2020 APRILIA TUONO 1100 FACTORY
R I D E R E V I E W
P76
even after all these years. A
certain Max Biaggi was instru-
mental in developing the first
RSV4 chassis, which later was
lightly modified for Tuono use.
That made the Tuono a real
stripped-back racer, arguably the
first naked bike racer, and you
can feel that DNA in the 2020
edition. Coupled to the excel-
lent Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system
working the NIX 30 fork and
Ohlins shock, the Tuono simply
adores being put on its side and
powered through corners.
There are bucket-loads of feel
at the handlebar, the wide stance
allowing you to switch lines on
a whim or take the bull by the
horns and muscle it through a
bumpy, snotty bend. It's got a
relatively short wheelbase at
57 inches, and the agility of the
chassis is almost without peer in
the big-bore naked bike class.
Compared to what's on offer
from Ducati, and Kawasaki with
the Z H2, the ride position on the
Tuono is very old school in that
you sit right on top of the bike
rather than in it. The Tuono could
almost be called the world's fast-
est supermoto, as the ride posi-
tion and stance feel almost dirt
bike-ish. That gives you so much
freedom to move around on the
Aprilia, allowing you to find an
ideal ride position but also to give
you room for long-distance rides.
Those trips you'll likely be doing
on your own because, although
there are provisions for a passen-
ger, they are not exactly comfort-
able, so the rides are better left
to one person.
(Above) Aprilia's
beautiful
powerhouse. Easily
the best sounding
V4 on the road,
the Tuono's lump
produces plenty
of poke for your
Sunday ride. (Left)
Carbon bits under
the seat flank the
TTX36 electric
Ohlins shock.
(Below) Yeah, best
to go alone on the
Tuono.
