MCN’s super naked of choice 2015, the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory has fought-off relentless attacks from its ever-improving rivals, but it’s remained numero uno.
Its 1077cc V4 is a wailing riot of seamless power and monster torque, all wrapped-up in an RSV4 chassis, making it one of the finest-handling motorcycles money can buy. Despite being superbike-fast, it’s calm and comfortable on the road and comes fully loaded with the best chassis and electronic goodies around. It didn’t need a refresh, but for 2021 it gets a host of engine, chassis and styling updates to keep it ahead of the competition anyway.
No motorcycle is blessed with such a supple road ride that’s also razor sharp on track. Nothing spills out such velvety low-down power that will also rip your face off when you get to the redline. Even fewer handle and grip like a superbike but are comfortable enough to waft big distance in comfort. The Aprilia is all those things and so much more: its wailing exhaust note, the tech, the designer chassis labels and luxury. Aside from its new looks and colour dash, it’s much the same to ride as before and still the best super naked money can buy.
Aprilia hasn’t needed to mess with the handling too much over the years – it’s been pretty much perfect, especially the Factory version with its electronic Öhlins and Pirelli Super Corsa SP tyres.
Its plush ride and the way the front end is seemingly unstickable as you roll into corners are Tuono high points (although the ABS robs the brakes of some feel) and it’s roomy enough even for taller riders to enjoy. For 2021 it gets the same underbraced swingarm as the new RSV4, which makes little difference on the road, other than looking racy, but improves stability on the track.
Unlike the 2021 RSV4 superbike, which gets a capacity hike the Tuono V4’s sticks at 1077cc. It has a new Euro5 exhaust and mapping, but despite the restrictions it still makes the same 173bhp (made 350rpm higher) and 89lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t need 200bhp to impress on the road or dominate on track and instead it has a deliciously wide spread of perfectly delivered power that as docile or bonkers as you want it to be and ghostly soundtrack that’s impossible to get enough of. Rider aids are more refined thanks to a more powerful new Marelli 11MP ECU.
Fresh from the showroom the Tuono V4 Factory is superbly finished and built, but it’s a mixed bag when it comes to owning one. Some enjoy trouble-free riding and other bump into mechanical and parts supply problems. Doing your research and finding a dealer with a good reputation is a must.
Ducati has improved its Streetfighter V4 S for 2021 adding extra grunt and excitement, but it doesn’t have the same joyful fluidity as the Aprilia. It’s more luxuriously finished but costs nearly two-grand more.
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Triumph’s new Speed Triple RS has also stepped up a level. It’s £3000 cheaper and has Öhlins and Brembos, but while its fabulous new engine and chassis are good enough to challenge the Aprilia on track, it isn’t as involving on the road. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is also less in basic trim and undoubtedly wilder, but it isn’t as well rounded as the Italian.
Like the 2021 RSV4 the new Tuono V4 gets a slimmed down new 17.9-litre tank with more than a hint of original RSV Mille to it, a new longer, comfier seat and a reshaped tail unit, complete with a sliver of a padded perch for masochistic pillions.
It has new top fairing with the latest Aprilia family look LEDs, cornering and daytime running lights and faired-in winglets. With its lower tank and underbraced swingarm its proportions have changed dramatically and it now looks lower and longer, compared to the shorter, squatter outgoing version. Fit and finish are still top notch.
It’s out with the Tuono’s old fussy 5in colour display and in with a much easier to read version with bigger, bolder graphics. The light-sensitive, Bluetooth-enabled dash has a Road and Track mode and is packed with information including six rider modes, such as a mix-and-match 'User' that lets you set your own levels of traction, engine braking and wheelie control, power levels and ABS intervention.
Its huge new left switchgear block, also fitted to the 2021 RSV4 and 660 models isn’t the most elegant of things, but also has buttons for cruise control and finger/thumb paddles to adjust the TC.
