2017 APRILIA TUONO 1100 RR & FACTORY
FIRST TEST
P92
Why, then, has Aprilia cloned
and distorted the DNA from
their beastly RSV4 superbike's
genetic makeup, to offer a more
upright mutation and mess
around with the superbike's
natural balance?
Fast forward to me having
just completed my first fiery laps
around COTA atop Aprilia's latest
1100cc 175 horsepower V4 Fac-
tory Tuono, and as I stepped off
the bike I knew then what I had
to do. I had to warn planet Earth
of my findings in Austin and
expose Aprilia's true intentions of
bringing naked mutant superbike
spawn into this world, unleash-
ing them into society.
They are serious fun to ride
(this is my serious face).
NEW YEAR, NEW BIKE
For 2017, the RR and Factory
models share the same exact
hardware with a few exceptions.
The Factory model, which
necessitates a $2500 premium
over the RR, gets a pair of
43mm Ohlins NIX forks with Tin
surface treatment (1.8 pounds
lighter than the 2016 forks),
Ohlins STX36 rear shock and an
Ohlins steering damper.
The Factory model also
comes standard with a solo seat
and dead-sexy superpole graph-
ics. For the slightly cheaper RR,
you get upgraded Sachs sus-
pension and steering damper,
with colors between Portico
Grey and Assen Black, both of
which looked great.
The RR comes fitted with
higher-mileage Pirelli Dia-
blo Rosso III tires, sporting a
190-section on the back versus
the 200 Supercorsa SP's for the
Factory model.
A few of the more notable
enhancements for both models
in 2017 include new upgraded
Brembo M50 monobloc calipers
with higher friction coefficient
brake pads and larger 330mm
discs. During my extensive track
time while riding both Tuonos,
the new M50 "street-comp" sys-
tem worked admirably right up to
the point when I asked them to
(Above) The Factory gets the same
engine and chassis as the RR, but
upgraded Ohlins suspension versus the
Sachs of the RR and different paint.
