P102
RIDE REVIEW I APRILIA TUONO 660 FACTORY AND TUONO V4 1100 FACTORY
The V4 feels thick and strong
in almost every area but the 660
by comparison feels like a toy.
The 660 weighs a claimed 399
pounds compared to the 1100's
claimed 460 pounds (both curb
weight with a full tank of gas),
the 660 feeling wholly unintimi
-
dating compared to the 1100.
When you consider that the
660 costs almost half what the
1100 does, you'd be forgiven
for thinking you're getting half
the ride experience. However,
despite having a gigantic chasm
of performance to the 1100, the
660 still has enough to put a
smile on your face around Big
Willow. The 100 horsepower on
tap is plenty from the tight back
half of the circuit, and it'll still
nudge 130 mph down the back
straight if you get a good run out
of turn five.
(Above right) 175
claimed Italian
horses lurk in there.
The V4 has the nicest
throttle response of
any current 1000cc
naked. Aprilia hasn't
changed it for years,
and that's a good
thing. (Right) The 660
pumps out a claimed
100 horsepower,
which is class-
leading for anything
under 700cc.
(Below left) The shock mounts to the
swingarm, and it feels odd when your
heels rub on the moving swingarm.
(Below right) Sachs shock is fully
adjustable on the 660, which is rare for
the mid-size naked-bike class.
We ran Pirelli's stupendous SC3 slicks without warmers over two
days. The hardest-compound Pirelli stood up to all the punishment
we could throw at it in the 100° Willow Springs heat.
