RIDE REVIEW I 2021 APRILIA TUONO V4
P92
You're graced with conventionally adjusted
Sachs suspension compared to the Factory's semi-
active Ohlins, more touring-specific Pirelli Diablo
Rossi III rubber compared to the track-specific
Supercorsa SP hoops fitted to the Factory, and the
base model is further differentiated by the Tarmac
Grey and Glacier White colorways compared to the
single Aprilia Black color of the Factory.
Aside from that, both machines are identical.
And just like the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory released
earlier this year, the Tuono V4 gets the new
swingarm modeled from the unit found on Aleix
Espargaro's RS-GP machine. Aprilia is claiming
a stout 48 percent rigidity increase with the new
swingarm, which I immediately felt made a dif-
ference on the track when pushing the RSV4 at
Laguna Seca. The way the RSV4 would stick like
glue when on the side of the tire at Laguna was
seriously impressive, as was the traction and ac-
Perhaps more important than those attributes
is the fact that Aprilia management saw it fit to
split the model down the middle, offering a more
touring version for the base model Tuono V4 but
keeping the Tuono V4 Factory as the big cheese.
In much the same guise as BMW has done
with the S 1000 R and S 1000 XR, or KTM with
the 1290 Super Duke R and 1290 Super Duke
GT, Aprilia has taken the Tuono and given it a
higher-mounted handlebar, taller screen and a
wider subframe, on top of which sit increased
passenger comforts like grab handles, a comfort
seat and lower-set footpegs.
(Right) New
bodywork is
modeled on the
RSV4 with inward
winglets that help
direct cool air
towards the rider.
(Below) Ohlins
Smart EC 2.0
suspension is very
similar to what
you'll find on the
RSV4 superbike.
