VOL. 54 ISSUE 24 JUNE 20, 2017 P99
trust what the electronics would (or
wouldn't) do, to the point where I
started to ride ahead of the elec-
tronic aides.
For example, a trusting and expe-
rienced Tuono rider can roll on the
throttle sooner and to a much larger
degree than it feels natural to do so,
until it starts feeling natural. It boils
down to trust—trust in the bike's
many systems, and trust that she
may never let me down.
Oh, and did I mention the auto-blip downshifts were
totally mind-bending cool? You just step down on the
shift lever without moving your throttle hand, and the
electronics take care of the rest.
I never tried the cruise-control
function or launch control, but the pit
speed limiter did work. The updated
V4-MP multimedia interface with
infotainment system (optional for the
Tuono, standard fare for the RSV4)
was also left alone for our track day
but there are some cool features to
be explored there with some re-
search. Your smartphone can now
communicate with your Aprilia via
Bluetooth in a big way if you have
everything installed.
The main differences between
riding the standard RR version
and the special Factory models
were about what you'd expect.
Both models come with the same
cast-aluminum wheels, unlike the
RSV4 RF, which comes with lighter
forged aluminum hoops. The su-
perior Ohlins suspension units on
the Factory stayed more consistent
after a few laps when they got hot,
and offered a more efficient, tighter
controlled, precise feel overall. Are
they worth $2500 more? For me,
(Top) The RR's Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires
handled the track speed quite well, but
faded when the speeds got really high—as
expected. (Above) The eyes of a demon.
The Aprilia's styling is easily one of the more
menacing in today's naked bike category.
