily enough the monster looks practical (passenger seat, fuel mileage, upright ergos, universal design etc) in comparison lol Thanks for your time Thai!

Hi Thai, Thanks for the comprehensive response! what a cool guy I agree a test ride would resolve my concerns which i have been avoiding to prevent any impulse buying My heart says tuono if i were riding in isolation and funnily enough the 1200R is the practical option (passenger comfort, attractive design language, upright ergos, fuel economy - although i am cautious of the reliability of the duc) In your opinion do you believe that with some risers, tribo seat, new bars the tuono's could match or exceed the monsters passenger comfort? Particularly during the summer i do alot of two up riding but i really don't want to sacrifice performance if i can avoid it. If i can cover all my basis with the Tuono that would be a best case scenario :) Thanks alot for your time Thai!

I don't think the passenger comfort of a Tuono will ever match that of a bike with a larger wheelbase and longer subframe. This is a bike based on a championship race chassis and no matter what you do to it, it won't ever turn into a luxurious sports touring 2 up machine. Risers and seats will nudge you towards your pillion dreams but I'm not sure I could recommend it for any serious tandem mileage. I say buy the Tuono for yourself and an FJR or 1200RS for the days you want company. Or better yet, 2 Tuonos... one for you and one for partner! Bring a passenger you often ride with to the test ride and see what they say. That should tell you everything you need to know. Because if you ride the Tuono alone, you'll buy it!

There are no smog checks in LA and the registration renewal only involves money. Pay the fee and you're golden. I can't speak to the legalities of it all, but until motorcycles are required to pass some sort of emissions testing (like cars), I'll continue to fit aftermarket exhausts to my bikes.

thats cool as fuck. Here in Europe you get almost deported for removing a baffle

Here in America, you now can get deported for wanting to be American!

Good idea! I'll make one once I get a few more miles experience using it. His tunes are great, aren't they?!

They are EPIC! Should come stock on the bike!

Agreed!

Thanks! That's the MRA X-Creen. You can find them online at Revzilla.

Greetings from LA. I appreciate the offer and will certainly hit you up if I ever make it over. I have friends that ride there every year and perhaps I'll join them next time, schedule permitting. :)

Buy the bike and enjoy every mile. It's Italian and you should expect quirks - the insatiable hottie that's 2/3rds super model, 1/3rd crazy cat lady. With that said, I've had very few issues with my bike. If I ever had a catastrophic failure with my bike, I'd immediately buy another if I couldn't fix it. That's how good these things are at making you feel like a badass when you're riding one. I'm not sure about the longer valve checks but I'd advise you get them checked sooner than what's scheduled. 8k is good, but 12k is fine. 18k seems crazy to me and sounds more like marketing. Once the first check/adjustment is performed, they generally stay put thereafter. Just buy one. You won't regret it!

Lol nice way to put it 2/3 model is good enough for. I probably keep it stock for a while as I have learned that once we start changing things that's when problems arrive. will do the fender and probably a taller windscreen. Thanks

You'll love the bike and the way it makes you feel. If you don't smile every time you thumb the starter, you're already dead inside. Haha!

How'd the track day go and how'd she fare? As for the rear, I think on the street a 190/55 is pretty ideal. For the track, the 200 makes more sense as you can get on gas a hair bit harder when pitched over on edge. However, the 190 does flick side to side quicker so there's a definite trade off.

Hey bro. Track day was EPIC. Loving this bike on the street and on the track. I'm still getting used to the power and the dimensions of the bike. I struggled a bit with body position and the throttle early on in the day. As the day wore on I got more and more comfortable. Going again this Monday. Was out today working on throttle and body in some really tight stuff. Sticking with a 190 for now. I started feeling the size a bit in the chicane by the end of the day and thought to myself no 200 for me. Had the suspension tuned. It's so much more compliant than the Striple. I may do the Adriani fork kabobs though. The front is just a touch harsh at times. The rear is fine for me..........for now..... Cheers bro! And congrats on all the cool comparo work with Motorcycle.com!

The bike just rips, right?! And yeah... the 190 is plenty grippy for most of us not earning a paycheck from racing. The bike is definitely heavier through transitions than an STR... that is until you bolt on some Rotobox carbon fiber wheels! My bike snaps left and right incredibly quickly now. The Andreani valves are an excellent choice and will transform the front end. The stock Sachs are fine, if not a bit harsh. The MO gig is a fun time all around and I look forward to the next test whenever they call me !

You S.O.B. Those wheels are so f-in badass. It's not that much more for the CF than the forged wheels as you know. I'd just have to know I could put em on any bike if for some reason I ever got rid of the Tuono. Even a bike that typically sports a smaller rear like the Striple for instance. Would need to get multiple bike use out of em. Then do I go gloss or matt with my color scheme? Too much to think about. How am I expected to run this business??????? Ma ma ma my-eeeeee Tuono!

Haha... yeah.. they're sweet AF. Best mod ever. Seriously. I don't know if they're swappable between makes/models as the offset would be different. However, you may want to contact Rotobox and see if there's a way to use any adapters to go between different bikes. With that said, if you ever felt the need to dump Aprilia (the wheels should fit across the Tuono/RSV4 lines), simply sell the wheels on their own. Someone will want those sexy sweet hoops for sure!

I got the X Creen Sport and feel that it definitely helps once you have it adjusted properly for your size. It won't turn your bike into a 1200RT, but does help deflect some wind for a calmer ride. I don't have a link handy, but a Google search will point you in the right direction. Should be around $100 or thereabouts.

I went from the OEM cast aluminum to the OEM forged wheels and noticed a significant difference in handling, acceleration and suspension action. So yes, the switch is worth it in my opinion. Going from the forged to the carbon was even a greater change on all accounts and was worth it for me. While it's true that carbon is more susceptible to damage from rocks and potholes (impact damage) than aluminum, I would never go and say they're "unsafe". My only experience is with the Rotobox wheels specifically and NOT the BST or Dymag wheels. The Rotobox are the strongest, lightest and lowest MOI wheels on the market. I love 'em!

Hi Nitro. Sure, you can 2 up tour on anything with two seats and 2 wheels. Would I recommend it on a Tuono? Only if your tour is no more than a couple of hundred miles and your passenger is either in great shape or enjoys BDSM. Preferably both! This bike is essentially a sportbike with bars. This means the pillion perch is tiny and legroom is poor. So if your passenger is on the small side, he/she may be fine for short periods of time. If you're talking multi-day tours, your passenger will hate life.

Hey Jeremy. I agree.. the STR's stock rear end was pretty brutal over sharp bumps and lacked the compliance that first rate suspension offers. With that said, the Sachs unit on the Tuono RR is excellent and a far better offering than the KYB found on the STR. It's still firm and controlled, but offers real world comfort. No, it's not a BMW R1200RT or a Goldwing... but it's really good. I only upgraded to the Ohlins rear because I got a good deal on the shock. Is it better than the Sachs? Absolutely. More comfort and better adjustability. Is it necessary? Absolutely NOT. I'd say ride the bike with standard suspension and see if it works for you. Make sure the settings aren't on setup to "race" specs and you'll know within 500 yards if it'll work for you. Also, suspension will break in with time and bikes with less than 1000 miles on them will always feel stiffer and less compliant than a bike that's opened up a bit from mileage. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info. I've ridden the 1100 Factory(crazy plush) and the RSVRF just not the RR. Black RR then gold forged wheels as soon as dollars permit. They looked great on your bike. Carbon to pricey for me. Maybe my buddy will buy my Streety so I can re live it once and a while. You've been a huge help. Cheers Brother!

12k check was fine. Bike was running fantastic up until the 24k check I had scheduled, but never made due to the exploding rear wheel incident!

Thai Long Ly thanks!! So no out of spec valves? And yeah sorry about the wheels I saw :/ glad u ok though!

@@ironj03 None. They were well within spec and the bike checked out fine. The bike really started to open up around the 18k mark and she got smoother and sweeter with increased mileage.

The brakes on mine don't seem to have much initial bite, but offer great modulation and feel. Change out the pads for something more aggressive if that's what you're used to. As for the bucking, I found you have to be much more precise with your throttle movements than on the STR. The engine has so much more "go" with every millimeter of movement that unless you're really smooth and steady with your right hand, you'll be jerky at best. It took me several rides to get used to it and it's really cleaned up my throttle control as a result. Even riding on the freeway in Race mode was tough to keep steady at first. Especially over expansion joints and broken pavement. Give it time. You'll soon forget you ever had this problem!

Figured as much. I've ridden my friends 990SMT a bunch and he doesnt' find it jerky(It's insanely jerky). I guess you get used to anything after a while. The Triumph spoils you with ease of use. I'm definitely working on that throttle control. Got to, don't wanna loop her! First service is Tuesday, then we see how she goes. Holy crap I'm buying a lot of shit for this bike! Factory seat, all manner of crash protection, sick tail tidy with integrated lights. Next is that MRA Sport screen you have and some soft bag supports. Cheers.

I had the exact same issue when I first bought her. I just couldn't ride her smoothly and thought something was wrong with the bike. Nope. Something was wrong with ME. I quickly acclimated and she's butter. When I got the Gabro ECU, I had to relearn the throttle all over again. The bike pulled so much harder than even the Race ECU it replaced that I had to acclimate to the extra power. Especially mid corner. You'll get used to it. Remember, the STR is way down in power compared to the V4... the same throttle openings don't translate!

And yeah... get used to Ramen. She's a money pit!

ha ha ha .....

Hey Carl! Yeah... all true. I'll be publishing an article soon that will spell it all out. Bottom line is I'm OK but my beloved Tuono has seen better days. As for carbon fiber wheels, I won't write them off and will hardly condemn their effectiveness. I will just say if you're gonna run them on the street, then check them meticulously before each and every ride, as well as the wheel bearings. When CF goes, it goes BIG!

Meticulously checking CB Wheels before each and every ride is unsustainable. Life's just too complicated and requires too many demands to add CB wheel inspection before going to the grocery store. I guess if this is the 2nd bike that one takes out on weekends only, then I guess that might be sustainable. I'm now back to being interested in how close a Magnesium wheel can get to the benefits of CB. If often wondered why CB isn't standard racing equipment, and now I have my answer. Why there are no articles or videos that offer such warnings is absolutely beyond me (I've looked). Good speed brother !

@@TL2BASS I looked for your article (MO?), but couldn't find anything. I'd certainly be interested in reading about your experience. As much as I've read about the dynamic improvements with carbon fibre wheels, I ride daily and our local roads (Oz) are far from perfect.

@@Joric78 www.motorcycle.com/features/carbon-fiber-wheels-and-a-trip-to-the-moon.html#disqus_thread

The RSV4 is definitely a faster bike. As it should be... it's a race position with fairings and more hp. And if minimizing lap times is your aim, then the RSV4 makes perfect sense as it's the superior track bike. With that said, I firmly believe the Tuono is the superior street bike. Better street power delivery coupled with better street ergos makes it the better choice in my book. Plus, you can rip up a track with precision when needed. If you spend the majority of your time on the track (or have a place you can ride in public where you can safely wring out 177hp without harming yourself or others) then buy the RSV4. Or if you simply like the looks, feel or power delivery of the RSV4, then by all means put one in the garage. I stand by my statement that the Tuono is the best performance street bike made. Go ride both and see which one makes you happier!

Forged is a perfect blend of performance and durability for the streets. I am running forged now myself. In fact, I have a spare set of Gold forged OEM wheels for sale if interested.

@@TL2BASS Still tossing back and forth gold vs red but the gold looked good on your blue bike. Again, mine is black. What are u asking? (Private message)Is everything I need included, assuming anything that carried over from stock cast wheels, I have.

@@jeremydahm2124 Can't figure out how to message you offline. But to answer part of your question, the wheels will include only the bearings and angled valve stems. You'll need to use your existing cush drives as well as rotors and ABS ring. Exactly like buying a set new. And I think the gold looks amazing on black, regardless of where you buy them! Classic.

Whoa ok. If you've got a pick and an asking price with ship cost to NYC, email to usetobuybikes at g mail. Also, Gabro sells a loaded ecu now. Won't except mailed ecu's (customs issues) Seems reasonable if I can sell my current race ecu. 499 euro seems cheap for a loaded ecu no? Cheers.

@@jeremydahm2124 Message sent via email.

The engine does get hot in stop and go traffic and much prefers to be moving as opposed to standing still. It's less about a ton of heat coming off the engine and baking the rider as it is about the engine's temperature hitting 220* and more. Fans will kick in and heat comes off the bike from under the tank. It's about on-par with most liter bikes, but nowhere near the nut-searing heat you get from a Panigale. Can you commute on it? Absolutely. Does it like it? Not really. As for fueling, if you keep the bike stock, then the fueling is fine. As with all big V4's or Twins, the bike chugs a bit below 3k RPM, but you shouldn't spend much time there unless you're absolutely crawling. If you stick a shorty can on the bike with a Race ECU, you'll probably encounter a lugging surge issue around 4k RPM. Stick to longer cans (Akrapovich, Leo Vince, Arrow, etc...) and you'll be fine. Buy the Gabro ECU and the bike fuels like a bike with properly set up carbs. Pure butter!

Thanks for the reply and advice. I will be doing a fair bit of city riding but not so much rush hour commuting so appreciate the realities of big bore bikes ... My 1198S was a missile strapped to a BBQ, unrideable under 100kph ... If you had space for 1 bike as I do ... would the tuono be it for you?

If I were looking for a grin inducing, laugh provoking, thrill machine to park in a single space garage, the Tuono would be IT. It's not perfect at everything... but just slays at making you feel badass. Like my buddy says "you better not let anyone pass you, ever!". Few can match it for performance and streetability. It slays on both street AND track all while providing day-long comfort. Fuel economy isn't amazing (33mpg for me), but that's not why I bought the bike. This one's a keeper for me. If it were to break, I'd fix or immediately buy another.

Thai Long Ly, Thx muchly ... that's a ringing (and concise) endorsement ! Grins, giggles, hooligan ... and comfort .... all in 1 parking spot ....BTW I heard a 2016 Tuono with a SC Project shorty can last week ... mercy ... bring you to your knees ... waiting for a demo bike to land next week ...

A V4 with an SC pipe is a song straight from a MotoGP paddock!

Zero regrets. If I crashed my bike today, I'd buy another tomorrow. There's nothing out on the market that feels like an 1100. The S1kR is a great bike. But is "safe" and "tame" by comparison as far as feel goes. Some bikes make you smile, simply by turning the key. Ride both bikes back to back and see which makes you moist. And as far as reliability goes, I put oil and gas in her (as usual) and tires every couple of months. That's it. I'm at 20k miles, for the record. If the bike breaks, fix her. It's as simple as that. The ride is well worth any possible hassle you may encounter. Good luck!

Thai Long Ly Thanks for the input m, I’m on the fence with this one and the ZX14R SE

Wow... those couldn't be farther apart! Are you bi-polar? haha. I kid... sort of...

Thai Long Ly Yea I know right, I used to ride the Hayabusa so I do have the need for speed and comfort but I like the small footprint with the Tuono and love the color of yours. I worry about the long ride comfort of the Tuono not just the city but would love to hop on the back and drive to mountains

ZX14R for highway ripping across anything flat and paved. Tuono for anywhere else. You can sport tour on the Tuono if you set it up right. Put some Mana risers on it (higher bars) and lowering pegs (if needed) and you're good to go. Pack light and have a blast!

The largest issue I had with that bike was a set of faulty cams discovered at the 12k valve check. Triumph replaced the entire top end under warranty and the bike literally ran better than new as a result. Aside from that, the bike was solid and continues to provide the current owner trouble free miles.

Thai Long Ly Nice, that's good to hear. I recently picked up a 2016 STR (your reviews helped guide my choice) and was interested to see what issues the bike could have over a decent amount of miles. Thanks!

Congrats and best of luck. The bike should be solid and provide you with many trouble-free miles. Be well!

Greetings, Khan. Thanks for the comment. How'd you like the test ride? I suggest you check out Graves' website for more information on what they currently offer for the '17/'18 MY bikes. I believe the pipe they make for this latest model Tuono is a longer pipe that's similar in dimensions to the custom one they made for me. You can order directly from their site as well. I don't think they offer the short pipe for your bike any longer. Either way, check them out directly and call if you have to. They're friendly professional people and will gladly help you out. Tell them I sent you. And good luck!

Greetings-greetings T.L.L. No, thank you! And thanks again for the fast reply. I thought you would be too busy to answer, tho this vid' was uploaded over a year ago. I was afraid of your reply, that the pipe might be longer for the 17-18 model. I wish not to have a pipe long as a "crocodile tale". The size that you have a maximum for me. The test ride did not go through as planed, i'm trying to get a friend to come along tho it is about 200 Km, one way to the nearest dealer that sells the Aprilia T. So that he could test ride something else at the same time. But he's a "sussy", that changes his mind the last second. It'll end up with me driving to the dealer and test rinding it alone. Hopefully sometime in the near future, before the summer comes to its end. If i decide to get one, i'll check them out, and tell them you sent me. Thanks a bunch Thai. Keep up the good work uploading good vid's about your bikes. Loads of Love and many blessings.

Get yourself on one and report back when you do! Until then, be well.

Trying my best to do so. Will do! Thanks again, and likewise.

As far as I know, a PC is not needed and is wasted money on these bikes. The Gabro tune is excellent and plug and play. Do some research yourself... you'll find all the evidence you need as to why hardly anyone runs PCs.

OFT is also a great and simple d.i.y tuning option for North America residents..

Thai Long Ly l

Hi Carl. Thanks for the note. The Rotobox wheels are truly a great investment, but they do come with some disclaimers. 1. Not every shop will touch 'em. And I wouldn't trust just any jockey with tire irons and a short attention span. Definitely go to a trusted shop - a high end dealership that sells Ducati, MV or Aprilia bikes. Techs that are used to dealing with high end customers with exotic bikes/parts. The cost shouldn't be any more than normal, but the attention paid during installation should be high. 2. Carbon fiber is inherently strong, especially for the weight. With that said, they can be more fragile than Aluminum or Magnesium when hit at certain angles. Hitting potholes or rocks can certainly damage the wheel easier than a metal wheel, but it'd have to be a pretty heinous impact. My solution? Don't hit potholes or rocks! Haha! If you're careful and don't have shitty streets all around you, then you should be fine. If you're doing a lot of city riding and/or on treacherous rock strewn mountain roads then you may be better off with some lightweight forged wheels. As for being repairable, all carbon wheels can be fixed (as long as they're not completely destroyed). The question becomes at what cost? As long as the hubs are intact, the manufacturer can re-lay carbon spokes in the mold and produce a "new" wheel. The manufacturers usually offer a discount on this service so you're not completely hosed if you damage your wheel. I hope this helps and doesn't turn you off to experiencing Carbon technology!

When I purchased my bike, finances didn't dictate which bike to buy... it basically came down to the fact that I preferred the RR's color scheme. Any added performance offered by the Ohlins (Factory) could be upgraded afterwards for less $$ than the difference in asking price at the dealer. Meaning I could upgrade the suspension (main difference between bikes) with the money I saved when/if I needed to. With that said, I think the two bikes are very close. If you need a down blipper and cruise control, then spend the extra on the '17. If it were me, I'd buy the leftover '16 and pocket the $4k. That's a lotta bread and can buy carbon fiber wheels. Or a slipon and Gabro ECU. Or Ohlins. Or a shit ton of track days, gas and tires. See what I'm getting at here? I prefer the analog Tachometer to the TFT and about the only thing I'd want from the new bike would be cruise control. And possibly the auto blipper. But not for $4k! Either way, you'll be grinning from ear to ear!

Nice one, its a lovely bike for sure. I think my issue (other than money) is I love the way the factory has painting across the frame of the bike (unlike rr), it looks so unique, I'm not really bothered about the ohilns, top parts etc, as I cant ever ride to utilize them anyways, however you have done a great job making your bike individual and unique, a pretty darn cool eye catcher. I am also surprised that this work to upgrade components etc was less than the factory, is that because you can do the work yourself? I think thats where I def fall short. I have no mechanical skills at all, I'm an electronics and 3D guy :"), so the the thought of doing anything outside an oil change is risky - managed a clutch fluid change on my 2005 Tuono couple of years back and that was a proud moment. I wish money was no object, 4 kids and one wife to reign me in, so I have to work with compromise, so stuck I guess with my dilemma. Thanks for feedback buddy, and great vid :").

MCProcrastinator you in the same boat am in well almost , I got 5 kids and wife 😧 my decision is base more in things I need to do ahead of buying a motorcycle . but I could get a great deal on the 2016 models the 17 is going to be like $2500 more I just think is more refine and yes the cruise is a awesome feature that every bike should have above $13k I think am done thinking it over going to get the 2017 model and enjoy 😊.

I do a lot of my own work and am able to purchase parts at a discount, so I save money whenever and wherever I can. Regardless, if you leave the bike bone stock, it'll still satisfy like none other. Good luck with your decision and I'm glad to have helped in some way.

Legend, appreciate your help, I've made quite a few spontaneous decisions and talked myself in and out of bikes far to many times, so all the good info now helps heaps, thanks!

Oh and pics with clip ons :) :) :)

@@Bsteazy I no longer have this bike, but may have some shots of her with the gold and clipons somewhere. Give me your email and I'll see if I can scrounge some up for you. And yes, they were OEM Aprilia forged wheels.

@@TL2BASS man you are a legend! What did you replace it with? email is alaeb2019@gmail.com :) Thank you

Yes, I've ridden the Factory and it feels amazing. The Ohlins units are plusher than the Sachs parts. They offer more comfort yet still retain razor sharp control for aggressive cornering and braking. The Ohlins aren't necessary by any means and the Sachs are plenty capable of hauling ass around a track. However, the Ohlins are still desired because they're smoother and plusher than the Sachs and have better high speed compression control. So it mostly boils down to comfort for most of us. Unless you're racing for hardware or a paycheck, the Sachs are plenty performance-wise.

The stock map is way too lean at low revs and low throttle. If you want it to be even worse, disconnect the exhaust flap... To get a true remedy isn't all that easy, though. :-/ The best is probably to get Gabro's hacked ECU map, but you'll be without an ECU for weeks, as you have to ship one to him AND void your warranty if you have some left. Second best is to get either a race ECU ($850) or an unlock code for loading a race map (same result either way). The bad thing is that the unlock code only comes with Akrapovic exhausts that Aprilia sells, so they're expensive as fuck. ~$1600 for a slip-on plus unlock code >:-( Note that some people aren't completely satisfied even with the race ECU, regarding the stumbling and jerking. I don't know what I'll do myself to be honest... :-/

As MPI1000 states below, the bike is quite lean around 4k and the shorty pipes just exacerbate the problem. Your Akra can should be quite smooth if you have the RACE ECU as they were designed as a system to work together. If you don't have the RACE ECU, I'd recommend getting that and you should be OK. If you want maximum enjoyment from your bike, I'd highly recommend the Gabro ECU. It transforms the bike beyond just smooth fueling and throttle response.

Thai Long Ly after Gabro’s remapped ECU how smooth was the lower end of the rpm range? I’ve owned an 08 air cooled monster 1000 which has a “snatchy” throttle and excessive engine braking making low speed riding around town/neighborhoods annoying. More annoying after riding my friends speed triple, beautiful fueling on those triumphs. I also own an 06 zx6r ninja which has the smoothest fueling of almost any bike I’ve owned. I’ve ridden the triumph, ninja and monster at the track/street & smooth fueling makes all the difference in the world for both scenarios. I’m very curious about living with the Tuono at lower RPM fueling? Has anyone put a power commander on one? If so do you need the factory “unlock code” to map the entire rpm range/power band? I’ve read there is a closed loop section of the fuel map, is that accessible with a power commander with the factory unlocked race ecu??? Thanks for any replies.

I'm not sure I can track down all the links, but I'll list all the mods in the "description" section below the video.

I think the FZ/MT-09 is a great bike for the money. But you cannot compare a WSBK chassis with race-derived components, electronics and geometry to a budget built street bike with bargain bin parts and suspension. I think the motor of the 09 is the star of the show and the rest a very competent package for commuting and light to semi-aggressive canyon riding. But the Tuono is in an altogether different league of bike aimed at a different type of rider. If you're looking for arguably the best engine in biking bolted to arguably the best chassis in biking set beneath an all day comfortable perch, then the Tuono should be at the top of your list. For me, it was a no-brainer. Only you can justify the extra expense but I'd be willing to bet you'd never regret buying one!

Thanks for your reply mate, took one out for a test ride and I loved it. Should be picking it up next week :) I reckon the noise alone is worth the money

Congrats! Come back and let us all know what you think once you've had a few miles on her.

I had a first gen FZ09 last season.... Got my 2016 Tuono V4 1100 RR ... It's a shame to put those two bikes in the same sentence at this point... Two different universes... not worlds... universes

Yes i would

Great question. There's very little in life that sounds better to me than the flat out wail of a Triumph triple. Except for the angry bark and roar of a Aprilia V4! Now, beauty is in the ear of the beholder (behearer?), but I'm convinced the Aprilia soundtrack is the best of any modern retail-ready bike currently made. Just don't tell my 1050 I said that!

Thai Long Ly thank you for the reply :). Your commentary and insights into the bike are outstanding, by the way.

Much appreciated. And thanks for the support and encouragement. I just try to tell it like it is, according to the view from my oil colored lenses!

If you've got the $$ and the desire, the jump from STR to 1100 is a very popular choice. And yes, a bone stock 1100 is far more appealing to me than a fully decked STR any day. That's not taking anything away from the STR as it's a brilliant bike. But you cannot put them in the same category as far as performance and thrills go. I'm 140lbs in bed and have NO problems hustling the Tuono around. Yes, the bike weighs more than the STR but believe me, you won't care one bit. The STR flicks easier through the tight stuff (it should... it's smaller/lighter), but the Tuono kills everywhere else. If we can all agree that farts are funny, then the STR is a nice sweet squeaker with a lingering "after taste". The Tuono is a full blown shart that makes you change your underwear after you've wiped the tears from your eyes from laughter!

ha ha ha ha ! Thanks my man for that most informative, motivating, and hilarious reply! Excellent stuff...

The TTX has a 10 HOUR recommended schedule, according to the manual. From my understanding (as explained to me by Dave Moss) the valve holes are needle thin and completely shears the oil in no time flat. Excellent control equals cooked oil - it's the tradeoff for TTX performance. The standard shock has a 12k-18k mile servicing schedule. Far friendlier for a street biased bike.

Thai Long Ly thanks Thai, I think I will get standard ohlins, thanks again

That was my rationale and I don't regret NOT buying the TTX at all. The stock Ohlins has plenty of control and is plush, yet stable for me. Especially for the street. Just make sure to spring it properly for your weight and you'll be fine. If your'e hustling for hardware or a paycheck, then the TTX makes proper sense. But for most if not all predominantly street riders, the OEM stock is plenty.

I actually filmed some material a couple days ago but my microphone sounded like ass. So I'm gonna re-shoot it next week. Patience, my friend. :)

It's never been an issue for me. I wear both leathers and Kevlar jeans and the heat is fine. It's a liter bike so it does get hot and doesn't like to sit in traffic. But it's no Panigale or ZX10R when it comes to roasting your nuts!

martin caballero Significant however not an issue if you wear leathers.

Well... if you watch the video you'll see my choice! Graves is lighter, which affects handling to a greater extent than anything heavier. After that, it's down to tone/sound. The Graves is angrier and throatier sounding, while the Akra is a bit deeper and more polite. The Akra is closer in tone to the OEM pipe, but louder (with silencer out). The Graves sound like you smashed a hive of angry bees with a chainsaw, with more midrange and complex harmonics. You can't go wrong with either. Good luck!

I won't argue with you regarding CF wheels (see comment below). But nothing beats them for performance. Unfortunately, when they fail, they fail spectacularly!

@@TL2BASS oh gees yeah flip dude. Glad you ok bro... Could have been disastrous 🙏

What would cause them to fail? Big chuckhole?

I've been testing off and on for them over the past 3 years. This was my first Superbike Shootout, though. It was an honor to be invited along as they're a good group of guys that know what they're doing.

Thai Long Ly Congrats, you were hella good

Thanks. Much appreciated. I was merely trying not to crash a press bike!

Yes... I just gotta get off my lazy ass and film something! Soon....

Thai Long Ly oh man that's good to hear! I got same year Tuono , is Gabro ecu worth the money? Currently I had race ecu unlocked but found 4k rpm is bit on/off. Cheers

I think the Gabro is absolutely worth the time and wait. The 4k surging I was experiencing with the Race ECU was a total buzzkill and wasn't remedied until I installed Gabro's tune. The bike is smoother, with more linear power and overall better throttle response. He finds power/rideability at 25%, 50% and 75% throttle openings... not just at 100% wot like so many other tunes.

Thai Long Ly thanks Thai, glad to hear! Oh can't wait for ep2. Been watching ep1 for too many times 😎

All good. I'll get working on the next installment soon... stay tuned!

I actually filmed one the other day but the audio came out whack. I gotta re-do it!

The heat is fine and far less than a Panigale, ZX10R or Gixxer1k. It's hot... but all literbikes will be due to physics. The bigger issue is the engine heat in slow moving traffic. The bike likes to move and stop and go traffic will have the thermometer climbing rapidly. If you do a lot of tight city traffic, I'd say to stay away. Unless you're in CA and can lane split. The frame gets hot and that's where you'll feel most of the heat. I wouldn't classify it as a problem by any means and is par for course for the displacement class.

Thanks for the note. I realize the bike is modded to suit my tastes but the fact remains that the bike is fast, stable, reliable and most of all, FUN! Ownership has been a joy and whether this bike was bone stock or modded to the hilt, the pleasure derived from 23k+ miles of use has been immeasurable. That's really the only thing one needs to garner from watching this video.

thanks thai for your kind reply. Very good video anyway! I am temped to get one of these. How is the vibration of the engine after 90m/h+? does it vibrate a lot or it's ok?